The Supersports is further distinguished from its Continental coupe stable mates by a unique dark-smoked steel finish to all exterior `brightware', including front grilles, lamp bezels, window surrounds and wheels. A complex `Physical Vapour Deposition' process is applied to all stainless steel components to give a lustrous and highly durable finish. A car industry first, this process is normally used as a coating on industrial tools, watches and even hip replacement joints.
Fully embracing the extreme spirit of the Supersports, Bentley's interior designers have created a unique ambience. The cockpit represents a dramatic re-interpretation of Bentley interior design in which carbon fiber and AlcantaraTM not only convey a sporting and contemporary style but also reduce weight.
The Supersports is a strict two-seater featuring all-new lightweight sports seats with carbon fiber clamshell rear panels. In the rear compartment, the seats are replaced by a stowage deck with a carbon fiber luggage retaining beam.
The new interior also provides a showcase for the skills of Bentley's craftsmen and women at the company's factory in Crewe, England. Signature premium grade leather and brightware are complemented by carbon fiber panels, replacing traditional wood veneers.
The Continental Supersports is capable of running on either petrol and E85 biofuel or any combination of the two. E85 biofuel can offer a reduction of up to 70 per cent in CO2 emissions on a `well-to-wheel' basis.
Well-to-wheel is a measurement of a fuel's net CO2 contribution to the atmosphere, not just tailpipe emissions. It is a way of quantifying how much CO2 a fuel emits from its growth or extraction (well) to its combustion or deployment (wheel). It includes refinement, distillation and transport of the fuel.
The fuel supply system detects the blending ratio of the fuel in the tank and ensures that power and torque remain constant regardless of the ratio of petrol to biofuel. The result is seamless power delivery in the Bentley tradition.
The `Supersports' name is inspired by the original two-seater 3-litre Supersports model introduced in 1925, itself an evolution of the 3-litre Speed. The lightweight, 85 bhp Supersports was the first production Bentley to reach 100 mph and was also renowned for the application of Le Mans-winning race technology.
Commenting on the new Supersports model, Dr Franz-Josef Paefgen, Bentley's Chairman and Chief Executive said: "The Continental Supersports reflects the passion and enthusiasm of Bentley's engineers and designers. This is the fastest, most extreme Bentley ever, dramatically styled to underline its supercar character. Importantly, it also pioneers the use of FlexFuel technology in the luxury sector."
www.BentleyContinentalSupersports.com
The fastest most powerful Bentley in the company's 90-year history6-litre W12 engine twin-turbocharged now produces 630PS (621 bhp/463 kW) at 6000 rev/min and 800 Nm (590 lb ft) of torque at 1700-5600 rev/min
0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds)
0-100 mph (0-160 km/h) in 8.9 seconds
50-70 mph in 2.1 seconds
80-120 km/h in 2.6 seconds
Top speed of 204 mph (329 km/h)
Continental Supersports reaffirms Bentley's environmental commitment by pioneering the use of biofuel in the luxury sector
Capable of running on petrol and E85 biofuel or any combination of the two
Power and torque remain constant whatever the ratio of petrol to E85 biofuel
A Fuel Quality Sensor detects the blending ratio of the fuel in real time sending a signal to the engine control unit (ECU), initiating the correct engine mapping. This ensures all performance parameters remain balanced and consistent
Offers a reduction in CO2 emissions of up to 70% (well-to-wheel), a measure of a fuel's net contribution to the atmosphere, not just tailpipe emissions