Bentley has pulled back the curtain on the Continental GT Supersports, its most driver-focused iteration yet and a clear signal of the British brand’s intent to reclaim its performance legacy. Ditching hybrid tech and all-wheel drive, this is pure, unadulterated driving pleasure delivered with Bentley’s signature opulence.
Dubbed “Project Mildred” during its development, this stripped-down speedster pays homage to pioneering female racer Mildred Mary Petre, who set records in a Bentley back in 1929. The Supersports aims for similar dominance on the road today.
A significant achievement is its lean physique: almost half a ton lighter than any other Continental GT variant thanks to the removal of the hybrid system and all-wheel drive. Underpinning this agility is a meticulously honed 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, cranked up from previous iterations to deliver a mighty 657bhp (or 666PS – because, why not?).
This brawny engine isn’t just about raw power; it boasts the highest energy density of any Bentley engine ever produced at an impressive 164bhp per liter. Compared to its predecessor, the 2014 Continental GT3-R, the Supersports boasts a significant leap in performance—a near 90bhp increase and sheds almost 200kg of weight.
Driving this raw power to the rear wheels is a finely tuned eight-speed dual-clutch transmission from ZF. Bentley engineers have optimized gearchanges for even sharper responses and smoother downshifts, ensuring stability under heavy braking. This translates into a brisk 0-62 mph sprint in just 3.7 seconds, with a top speed of approximately 193 mph – respectable figures that underscore the car’s potent blend of raw power and finesse.
Mastering the Dance of Rear-Wheel Drive
The real magic, however, lies in how Bentley has honed this brute into a genuinely engaging driver’s car. The heart of this transformation is its rear-wheel drive setup. Working alongside an electronically controlled limited-slip differential (eLSD), torque vectoring by braking, and rear-wheel steering, the Supersports dances through corners with remarkable precision.
The engineers have widened the rear track by 16mm and recalibrated the steering system, twin-chamber air suspension, and traction control to amplify this agility even further. To ensure it can stop as convincingly as it accelerates, Bentley has fitted its largest brake system ever seen on a production car: massive 440mm carbon-silicon-carbide discs clamped by ten-piston calipers up front, with equally impressive four-piston calipers at the rear.
These formidable anchors are adorned with newly designed 22-inch forged and machined aluminum alloy wheels developed in collaboration with Manthey Racing – a testament to Bentley’s commitment to maximizing performance potential. Bentley claims that when equipped with ultra-high-performance Pirelli Trofeo RS tires, the Supersports can corner up to 30 percent faster than the Continental GT Speed, achieving lateral forces of up to 1.3g. And for those seeking truly unfiltered driving thrills, completely disabling traction control allows for exhilarating slides and full engagement with the car’s raw dynamics.
A Symphony of Sound and Design
Underneath the Supersports’ sculpted carbon-fiber bodywork (which includes a distinctive front splitter, dive planes, side sills, rear diffuser, and fixed spoiler), there lies a meticulously crafted interior focused on driver immersion. Gone are the traditional rear seats, replaced by a lightweight carbon-fiber tub for even greater weight savings. The dashboard and heavily bolstered, lower-mounted seats embrace occupants with more carbon fiber but retain Bentley’s signature plush leather appointments. The bespoke titanium exhaust system, engineered in collaboration with Akrapovič, promises an authentic and powerful soundtrack—a deep growl emanating through the tailpipes without any artificial enhancements intruding into the cabin.
The aggressive aerodynamic design isn’t just about looks; it generates over 300kg of downforce — a considerable increase over the Continental GT Speed. The massive front intakes not only feed cool air to the brakes and engine but also play a role in channeling airflow around the car, optimizing its performance at speed.
Limited Production, Undeniable Exclusivity
Only 500 examples of the Bentley Supersports will grace roads worldwide, solidifying its status as an exclusive collector’s item for discerning automotive enthusiasts. Order books open next March, with production slated to begin before the end of 2026 and first deliveries expected at the start of 2027.
The new Continental GT Supersports marks a bold statement from Bentley. It’s not just about returning to its performance roots but also showcasing that luxury can coexist seamlessly with pure driver engagement, setting a high bar for the future of grand tourers—ones that prioritize both exhilarating thrills and unyielding elegance.
