Engineering Mastery: Meet the Lightest Bentley Since 1941
Bentley is rewriting its own history books with the unveiling of the new Supersports, a machine that represents the most significant weight-saving achievement for the luxury marque since 1941. While many modern performance vehicles prioritize raw power above all else, the Supersports is a masterclass in balance and engineering, arguably establishing itself as the most driver-focused vehicle to ever emerge from the Crewe factory.
A New Heart for a Track-Focused Beast
At the center of this engineering marvel is a sophisticated new variant of Bentley’s signature 4.0L V8 engine. To ensure it can handle the rigors of high-performance driving, engineers equipped the unit with a strengthened engine block, redesigned cylinder heads, and larger turbochargers. While it retains a traditional wet-sump lubrication system and a dual-mass flywheel, the output is formidable: 657 horsepower (490 kW) and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque.
The vehicle’s handling is equally advanced. Featuring 48V active anti-roll bars on both axles, the Supersports can react to road conditions in just a third of a second. This system exerts up to 960 lb-ft of reaction torque to keep the chassis impeccably flat through aggressive maneuvers. Combined with recalibrated twin-valve dampers and air suspension across Touring, Bentley, and Sport modes, the car is capable of pulling a staggering 1.3 Gs of lateral force when equipped with optional Pirelli Trofeo RS tires.
Form Follows Function
The aesthetic of the Supersports is dominated by an aggressive, functional aerodynamic suite. From the prominent front splitter and strategic wheel-arch winglets to the large, curvaceous carbon-fiber rear spoiler and substantial diffuser, every addition serves a purpose. Bentley reports that these modifications generate at least 661 lbs (300 kg) more downforce than the Continental GT Speed. Notably, the aero balance has been meticulously tuned to shift rearward as velocity increases, ensuring high-speed stability.
The use of a carbon-fiber roof further lowers the center of gravity, a design choice that is immediately apparent when attacking the legendary “Zanardi Corkscrew” at Laguna Seca.
Comfort Meets Capability
Inside the cockpit, the driver is treated to a blend of high-tech racing materials and traditional luxury. Carbon-fiber trim adorns the dashboard, but the experience remains unmistakably Bentley, thanks to highly adjustable, supportive sports seats that keep occupants firmly in place during spirited driving.
Despite its track-bred capabilities, the vehicle remains remarkably composed. With a curb weight of under 4,407 lbs (1,999 kg), it is still a substantial machine, yet it handles curb strikes and elevation changes with surprising grace. By stripping away excess, Bentley has managed to create an engineer’s indulgence that proves that even the most substantial luxury vehicles can deliver a visceral, track-ready experience.
