In an era when every luxury grand tourer seems to be electrifying its powertrain, adding all-wheel drive, and shedding driving dynamics in favour of technology, Bentley has done something quietly radical with the new Continental Supersports. They went the other way.
The Supersports is the most driver-focused Continental GT ever produced. It runs on rear wheels only — a first for a Continental GT. The hybrid system is gone. In its place: a pure, naturally breathing twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8, tuned to 666 PS (657 bhp) and 800 Nm, driving through an eight-speed double-clutch gearbox directly to the rear axle. The weight drops below two tonnes. And the sound — thanks to a full-length Akrapovič titanium exhaust developed specifically for this car — is something the hybrid GT models simply cannot replicate.
Aerodynamics Built with Manthey Racing
The Supersports wears the most aggressive body Bentley has ever fitted to a road car. A new front bumper integrates the largest front splitter in Continental GT history, channelling cooling air to the engine and front brakes. Carbon fibre dive planes, side sills, fender blades, and a fixed rear wing combine to generate more than 300 kg of additional downforce over a standard GT Speed.
The 22-inch forged wheels were developed in collaboration with Manthey Racing — the German motorsport outfit famous for building the fastest Porsches on the Nürburgring. Optional Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS tyres are available for those who want to take the Supersports to a circuit. And Bentley would not blame you for doing so.
Carbon Everywhere, Two Seats Only
The rear seats are gone. In their place: a carbon fibre and leather shell that further drops weight and lowers the centre of gravity. The front seats are new, highly bolstered sports buckets positioned lower in the car. The roof panel is now carbon fibre as well — again saving weight while stiffening the structure.
Carbon ceramic brakes are standard. The interior features leather, Dinamica, and carbon fibre throughout, with monotone, duo-tone, and tri-tone colour combinations available through Bentley's Mulliner personalisation programme.
"The most driver-focused Continental GT ever — inspired by rear-wheel drive, pure internal combustion, and the thrill of the road." — Bentley Motors
In a world moving relentlessly toward electrification, the Continental Supersports stands as a deliberate counter-argument. It is loud, light by Bentley standards, rear-driven, and entirely focused on the driver. For those who still believe that the relationship between a car and its pilot should be direct, unfiltered, and occasionally frightening — this is the Bentley you have been waiting for.