Bentley Supersports: A Radical Return to Rear-Wheel Drive
Bentley has introduced the new Supersports, marking a shift from its Continental GT heritage, with a starting price of £342,900. This model is equipped with a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine that delivers 657bhp, exclusively powering the rear wheels, and eliminating the hybrid system and all-wheel-drive. To enhance weight efficiency, the rear seats have been replaced with a carbon-fibre tub. Its exterior boasts the largest aerodynamic splitter ever seen on a Bentley, along with stacked wings and a fixed rear spoiler, creating over 300kg of downforce. Tested at Laguna Seca, it demonstrates agile steering and lively handling, featuring a titanium exhaust by Akrapovič. CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser remarked it represents a revival of extreme vehicles, with only 500 units to be manufactured, merging luxury and performance.
Key facts
- Bentley Supersports is a new limited edition of 500 cars, priced from £342,900.
- It features a 4.0-litre non-hybrid twin-turbo V8 with 657bhp, driving the rear wheels only.
- The rear seats are replaced with a carbon-fibre tub.
- The exterior includes the largest aerodynamic splitter ever fitted to a Bentley road car, generating over 300kg of downforce.
- The car was tested at Laguna Seca racetrack in California.
- CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser says it signifies a return to more extreme cars.
- The titanium exhaust is supplied by Akrapovič.
- Bentley's first electric car is due in less than a month.
- The Supersports is designed to shift perceptions of the brand and rekindle its pioneering spirit.
Entities
Artists
- Frank-Steffen Walliser
- Matthias Rabe
Institutions
- Bentley Motors
- Volkswagen Group
- Rolls-Royce
- Akrapovič
Locations
- California
- Laguna Seca