Continental GT3
racer was announced, the expectation (and hope) was that Bentley would make a roadgoing version to accompany it. The launch of the
V8 S
diverted attention for a while, but the nagging suspicion that yet more could come from the V8 Continental soon returned.
New wheels, new decals, new spoiler
The GT3-R (for 'Road') should be that car. To the V8 S recipe it adds more power (52hp, to 580hp) but crucially removes some weight also, with the kerbweight down 100kg to 2,195kg. Still far from featherweight but it's a step in the right direction. The weight loss measures include deleting the rear seats, adding a titanium exhaust and fitting lightweight 21-inch wheels.
But there are further GT3 tweaks also. Bentley has altered the ratios of the ZF 8-speed auto for improved acceleration, meaning a top speed of 170mph but a 0-62mph time of 3.8 seconds. The first torque vectoring tech seen on a Bentley will be introduced for the -R also, operating on the rear wheels. That titanium exhaust saves 7kg and also delivers a 'unique baritone roar' says Bentley.
The GT3-R uses 'a development' of the air suspension set up used on the V8 S. It works in conjunction with a revised ESC system that is said to be more 'sport focused'. A Continental with a naughty side? We can but hope.
And that theme continues inside!
The GT3-R wouldn't be a Bentley special without a choice selection of visual identifiers. All 300 -Rs will be white with green decals to evoke the race car. Carbon is used for a new front splitter and rear wing and the interior gets a smattering of the black stuff too. It's there beyond the green, honest. But as that kebweight alluded to, this is no stripped out track special; leather remains the predominant interior material and the full roster of equipment stays.
As yet, Bentley hasn't announced a price for what it describes as dynamically 'its finest hour yet'. But they are available to order and will be seen at the Festival of Speed before reaching customer later this year. Which should be just in time for the S63 AMG coupe's arrival, conveniently enough. The Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale has already set a very high bar for driver-focused big coupes too, surely the Bentley's closest rival.