Enhancing the driver experience still further , the exhaust system has been redesigned to breathe more freely and provide an unmistakeable Bentley soundtrack , with downshifts eliciting a rifle-fire crackle .
Ultimate Handling and Luxury Refinement
This performance is matched by athletic handling . The Supersports has a specifically calibrated and updated version of the torque vectoring system first introduced on the Continental GT3-R .
This dynamic system brakes individual front and rear wheels during acceleration out of corners to increase performance , whilst maintaining full power to unbraked wheels , and brakes the inside rear wheel on turn-in to improve agility . It also has a bespoke , less intrusive stability control calibration for a more precise chassis response .
The new Supersports retains the rear-biased torque split of Bentley ’ s all-wheel-drive system , sending 60 per cent of the engine ’ s power to the rear wheels as standard for a better balanced , more sporting character , but with the ability to adjust the front-rear power split depending on available traction .
Despite the focus on sharper driving dynamics , the Supersports ’ lowered and stiffened dynamic suspension set-up retains all of its luxurious ride quality for passengers wishing to cover long distances in supreme comfort .
Bespoke Design Signalling High-Performance Character
The new Continental Supersports features unique exterior and interior styling cues which reflect the significant uplift in the performance capability of this pinnacle grand tourer .
Exterior changes include newly sculpted front and rear bumper designs incorporating a carbon-fibre splitter and diffuser respectively , new side sill extensions and bonnet vents also finished in carbon-fibre , gloss-black front wing vents and a new gloss-black , rifled exhaust tailpipe design . Completing the dramatic exterior look are dark-tint headlamps and taillamps , and a complement of black-finished brightware to the front grilles , lights , rear bumper , door handles and window surrounds .
There is also an optional , aerodynamically balanced rear spoiler and front splitter combination for the coupe , new Supersports badging , a new black and bright-machined finish for the 21 ” forged alloy wheels and optional side decals . Further highlighting the enhanced performance , an optional gloss-finished , Supersports-branded carbon-fibre engine cover can be specified .
performance with the sensory amplification of open-air motoring . Hood up , it ’ s as practical a year-round proposition as its coupé stablemate .
Inside , a host of bespoke styling details enhance the contemporary British luxury experience .
A unique colour split has been created , using three colours : the first tri-tone interior offered in this generation Continental GT . A new diamond-quilted design is incorporated in the seats and door side panels for a unique signature in Alcantara , while chequered Supersports carbonfibre fascia panels join the existing list of ten veneers and technical finishes available . The interior is completed by new Supersports emblem stitching , and a bespoke Supersports steering wheel and unique gearlever , both featuring Alcantara accents .
A titanium exhaust option is available for drivers seeking a more intense audible experience . As well as a stirring soundtrack , the Titanium system also provides a weight reduction .
For Supersports customers seeking even more personalisation , an ‘ X Specification ’ pack is available , consisting of eight unique duo-tone paint treatments and carbon-fibre door mirrors and heel plates . The titanium exhaust option is included , as is a carbon-fibre finish to the interior side panels , the carbon-fibre engine cover and a gloss black finish to the 21 ” forged wheels .
As with all Bentleys , the Supersports can also be handed over to the highly skilled craftspeople at Mulliner , Bentley ’ s bespoke coachbuilding department , who will respond to individual customer requirements .
Supersports : The Ultimate in Luxury and Performance
The Continental Supersports of 2009 won global plaudits for its unique combination of extreme dynamics and unrivalled luxury .
The new Supersports takes these characteristics to new heights of engineering excellence , transforming this model into the world ’ s fastest four-seat car and one that is , nonetheless , an everyday , usable luxury coupe or convertible .
It sits at the pinnacle of Bentley ’ s luxury and performance ethos and is the ultimate iteration of a model that has come to define luxury automotive grand touring .
The new Continental Supersports Convertible offers the luxury and refinement of a coupé yet transforms into a headturning open-tourer at the touch of a button . The multilayer hood ensures high levels of refinement and acoustic insulation . Exhaustively tested in all conditions from -30 ° C to + 50 ° C or more , it resists even monsoon-force rain and maintains comfortable , draft-free warmth even on the coldest days .
Another practical feature , the neck warmer , makes open air driving an appealing and comfortable prospect even on the cooler days of spring and autumn . With the hood down , the Continental Supersports Convertible offers sensational
The Gentleman Magazine | 39