New Supersports marks Bentley’s return to extreme cars

100 years after the birth of the first Bentley ‘Super Sports’, the nameplate returns to the British brand as the fourth Supersports model in history. It is the product of an idea that was first proposed in September 2024, when a small engineering team theorised how a rear-wheel drive, sub-2-tonne Continental GT might behave dynamically.

The first Super Sports
The word Supersports is a modern combination of one of the most evocative names from Bentley history – Super Sports – first applied to a Bentley 100 years ago this year. The first Super Sports was launched in 1925 and based on the 3 Litre, with an uprated engine and shorter (and therefore lighter) chassis meaning it was the first Bentley capable of exceeding 100 mph (160 km/h). It also established the second aspect that defines ‘Super Sports’ – rarity, with only 18 examples built.

The previous generations of Supersports all defined the ultimate performance version of their respective model families. The new Supersports takes this approach in a different direction; rather than focusing on top speed, the target is maximum driver engagement, through a combination of weight reduction – the most extreme in Bentley’s history – and a new powertrain.

Most driver-focused Continental GT
The new Supersports is the most driver-focused Continental GT ever, with rear-wheel drive, a 2-seat cabin and a gross weight below two tonnes. A non-hybrid, pure internal combustion powertrain has a new 666 ps/800 Nm twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 at its heart, with power fed through an 8-speed double clutch gearbox to the rear wheels only.

Carbon ceramic brakes, new 22-inch lightweight forged wheels developed with Manthey Racing and an Akrapovic full-length titanium exhaust system are standard, while Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres are available.

First rear-wheel drive Continental
For driving dynamics, Bentley’s chassis engineers had the opportunity for a new level of driver engagement, by making the new Supersports the first rear-wheel drive Continental – except for the Continental GT3 race cars – in history.

Power is fed exclusively to the rear wheels through an eLSD, out to rear wheels that have an increased track of 16 mm over a Continental GT. The eLSD is assisted by torque vectoring by brake, with the systems working together to make turn-in as sharp as possible and to give maximum traction. Rear-wheel steering is retained for maximum agility and stability, while the calibrations for the steering, suspension, traction management and ESC systems are all-new.

The chassis system uses aluminium double wishbones at the front with a multi-link rear axle, air springs, and new twin chamber dampers – ECU-controlled in bump and rebound independently. Bentley Dynamic Ride, the proprietary 48V electric anti-roll control system, can apply up to 1,300 Nm of anti-roll reaction torque in 0.3 seconds.

Braking is by the largest automotive braking system in the world – 440 mm Carbon-Silicon-Carbide discs on the front axle, clamped by 10-piston calipers, and 410 mm discs with four-piston calipers at the rear – fitted as standard. Calipers are black as standard, with a red-painted option available.

Maximised downforce and weight-savings
The exterior represents the most purposeful Continental GT ever, with a series of form-following-function developments to maximise downforce and save weight. A new front bumper integrates the biggest front splitter ever fitted to a Bentley road car, and feeds cooling air to the engine and front brakes. Carbonfibre dive planes, side sills, fender blades and a rear diffuser and fixed rear wing combine to generate over 300 kgs more downforce than a Continental GT Speed.

The weight-saving regime extends to the roof, which is now a carbonfibre panel to also lower centre of gravity whilst maintaining structural stiffness. The rear cabin environment has been deleted, saving a significant amount of weight. Along with the seats and seatbelts, rear cabin sound insulation has been reduced, and the audio system has been reconfigured for the front cabin only. Additional weight savings come the deletion of certain driver assistance systems, not required on a driver-focused GT.

Inside, the cabin for two features new, highly bolstered sports seats, positioned lower in the car, with the rear cabin environment replaced with a carbonfibre and leather shell. Monotone, duo-tone and tri-tone interiors are available, with extensive use of leather, Dinamica and carbonfibre for a performance-focused space.

Return to more extreme cars
“The new Supersports is more than just the most driver-focused Bentley yet. It signifies a return to Bentley making more extreme cars – ones that combine extraordinary breadth of ability with true driver engagement, while remaining pieces of automotive artwork unique and bespoke to each customer,” said Bentley’s Chairman and CEO, Dr Frank-Steffen Walliser.

“Bentley has always thrived when revealing a more daring side, and the new Supersports is a statement of our intent while celebrating 100 years of the name. This is the first project developed from start-to-finish since I joined Bentley Motors, and I’m proud of our team and the speed at which we’ve created a car so different to the GT on which it’s based,” he said.

First deliveries in early 2027
The launch of the new Supersports will be celebrated with the most dynamic and exciting film in Bentley’s history, which will be revealed with a premiere in Dubai in January 2026. Orders will be accepted from March, with production beginning in the fourth quarter of 2026 and first deliveries starting in early 2027.

Every Supersports will be individually numbered before it leaves the factory, with customers able to request specific numbers from the 500 handcrafted examples. It will be available in the UK, Europe, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Oman, Bahrain, UAE, Qatar and Kuwait.

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