ON FRIDAY, Bentley announced its most powerful car yet – the luxury 209 mph (336 km/hr), 700bhp Continental Supersports, making it the world’s fastest production four-seater.
The Supersports is also the fastest accelerating Bentley yet, going from 0-60 mph (0-96.5 km/h) in 3.4 seconds. This outdoes its sibling, the Continental Supersports Convertible, which sprints from 0-60 mph (0-96.5 km/h) in 3.7 seconds, on the way to a top speed of 205 mph (330 km/h).
Giving the new model this remarkable performance is its 6.0-liter W12 powertrain – so named because its 12 cylinders are arranged in a “W” formation as opposed to a “V” – which has been enhanced with enlarged turbochargers, an upgraded crank train, new conrod bearings and a better intercooler.
A more intent torque converter, as well as weight savings throughout, mean better acceleration, while the largest carbon-ceramic brakes discs of their type in the world help slow this beast down. It comes with an 8-speed ZF gearbox.
Despite its outstanding performance, Bentley is still positioning the new model as a luxury car. Bentley promises a luxurious ride for all four passengers. Suspension is lower and stiffer than standard, but Bentley nonetheless claims the Supersports will offer “luxurious” ride quality, courtesy of computer-controlled air suspension.
The interior is quite stunning, with generous sprinklings of Alcantara throughout and carbon-fiber fascia panels joining the 10-strong list of veneers and technical finishes on offer. The interior uses three colors and there’s a new diamond-quilted design for seats and door panels.
The Supersports has newly sculpted front and rear bumpers with a carbon-fiber splitter and diffuser. Carbon-fiber hood vents, gloss-black front wing vents, and a gloss-black exhaust tailpipe are standard. The front of the car has dark-tint head lamps and a black-lined grill; the rear has a black-lined bumper and an optional rear spoiler.
Bentley also offers lots of personalization. Other options include a lightweight titanium exhaust system, eight unique two-tone paint treatments, carbon fiber door mirrors and sill plates and 21-inch forged wheels, also available in gloss black.
Buyers can also specify a prominent front and rear spoiler combination, Supersports badging, side decals, a carbon-fibre engine cover, and a machined finish for the 21-inch wheels.
Wolfgang Durheimer, Bentley’s chairman and chief executive, said: “The Supersports name is legendary at Bentley. From the very first Supersports of the 1920s, to the Continental Supersports of 2009 – and now with the third iteration of this iconic model – it is a name which excites, impassions and thrills. Only Bentley could create a car which blends immense performance and unrivaled luxury in this way.”
Adding to these comment was Bentley Manila’s general sales manager Rommel Corcuera who said, “We are very excited about the world launch of the new Bentley Continental Supersports which we will be pleased to offer locally.”
For more information, contact Bentley Manila at (0917)8370527.
If you like speed, ultra luxury and have the necessary spondoolicks, this is the car for you. But you’d better be quick, a Bentley spokesman said a “very limited number will be made available.”