Bentley Continental Supersports (2018)

Bentley is yet again challenging the powerful and luxury “boys”, read Porsche and Ferrari at their own game. The automaker is set to release a more powerful variant of the Continental GT, 4-seat coupe and cabriolet. The automaker claims that once out, the models will be the most powerful and fastest in the segment. Well, how better to do it if not by reviving the legendary “Supersports” nametag? Bentley has only used this nametag on its models two other times in history, first in 1920 and recently in 2009. The automaker has now launched 2018 Bentley Continental Supersports a third-edition of the model with the sole aim of rivaling the very best models in the segment. Read along for more information:

Bentley Continental Supersports Exterior:

In terms of looks, the Continental Supersports is a more aggressive version of the GT Speed. To set it apart from the GT Speed, Bentley has modified the Supersports front bumper by adding new side vents that are split into two by horizontal slats. The front fascia also boasts a carbon-fiber splitter and a revised center intake. The signature Bentley grille has black chrome elements. The grille is flanked by LED headlights with black bezels The vents on its hood are dressed in carbon-fiber.

Looking at the sides, one is immediately captivated by the new 21-inch, forged aluminum wheels, which the automaker claims, are 44 pounds lighter than the wheels on regular continental models. The sides also feature black door handles, a black window trim and new side sills. Selecting the X Specification package adds carbon-fiber mirror caps and a two-tone color finish.

The rear features a black chrome trim, a carbon-fiber diffuser, black taillight surrounds as well as gloss-black exhaust pipes. Race-minded drivers can opt for a larger rear spoiler that gives the model a racing look. Choosing this also gets you an optimized splitter for the front fascia.

For more customization, buyers can hand over their models to Bentley’s Mulliner department at an extra cost of course.

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Bentley Continental Supersports Interior:

The cabin of the 2018 Bentley Continental Supersports has received just minor changes. The automaker has however hooked up the model with unique upholstery. It features exclusive tri-tone upholstery on the seats that comes in white, black and red. This is the first time Bentley has used such a design on the Continental GT. On the other hand, the center section features Alcantara contrasted with red diamond quilting. The side bolsters are dressed in red leather.

To extend the tri-zone color trim, the dash and the door panels have a white trim, while the floor mats feature bright-red edges.

The cabin also features checkered carbon-fiber panels on the dash that flank the center stack. You will also love the model’s bespoke steering wheel that features a red 12-o’clock stripe. The shifter has Alcantara inserts. If you don’t find the carbon-fiber finish on the dash appealing, there is an option for 10 veneers and finishes to choose from. More options are available if you take your Supersports to the automaker’s Mulliner division for customization.

The X-specification package adds a carbon-fiber finish on the interior side panels while the convertible comes with a neck warmer that makes driving on the open quite comfortable even in spring or autumn weather.

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Engine Specs and performance:

Under the hood of the 2018 Bentley Continental Supersports is a fire breathing monster. It is a 6.0 L, twin-turbocharged 6.0 L, W-12 that churns out 700 hp and 750 lb-ft of torque.

This represents a whopping 79 hp and 160 lb-ft of torque power hike compared to the outgoing model. In fact, the 2018 Continental Supersports is now the most powerful Continental GT ever. With that amount of juice, the Supersports needs only 3.4 seconds to dash from 0-60 mph making it also the fastest Continental GT ever built. The automaker has also increased the model’s top speed to 209 mph, the most the automaker has offered on a production model. The convertible takes 3 tenths of a second more to make the same run and has a top speed of 205 mph.

The power hike is courtesy of the model’s high-capacity turbocharger along with a modified charge-air cooling system. The model also features a new main as well as conrod bearing. The engine is also combined with a titanium exhaust system that is 11 pounds lighter. Stopping power comes from new, high-performance, carbon-ceramic brake discs with an enhanced cooling system. According to the automaker, these are the largest brake discs of their type.

Price and release date:

Bentley is still keeping the price of the 2018 Continental Supersports close to its chest. Being the top-ranking model of the Continental GT lineup, expect the model to be more expensive than the current GT Speed, which has a starting price of $240,300. I think a starting price of around $300,000 is a good guess for the coupe while the drop-top may fetch in excess of $320,000. The models will be available in late 2017 or early 2018.

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