Bentley Supersports: 657 HP V8 Joins Stripped-Down Luxury Car Ranks

MONTEREY, Calif. – Bentley is launching the Supersports, a new, more performance-oriented version of its Continental GT, emphasizing driver engagement and reduced weight. This latest model, revealed last week, features a potent 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine sending power exclusively to the rear wheels, a departure from the brand’s recent focus on electrification and all-wheel drive.

The Supersports is engineered to be the lightest Bentley in 85 years, weighing in at less than 4,407 pounds (1,999 kg). This significant weight reduction is achieved through extensive use of carbon-fiber components, including the roof and aerodynamic elements like a front splitter and rear spoiler. The car also omits rear seats and adopts a stripped-down interior, echoing the ethos of performance-focused vehicles from competitors like Porsche.

Under the hood, the Supersports utilizes a re-engineered 4.0-liter V8, producing 657 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. While not Bentley's most powerful engine ever, its application in this lighter, rear-drive package aims for unparalleled driver involvement. Advanced chassis technology, including active anti-roll bars and recalibrated air suspension, helps manage the car's dynamics, enabling it to achieve cornering forces of up to 1.3 Gs on optional Pirelli Trofeo RS tires.

Enhanced Aerodynamics and Driver Focus

Aerodynamically, the Supersports boasts a more aggressive design than typical road-legal Bentleys. The extensive carbon-fiber body kit is functional, generating substantially more downforce than the Continental GT Speed. Bentley states the car produces at least 661 pounds (300 kg) more downforce than its GT Speed sibling, with an aero balance designed to shift rearward at higher speeds for increased stability.

Inside, the cabin features a carbon-fiber dashboard and supportive sports seats that offer substantial electric adjustment while still providing secure lateral support during spirited driving. Despite its performance focus, the car is designed to remain comfortable and usable, a hallmark of the Bentley brand. Even with aggressive tires and suspension, the Supersports manages to absorb road imperfections effectively, allowing for a refined experience.

The driver-assistance systems, including an electronic limited-slip differential and 4.1 degrees of rear steering, work in concert with the powerful V8 to enhance agility and tighten cornering lines. The brakes, carried over from the hybrid Continental GT, are more than capable of handling the demands of this lighter vehicle.

The development of the Supersports reflects Bentley's heritage in motorsport, including its 2020 victory at the Bathurst 12 Hours with a GT3 version of the Continental GT. This racing pedigree influences the road-going model’s emphasis on a direct connection between driver, machine, and road.

Bentley plans to build 500 units of the Supersports, and all have reportedly been sold. The starting price is set at $486,200 before any optional extras. While some might desire an even more extreme, race-car-like specification, Bentley's decision to retain a degree of comfort and daily usability ensures the car aligns with its brand identity as a luxurious yet dynamically capable grand tourer.