2009 Bentley Continental Supersports
February 25, 2009 by George Skentzos
Bentley has finally unveiled its fastest; most powerful model ever – the 329km/h Continental Supersports.
The Supersports is capable of running on both petrol and biofuel, pioneering the use of FlexFuel technology in the luxury market and reaffirming the brand’s environmental commitment.
What began as an exploration into weight reduction for the current Bentley range transformed into a much more complicated project over a period of 24 months, eventually emerging as the Continental Supersports.
This early development is evident through a substantial weight reduction of 110kg when compared with the standard Continental GT Speed, achieved using new lightweight materials and components such as the standard carbon ceramic brakes.
Commenting on the most extreme Bentley, Stuart McCullough, Member of the Board, Sales and Marketing said, “The Supersports will appeal not only to existing Bentley customers but will extend the brand’s appeal to enthusiasts who value extreme performance and distinctive styling in a luxury car that is fuelled for the future.”
Motivating this new Bentley is a 6.0-litre W12 engine twin-turbocharged engine which produces 463kW at 6000rpm and a huge 800Nm between 1700 to 5600rpm.
This power is channelled through a new ‘Quickshift’ version of the six-speed ZF 6HP26 automatic transmission that halves shift times, resulting in a very quick zero to 100km/h time of just 3.9 seconds.
Capable of running on either petrol and E85 biofuel or any combination of the two, this blend can offer a reduction of up to 70 per cent in CO2 emissions on a ‘well-to-wheel’ basis which is measurement of a fuel’s net CO2 contribution to the atmosphere, not just tailpipe emissions.
The GT moniker has been removed from its title for a reason, with an array of chassis enhancements including retuned steering and suspension, lighter weight components, retuned dampers and anti-roll bars giving the Supersports genuine supercar handling.
This is underlined by the sharpened all-wheel-drive system with a 40:60 rear-biased torque split, a wider rear track, bespoke lightweight 20-inch alloy wheels and a unique electronic stability programme.
A case of form following function, its design is both purposeful and elegant – for example, additional airflow demanded by the increased power and torque of the W12 engine was achieved by utilising the larger vertical intake apertures and twin bonnet vents.
Similarly, it’s flared hind quarters accommodate the 50mm wider rear track but also emphasise the powerful stance of this ultra-high performance two-seater coupe.
Inside, the usual wood veneer has been replaced by carbon fibre components, while the new lightweight front sports seats also feature a carbon fibre clamshell back.
It looks ok I guess but i really think the continetal is starting to look quite dated.
will that b the new gearbox upgrade in the fg 2010 models??
Looks great in white, but I’d rather an Aston.
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I seriously doubt it
Would give my left sweaty nut for one of these. I feel incredibly fortunate that I will have the chance to drive this when the press car arrives in Perth. Will keep you informed. Much love.
Tom.
Far king great looking car!
Cool!
I love it. The thing that I love the most about it though is the fact that it’s one of very few cars that you’ll be able to buy now and still run in 80 years (probably). It seems pretty certain that oil will run out at some point so at least you will still be able to run this, unaltered in many, many years.
I would rather an Aston Martin, but only in the short term.
B-Man, the thing you write about it looking dated is fair but I personally like the fact that brands like Bentley are putting cars out and not replacing them after six years. I am so sick of companies doing the facelift about 30 months after you buy the car and then it’s just a downwards slope until you own the previous model. It’s worse if you pay a lot for it too.
that car is sex on wheels!!!!!!
Wouldn’t really compare this with an Aston. This is more of a 3 box coupe rather than a sports car.
Look great in white. The Ulitmate footballers car!!
Bentley > Aston , enough said.
I agree with you there Alex. I just don’t think the Continental model has aged as well as the Arnage. Still a nice looking car though.
Now that is a beast…would look even better all black but still white looks awesome…LOVE the interior combo, very nice indeed…
It really is beautiful. I love the green factor too…
Those seats are almost biological!