Bentley's 2027 Supersports: A Century-Old Legacy Meets Modern Track Performance

Key points

• The 2027 Bentley Supersports is the lightest Bentley in 85 years, weighing over 1,000 pounds less than the Continental GT Speed.
• The new model features a 4.0-liter V8 engine producing 657 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, with rear-wheel drive only.
• Bentley brought a 1926 Super Sports, known as 'Smoky,' to Monterey, which was the 12th of 18 built between 1925 and 1927.
• The 1926 car had a 3.0-liter engine and could exceed 100 mph, a significant speed for its era when Ford Model Ts struggled to reach 40 mph.
• The 2027 Supersports is limited to 500 units worldwide and is already sold out, with a base price of $490,150.

Background

Bentley has a long history of performance cars, with the 'Supersports' nameplate dating back to the 1920s. The brand has traditionally focused on luxury and maximalism, but the 2027 Supersports marks a shift towards a more track-focused, lightweight design. The 1926 model, 'Smoky,' was a racing car that competed at Brooklands and had a 4.5-liter engine upgrade in 1932.

How outlets are covering it

Ars Technica emphasizes the historical connection between the 1926 and 2027 Supersports, highlighting the evolution of performance and the visceral experience of driving the old car. The Drive focuses on the engineering and performance of the 2027 model, noting its lightweight design and track capabilities, while also mentioning its limited availability and high price. Both outlets agree on the significance of the 2027 Supersports as a new direction for Bentley, but Ars Technica places more emphasis on the historical context, while The Drive focuses on the modern car's performance and exclusivity.

Why it matters

The 2027 Bentley Supersports represents a significant shift for the brand, moving away from its traditional luxury-focused approach to a more performance-oriented, lightweight design. This move could signal a new direction for Bentley in the high-performance luxury car market, where competition is fierce and exclusivity is key. The historical connection to the 1926 model also highlights the brand's long-standing commitment to performance, even in the early days of the automobile.

What to watch

Bentley will likely continue to develop and refine its performance lineup, with the 2027 Supersports serving as a proof of concept for a more track-focused approach. The brand may also explore further collaborations with motorsports and historical preservation to maintain its legacy and appeal to a broader audience. The limited availability of the 2027 Supersports suggests that Bentley will continue to prioritize exclusivity and high-end performance in its future models.