A new Fuel Quality Sensor in the fuel supply circuit detects the current mix of petrol and bioethanol in real time. The engine control unit instantly initiates the correct engine mapping to ensure all performance parameters remain balanced and consistent. Power and torque remain constant whatever the ratio of petrol to bioethanol.
Brian Gush, Director, Chassis and Powertrain Engineering:"The W12 has been re-engineered to run on petrol or a mix of petrol and bioethanol. A sophisticated fuel sensing system ensures that power and torque remain constant irrespective of the fuel ratio to deliver seamless power delivery in the Bentley tradition."
A highly focused driving experience
The Supersports' high performance is complemented by an array of chassis enhancements and weight reductions to deliver a highly focused driving experience with the emphasis on grip, agility and response.
The complex, four-link front suspension features not only high stiffness aluminum uprights, but now lightweight aluminum forward levers (saving 4 kg/8.8 lb). New double-stiffened bushes are fitted at the inboard mounting point to improve steering response and feedback.
A new hydraulic bush for the trailing link is 33 per cent stiffer to improve response and has a revised damping peak for better control of fore-aft wheel movement.
The anti-roll bar geometry is retuned for improved roll stiffness, while the Servotronic speed-sensitive steering system is tuned for sharper turn-in, improved feel and linearity.
The front and rear suspensions benefit from changes to the electronic control strategy of the Continuous Damping Control (CDC) system that improve body control.
In common with the GT Speed, the Supersports' suspension is lowered by 10 mm (0.4 inches) at the front and 15 mm (0.6 inches) at the rear for optimal handling.
Agility is further sharpened by a revision to the continuous all-wheel drive system, which provides exceptional traction in all weathers. As before, the drive is transferred between the front and rear axles automatically via a highly sensitive Torsen centre differential which automatically sends more power to the wheels with greater grip.
For the Supersports, the standard 50/50 front/rear torque split is replaced by 40/60 split with a rear-bias. This provides for better modulation of line and attitude by `throttle steering' as well as neutral acceleration out of bends.
The Supersports is fitted with unique, lightweight 9.5J x 20-inch forged alloy wheels, offering a total weight saving of 10 kg (22 lb) per car. These reduce both unsprung and rotating mass while the open 10-spoke design offers superior brake cooling. The rear wheels have a 25 mm (I inch) greater offset resulting in a 50 mm (2 inches) increase in the rear track, further benefiting handling and stability.
The new wheels are fitted with 275/35 ZR20 Pirelli Ultra-High Performance tires, shared with the Continental GT Speed and provide excellent steering response. The wider rear track further enhances the already high level of grip.
To ensure optimum aerodynamic balance at speeds of up to 204 mph (329 km/h) the Supersports is fitted with a re-profiled automatic spoiler which deploys at 50 mph (80 km/h).
The Supersports is fitted with Bentley's carbon-ceramic brakes as standard - the largest and most powerful ever fitted to a production car. The large diameter (420 mm front, 356 mm rear), lightweight discs and eight-piston calipers offer fade-resistant braking performance with minimal disc distortion under high thermal conditions. A 20 kg (44 lb) weight saving reduces unsprung and rotating mass, benefiting steering response and handling. Pedal feel is also improved with shorter travel, high effectiveness and a precise pressure point.
The standard-fit tire-pressure monitoring system allows drivers to select tire type and speed range parameters. As well as monitoring pressures, the system warns drivers if their speed is too high for the tire pressures or if tire speed ratings are exceeded on winter tires.
The Supersports features an advanced electronic stability program (ESP) that exploits the potential of the more powerful engine and enhanced chassis, improving driver interaction and control. The new ESP also provides faster reinstatement of engine torque after intervention for improved agility. The target slip is increased at greater than 90 per cent throttle to utilize all available longitudinal grip. Corner exit agility is thereby enhanced for increased driver involvement.