Mark your calendars, because a true titan of grand touring is making its dramatic comeback. On November 14th, the legendary Supersports badge returns to the Bentley Continental GT, promising to deliver the most extreme, driver-focused, and collectible version of the luxury coupé in the modern era.
Bentley isn’t just releasing another trim level; it’s recapturing the essence of pure, high-performance driving, echoing the spirit of the original 1925 “Super Sports” that defined a century of the marque’s racing pedigree.
The Unprecedented Focus on the Driver
The Supersports name has always stood for the pinnacle of performance within the Bentley lineup, but this new iteration takes a dramatic and purist turn that will excite any serious enthusiast. Bentley has confirmed three game-changing characteristics for the returning legend:
- The Lightest Modern Bentley: The new Supersports is confirmed to be the lightest car in the company’s modern history. While a Continental GT is a sizeable machine, this focus on shedding weight through measures like carbon fiber components is a clear indicator that agility and handling are now the top priority.
- Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) for the First Time: In a bold move that signals maximum driver engagement, the new Supersports will be the first-ever Continental GT to ditch the traditional all-wheel-drive system in favor of a rear-wheel-drive layout. This fundamental change is a gift to purists, promising a more dynamic, responsive, and exhilarating experience behind the wheel.
- Strictly Limited Production: True to the legacy of the Supersports, this will be a rare beast. Its limited production run ensures its exclusivity and cements its status as an instant collectible.
Performance: Stripping Down to Go Faster
While full specifications are being held tightly until the New York unveiling, all signs point to a machine built for unfiltered speed.
The current Continental GT Speed uses an impressive 771 hp Ultra Performance Hybrid V8. However, reports suggest the Supersports will take a different route: ditching the hybrid system for a specially tuned, non-electrified V8 engine.
Why drop the hybrid boost? To save weight. By removing the battery and electric motor components, Bentley can achieve a significant reduction in curb weight. The resulting raw power, combined with the new RWD chassis, promises an entirely different—and arguably more visceral—driving character than any of its predecessors.
Expect aggressive aerodynamic enhancements to match its performance, including:
- A deeper front splitter with canards.
- Redesigned air intakes for enhanced cooling.
- A functional rear spoiler and diffuser to manage airflow at high speeds.
A Century in the Making
The return of the Supersports is perfectly timed, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the original Bentley “Super Sports.” That car, a dedicated track version of the 3 Litre, set a legacy of performance that has only been rarely, and reverently, revisited.
The new Continental GT Supersports is more than a flagship; it’s a bridge between Bentley’s illustrious racing past and its exhilarating future, a model that promises to redefine the grand touring concept by combining unparalleled luxury with race-car focus.
The world will be watching on November 14th as Bentley pulls the cover off what is set to be the most talked-about performance car of the year.
