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== The Bentley Continental Supersports is the fastest and most powerful
Bentley ever. It is the extreme Bentley, a muscular two-seater that
delivers supercar performance and a highly focused driving experience.
The Bentley Continental Supersports is also the first Bentley capable of
running on both petrol (gasoline) and biofuel, pioneering the use of
FlexFuel technology in the luxury sector. This represents stage one of
the company's commitment to make its complete model range compatible
with renewable fuels by 2012. Available worldwide from autumn 2009, the
Bentley Continental Supersports will be FlexFuel compatible in the
majority of markets from launch with North American cars offering the
capability by summer 2010, following regulatory approval. - The Bentley
Continental Supersports began as an 'under the radar' project exploring
the possibilities of weight reduction on the Bentley Continental GT but
with more power and torque. A largely experimental process crystallised
over a period of 24 months into an official new car programme, driven by
the passion and enthusiasm of a small group of Bentley engineers and
designers. The results are dramatic. With 630PS (621 bhp) and new 'Quickshift'
transmission that halves shift times, the Bentley Continental
Supersports sets new performance benchmarks for Bentley. It accelerates
from 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds) with a top
speed of 204 mph (329 km/h). - Supercar performance is complemented by
an array of chassis enhancements including retuned steering and
suspension, utilising lighter weight components, retuned dampers and
anti-roll bars. Agility is further sharpened by the 40:60 rear-biased
torque split for the all-wheel drive system, a wider rear track, bespoke
lightweight 20-inch alloy wheels and a unique electronic stability
programme. Carbon ceramic brakes are standard fitment, benefiting
steering response, grip and ride comfort, while saving weight. Overall,
the engineering team have achieved a weight reduction of 110 kg (243 lb)
compared with the Bentley Continental GT Speed. - The evolution of the
Bentley Continental Supersports' design is very much a case of 'form
following function' with new purposeful sculptural forms signalling the
engineering changes beneath the skin. For example, the increased power
and torque of the W12 engine necessitated additional airflow to the twin
turbocharger intercoolers and cooling system. Bentley's designers
responded with a purposeful and dramatic style that features large
vertical intake apertures and twin bonnet vents. Similarly, new flared
rear wings that accommodate the 50 mm (2 inches) wider rear track are
designed to emphasise the powerful stance of this ultra-high performance
coupe. The resultant Supersports style combines the looks of the iconic
Continental GT with a new and distinctive appearance that reflects its
more extreme character. ==
Teaser shots for Bentley's new 2010 Continental Supersports have been
making their way round the internet for the past couple of weeks, but
today Bentley was finally ready to unleash exhaustive details on their
new E85-capable 621 horsepower Continental Supersports 2 seat supercar.
The Continental Supersports shares most body pieces and drivetrain
architecture with the Continental GT Speed, though both interior and
exterior have been beefed up to handle all that extra power. New are
larger standard 20 inch wheels with what Bentley boasts are the largest
and strongest brakes on any production car.
The Continental Supersports also gets a trick automatically deploying
rear spoiler that is completely hidden in the sublime bodywork. Wider
track relative to Continental GT Speed models necessitates new flared
fenders, and enlargened inlets feed air through the twin-turbocharged
air intake system.
E85 ethanol, while clean-burning and mostly eco-friendly, is more
corrosive than conventional gasoline. Thus, Bentley has replaced most of
the engine internals in its turbocharged W12 powerplant. All the rings,
seals and gaskets are unique to the Continental Supersports, meaning a
greater focus on extreme performance is possible with this engine.
The Continental Supersports gets a modified version of the AWD system
found in lesser Continental models. In this application, the AWD system
distributes 40 percent torque to the front wheels and 60 percent to the
rear by default. Through the use of electronic locking differentials
torque can be reapplied as the situation requires, naturally.
The 2010 Bentley Continental Supersports currently has a release date
this Spring, though Bentley says US models are still waiting on
regulators' approval to run on the E85 spewing out of North American
pumps. The car is adequately engineered, and the British motor company
expects full ethanol certification by August.
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