The new Bentley Continental Supersports is the most powerful and fastest car that Bentley has ever produced. This new model replaces the Continental GT Speed as the top model in the range. The first Bentley Supersports was launched a few years ago, and there were just 1800 made but they sold very quickly. According to Bentley themselves, buyers have been pressurizing them to create a new Supersports model for some time.
The Power Has Been Enhanced
The 2017 model has had a power upgrade to over 700 BHP and this has resulted in a top speed of around 209 mph. The same 6 liter, W12 engine format has been used, but it has had a pretty severe makeover. The twin turbochargers are now larger and there is a new exhaust system and the charge air cooling system has also been upgraded.
In order to handle the increased power and torque (which is an incredible 750 pound feet) the conrod and main bearings have been strengthened. This power is transmitted to all four wheels using the standard ZF 8 speed automatic transmission that can be found on all Continental GT models. However the torque convertor has been upgraded to cope with the increased power.
This new Supersports model is 40 kg lighter than the Speed model and this is largely due to the titanium exhaust and the carbon ceramic brakes. The car is still very heavy though, weighing in at a portly 5000 pounds plus. Despite this, the power and torque of this car will propel it from 0 – 62 mph in just 3.5 seconds. The 0 – 100 mph time is only 7.2 seconds. This beats the previous Supersports model by 1.7 seconds. It is claimed by Bentley that this new Supersports is the fastest four seater car in the world. And who can argue with that?
A True Drivers Car
If you use the power of the new Bentley Continental Supersports it can feel like you have been propelled from a very powerful canon. Driven at normal speeds it is exquisite to drive. It has enormous seats which are very comfortable, and you can drive for hours on end without even a twinge of an ache. It has very large forged alloy rims which are 21 inches.
The suspension has been stiffened and this helps the car stay connected with the road very well even on tight corners. The automatic gearbox is a dream and quickly changes effortlessly to suit the driving conditions. The four wheel drive system seems to work harder than on other Bentley models, and the car handles well even in wet conditions.
There are four seats in this car unlike the previous Supersports model. The sporty bucket seats have been replaced by more standard seats that have multiple adjustments to ensure the most comfortable driving position.
The interior is as luxurious as you would expect it to be. The dash has a new trim and there is a lot of leather and suede as well as carbon fiber trim. There is an LCD touchscreen system which has a navigation system, a hands free phone facility and a first class digital audio system. There will be a whole host of options with this car, and as long as you have the wherewithal almost anything goes. As an example of this, there is an “X Specification Pack” to be offered which will include improved mirrors, duo tone paint and carbon fiber heel plates.
The exterior has changed too and the front and rear bumpers have been re-designed and look very stylish. There are all new side extensions on this model and a new rear diffuser. A new carbon fiber front splitter has also been added. This car will be available as a coupe and a convertible.
2017 Bentley Continental Supersports Price
For this much car you would expect a hefty price tag and you would be right. It is believed that the coupe version will start from $293,300 and the convertible from $322,600. Expect this new Bentley for sale from May 2017.
If you want one then you will need to get your order in quickly as there will not be many Bentley Continental Supersports for sale. There will only be 710 made, and it is rumored that only 250 will be made available to the United States market.
More resources:
MotorTrend: 2017 Bentley Continental Supersports First Drive Review: Saving The Best For Last