Bentley is poised to introduce a new iteration of its Continental GT, the Supersports, signaling a significant shift towards a more performance-centric design philosophy. This upcoming model is rumored to depart from the current hybrid powertrain and all-wheel-drive configuration, instead embracing a powerful V-8 engine that delivers 640 horsepower exclusively to the rear wheels. This strategic move is attributed to Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser, Bentley's CEO, known for his deep automotive passion and prior experience in developing high-performance vehicles at Porsche. The initiative aims to re-emphasize Bentley's storied racing legacy, offering enthusiasts a more unadulterated and thrilling driving experience.
Dr. Walliser's appointment as Bentley's CEO last year has clearly begun to shape the brand's direction. With a distinguished background that includes spearheading the development of the Porsche 918 Spyder and leading the 718 and 911 lines, his influence is steering Bentley towards models that prioritize raw power and dynamic capability. The decision to strip down the Continental GT, removing the hybrid system and shifting to rear-wheel drive, underscores a commitment to creating what the automotive industry terms 'hardcore' variants.
This isn't Bentley's first foray into more extreme performance. The Continental Supersports name has appeared twice before, always representing the pinnacle of power within the Continental GT range, featuring enhanced versions of the now-discontinued twin-turbocharged W-12 engine. Furthermore, the 2014-2015 GT3-R model, a direct link to Bentley's Continental GT3 race car, showcased weight reduction measures, a V-8 engine instead of the W-12, and a carbon-fiber wing, demonstrating the brand's occasional lean towards aggressive performance. The new Supersports, however, would be a landmark as the first rear-wheel-drive Continental GT, and the most potent rear-wheel-drive vehicle built on its platform, which is shared with the Porsche Panamera.
Bentley's rich history, particularly its success in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the 1920s and early 2000s, provides a strong foundation for this renewed focus on performance. Despite a period under Rolls-Royce ownership where Bentley's sporting identity waned, the Volkswagen Group's acquisition in 1998 reignited its performance ambitions. The current Continental GT is already lauded for its driving dynamics, and with Dr. Walliser's expertise, the forthcoming Supersports is anticipated to elevate that experience significantly, promising a vehicle that fully embodies Bentley's racing DNA. The official unveiling is expected before the close of the year.
This strategic redirection reflects Bentley's aspiration to blend its luxurious heritage with an intensified focus on driving engagement and motorsport-inspired engineering. The forthcoming Continental Supersports stands as a testament to this vision, promising a unique blend of opulent comfort and thrilling, uncompromised performance that will undoubtedly captivate a discerning audience of automotive enthusiasts.