Bentley Supersports: A 1,000-Pound Weight Loss for Track Performance

Key points

• The Supersports uses a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 657 hp and 590 lb-ft, sending power only to the rear wheels.
• It weighs approximately 4,398 pounds, making it the lightest Bentley road car in 85 years.
• The car features 17.3-inch carbon-ceramic front brakes, the largest fitted to any road car.
• Production is limited to 500 units, all of which are already sold.
• The base price is $490,350, with fully customized options pushing the cost higher.

Background

Bentley has historically focused on luxury and weight, with models like the Continental GT often criticized for their mass. Previous attempts at performance, such as the 2015 GT3-R, retained all-wheel drive and significant weight. The Supersports represents a shift toward a more driver-focused, lightweight approach, echoing the brand's 1920s Super Sports heritage.

How outlets are covering it

Car and Driver highlights the car's simplicity and track capability, noting the loss of Continental badges. Ars Technica provides historical context, comparing the modern Supersports to the 1926 model, emphasizing the brand's long-standing performance lineage. Road & Track praises the weight reduction and braking but criticizes the traction control system for cutting throttle too abruptly. The Drive notes the car's composed nature despite its power, comparing it to the Aston Martin Valhalla but highlighting its lower price point and limited availability.

Why it matters

The Supersports marks a significant departure for Bentley, demonstrating the brand's ability to create a true track car without compromising its luxury identity. It addresses long-standing criticisms of Bentley's weight and performance, potentially influencing future model development.

What to watch

The 500 units are already sold, so availability is limited. Bentley may use the Supersports' success to inform future performance models or explore further lightweight technologies. The car's track performance will likely be a benchmark for future Bentley developments.