The Bentley Continental Supersports is the fastest and most powerful Bentley ever. It is the extreme Bentley, a muscular two-seater that delivers supercar performance and a highly focused driving experience. The Bentley Continental Supersports is also the first Bentley capable of running on both petrol (gasoline) and biofuel, pioneering the use of FlexFuel technology in the luxury sector. This represents stage one of the company's commitment to make its complete model range compatible with renewable fuels by 2012. Available worldwide from autumn 2009, the Bentley Continental Supersports will be FlexFuel compatible in the majority of markets from launch with North American cars offering the capability by summer 2010, following regulatory approval.
The Bentley Continental Supersports began as an 'under the radar' project exploring the possibilities of weight reduction on the Bentley Continental GT but with more power and torque. A largely experimental process crystallised over a period of 24 months into an official new car programme, driven by the passion and enthusiasm of a small group of Bentley engineers and designers. The results are dramatic. With 630PS (621 bhp) and new 'Quickshift' transmission that halves shift times, the Bentley Continental Supersports sets new performance benchmarks for Bentley. It accelerates from 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds) with a top speed of 204 mph (329 km/h).
The supercar performance is complemented by an array of chassis enhancements including retuned steering and suspension, utilising lighter weight components, retuned dampers and anti-roll bars. Agility is further sharpened by the 40:60 rear-biased torque split for the all-wheel drive system, a wider rear track, bespoke lightweight 20-inch alloy wheels and a unique electronic stability programme. Carbon ceramic brakes are standard fitment, benefiting steering response, grip and ride comfort, while saving weight. Overall, the engineering team have achieved a weight reduction of 110 kg (243 lb) compared with the Bentley Continental GT Speed.
The evolution of the Bentley Continental Supersports' design is very much a case of 'form following function' with new purposeful sculptural forms signalling the engineering changes beneath the skin. For example, the increased power and torque of the W12 engine necessitated additional airflow to the twin turbocharger intercoolers and cooling system. Bentley's designers responded with a purposeful and dramatic style that features large vertical intake apertures and twin bonnet vents. Similarly, new flared rear wings that accommodate the 50 mm (2 inches) wider rear track are designed to emphasise the powerful stance of this ultra-high performance coupe. The resultant Supersports style combines the looks of the iconic Continental GT with a new and distinctive appearance that reflects its more extreme character.
The Bentley Continental Supersports is further distinguished from its Continental coupe stable mates by a unique dark-smoked steel finish to all exterior 'brightware', including front grilles, lamp bezels, window surrounds and wheels. A complex 'Physical Vapour Deposition' process is applied to all stainless steel components to give a lustrous and highly durable finish. A car industry first, this process is normally used as a coating on industrial tools, watches and even hip replacement joints.
Fully embracing the extreme spirit of the Supersports, Bentley's interior designers have created a unique ambience. The cockpit represents a dramatic reinterpretation of Bentley interior design in which carbon fibre and Alcantara not only convey a sporting and contemporary style but also reduce weight. The Bentley Continental Supersports is a strict two-seater featuring all-new lightweight sports seats with carbon fibre clamshell rear panels. In the rear compartment, the seats are replaced by a stowage deck with a carbon fibre luggage retaining beam. The new interior also provides a showcase for the skills of Bentley's craftsmen and women at the company's factory in Crewe, England. Signature premium grade leather and brightware are complemented by carbon fibre panels, replacing traditional wood veneers.
The Bentley Continental Supersports is capable of running on either petrol and E85 biofuel or any combination of the two. E85 biofuel can offer a reduction of up to 70 per cent in CO2 emissions on a 'well-to-wheel' basis. Well-to-wheel is a measurement of a fuel's net CO2 contribution to the atmosphere, not just tailpipe emissions. It is a way of quantifying how much CO2 a fuel emits from its growth or extraction (well) to its combustion or deployment (wheel). It includes refinement, distillation and transport of the fuel. The fuel supply system detects the blending ratio of the fuel in the tank and ensures that power and torque remain constant regardless of the ratio of petrol to biofuel. The result is seamless power delivery in the Bentley tradition.
The 'Supersports' name is inspired by the original two-seater 3-litre Supersports model introduced in 1925, itself an evolution of the 3-litre Speed. The lightweight, 85 bhp Supersports was the first production Bentley to reach 100 mph and was also renowned for the application of Le Mans-winning race technology.
Although the car industry is suffering from an unprecedented sales downfall, automotive manufacturers are launching every year new models that bring new technological innovations as well as power improvements to existing models or brand new ones. In 2011 there will be a couple of important international car launches that people are anxious to get their hands on. With these articles we will try to present 10 of the most anticipated models of 2011.
1. Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible - similar to the rest of the Continental lineup, a drop-top version of the fastest Bentley ever manufactured will be launched this summer as a 2011 model. It will feature the same engine as the hardtop version which means a roaring W12 capable of producing 621 horse power, fitted with a 6 speed transmission. It will be available in a wide variety of colors for the fabric top;
2. Bentley Muslanne - yet another Bentley car is set to arrive next year, a model that will replace the outdated Arnage, and a model that has been in the Bentley family for years. This brand new car is named for the famous Mulsanne corner at Le Mans - a circuit Bentley dominated six times in its long history. The new model features a massive 6.8 liter V8 capable of outputting 512 horsepower and an incredible torque of 752 lb-ft. Each car will take about eight weeks to be manufactured, at an incredible price of 285,000 $ - for the basic version;
3. Ferrari 458 Italia - Ferrari will replace the F430 model with the 458 Italia in 2011. The latest prancing horse had design input from none other than famed Ferrari Formula 1 driver Michael Schumacher. The new model will use the same engine as the F430 but tweaked in order to obtain even more power. It will feature a flowing, aerodynamic design, a huge leap in comparison with the current F430 and 612 Scaglietti models. It will feature sport carbon fiber seats which will come in all possible sizes;
4. Lamborghini Gallardo 570-4 Superleggera - yet another Italian car, this time is Lamborghini. The most important "loser" in the car world this year is the Lamborghini Gallardo 570-4 Superleggera ("superlight" in Italian). This version of the popular exotic, which debuted at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, has a lot of carbon fiber and more horsepower for a higher top speed -- 202 mph, to be exact. In comparison with the standard model, it is 154 pounds lighter and has an extra 10 horsepower to play around with. The standard Gallardo needed 3,7 seconds to reach 60 mph, this new model needs only 3.4 seconds;
5. Lexus LFA - simply put, it is the first supercar from this Japanese car manufacturer. Price? "Only" 375,000 $! This Toyota with a Lexus badge will be equipped with a V10 4.8 liter engine and a carbon fiber reinforced polymer body material which has been developed in-house. Only 500 models will be produced, each to order;
Stay tuned for the second part of the article where we will be reviewing the last 5 cars most expected for 2011: Maserati GranTurismo Convertible, McLaren MP4-12C, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing, Porsche 911 GT2 and the 911 Turbo S.
