The most hardcore version of the grand tourer yet ditches the hybrid powertrain for a traditional V8 combined with RWD, a sharper chassis and redesigned aero
Bentley has taken the wraps off the much-anticipated Continental GT Supersports. The most driver-focused version of the grand tourer yet ditches the hybrid powertrain for a twin-turbo V8 and is the first non-racing Continental to adopt a RWD layout.
The idea for the “Project Mildred” originated from a small engineering team that envisioned a RWD, sub-two-tonne Continental GT. After taking a test mule to the track, its performance and driving dynamics convinced the company to give it the green light for production. Its debut coincides with the 100th anniversary since the first Super Sports appeared in 1925.
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The model is fitted with a non-electrified twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 producing a devilish 666 PS (657 hp / 490 kW) and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque. That’s 114 hp (116 PS) and 200 Nm (148 lb-ft) down on the “Ultra Performance Hybrid” system of the Continental GT Speed.
The Supersports completes the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 3.7 seconds and can reach a top speed of 310 km/h (192 mph). This makes it 0.5 seconds slower than the Speed, which also has a 25 km/h (16 mph) higher top speed. It is also slower than the previous W12-powered Supersport generations introduced in 2009 and 2017 respectively. However, we doubt many owners will care about numbers, as Bentley’s target this time was “maximum driver engagement”.
Power is transmitted exclusively to the rear wheels via an upgraded ZF eight-speed double clutch transmission and an electronic limited slip differential assisted by torque vectoring and rear-wheel-steering. The chassis setup has been reworked with unique calibration for the active air suspension, steering, and electronics.
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The RWD model also gets extensively reworked aerodynamics, 22-inch forged wheels created in collaboration by Manthey Racing, the largest carbon ceramic brakes in the world (440 mm up front), and a louder titanium exhaust by Akrapovic. For those who want maximum grip, the standard Pirelli P-Zero rubber can be optionally swapped for Trofeo RS performance tires.
The removal of the hybrid and AWD components, the lack of a rear bench, the reduced insulation, the carbon fiber roof, the fewer ADAS and other weight-saving measures made the Supersports the first Continental GT to tip the scales under 2 tons (4,000 pounds) and the lightest Bentley in 85 Years.
Purposeful Design
Visually, the Supersports stands out thanks to the redesigned front bumper with integrated cooling channels and dive planes, the matching side skirts, the vented rear bumper, and the ducktail spoiler. The bodykit also includes a laser-cut mesh grille and a more prominent diffuser that houses the titanium tailpipes. According to Bentley, the new aero generates an extra 300 kg of downforce compared to the Continental GT Speed and helps achieve the optimal weight distribution while on the go.
The cabin has two lower-positioned lightweight sports seats with 11-way electric adjustment and heating function. Behind them there is a carbon fiber tub wrapped in leather. The sporty atmosphere is accentuated by the carbon fiber inserts (optionally aluminum), the Supersports embroidery, and the numbered plaque on the center console. Of course, buyers have plenty of options for personalization by the Mulliner division.
Limited Availability
Bentley’s Chairman and CEO, Dr Frank-Steffen Walliser, said: “The new Supersports is more than just the most driver-focused Bentley yet. It signifies a return to Bentley making more extreme cars – ones that combine extraordinary breadth of ability with true driver engagement, while remaining pieces of automotive artwork unique and bespoke to each customer.”
Bentley will start accepting orders for the Continental GT Supersports on March 2026 for an undisclosed price. The model will enter production in the fourth quarter of 2026, with the first deliveries scheduled for early 2027. The company will only make 500 examples available to buyers in the UK, Europe, Turkey, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Oman, Bahrain, UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait.
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Thanos Pappas, a product design engineer by trade, has been wading through automotive journalism for… Read full bio

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