© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Supersports in Detroit
How much horsepower is too much horsepower? Although we cannot imagine what the upper limit may be, Bentley gets one step closer to that mark with the all-new Continental Supersports. The British marque has no display at the 2017 North American International Auto Show, but that didn’t stop the company from bringing their newest model to the streets of Detroit.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Legendary Name
Wolfgang Dürheimer, chairman and chief executive of Bentley Motors, noted that “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 unrivalled luxury in this way.”
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Stout Stats
Available as a 4-seat coupe or convertible, the Continental Supersports boasts a 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12 engine that generates an immense 700 horsepower and 750 lb-ft of torque. Teamed with a fast-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission and full-time all-wheel drive, the new Continental can reach 60 mph in a mere 3.4 seconds. Top speed is listed as 209 mph.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Fastest Convertible
The Bentley Continental Supersports convertible is slightly slower in that it reaches 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and can “only” make it to 205 mph. It’s still incredibly fast — in fact, this now becomes the fastest 4-seat convertible in the world.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Fastest 4-Seat Car
Not only is this the Continental Supersports coupe the most powerful production model ever from Bentley, it also is now the fastest 4-seat car in the world.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Speed and Stability
Bentley does more for the Continental Supersports than simply add power — this high-performance sports car features a specifically calibrated and updated version of the torque vectoring system first introduced on the Continental GT3-R. This dynamic system can brake specific front and rear wheels when accelerating out of corners to increase performance and control, while brakes get applied to the inside rear wheel on turn-in to improve agility. It also has less intrusive stability control calibration for more precise chassis response and better driver engagement.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Luxurious Ride
The Continental Supersports also features a lowered and stiffened dynamic suspension, but Bentley says this car still retains the luxurious ride expected when driving a Bentley.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Standout Looks
The Supersports sets itself apart from the “common” Continental with unique front and rear bumper designs incorporating a carbon-fiber splitter and diffuser, as well as new side sill extensions and hood vents that are also finished in carbon fiber. Gloss-black front wing vents and a new gloss-black tailpipe design —as well as dark-tint headlamps and tail-lamps — add to the standout looks. The coupe is available with a rear spoiler. Finishing off the high-performance look are black bright-machined-finish 21-inch forged alloy wheels.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Convertible Top, Coupe Environs
The convertible features a multi-layer top with high levels of acoustic insulation, providing the luxury and refinement of a coupe. Bentley says that the convertible has been tested in all conditions from -22 degrees Fahrenheit to more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit, and it can even handle monsoon-force rain and maintain a comfortable, warm cabin on the coldest days.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Top Down, Neck Warm
The Bentley Continental Supersport’s convertible top can be lowered with a single button, and if the weather is on the cold side the integrated neck warmers are a welcome feature.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Interior Appointments
Inside, the Continental Supersports exhibits the level of luxury expected from a Bentley. A unique tri-tone color arrangement adorns the cabin — the first application on this generation of Continental GT. The seats and door panels feature a new diamond-quilted design, and checkered carbon-fiber fascia panels are a new addition to the existing list of 10 veneers and technical finishes available. New Supersports emblem stitching and a bespoke steering wheel and gearlever with Alcantara accents round out the Supersport’s interior.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
