The new Continental GT Supersports drops its hybrid setup for a traditional V8, rear-wheel drive, sharper chassis, and fresh aero parts
Bentley has officially unveiled the long-awaited Continental GT Supersports, a model that signals a return to pure driving focus within the grand tourer lineup. It drops the hybrid system entirely in favor of a twin-turbocharged V8 and, for the first time in a non-racing Continental, adopts a rear-wheel-drive setup.
The project, internally known as “Project Mildred,” began with a small, determined engineering team that imagined a sub-two-tonne, rear-driven Continental GT built purely for engagement.
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What started as an experimental mule on the test track soon proved too good to shelve, convincing Bentley’s leadership that this purist approach deserved a production run. Its arrival also neatly coincides with the centenary of the original Super Sports model from 1925.
Powertrain and Performance
Under the hood you’ll find a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 without any electric assistance, tuned to deliver 666 PS (657 hp / 490 kW) and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque.
That’s a fair step down from the “Ultra Performance Hybrid” setup of the Continental GT Speed, losing 114 hp (116 PS) and 200 Nm (148 lb-ft), but this Supersports trades outright numbers for a more visceral, communicative feel.
The Supersports covers the 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) sprint in 3.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 310 km/h (192 mph). That’s half a second slower than the Speed, which also extends its advantage with an extra 25 km/h (16 mph) at the top end.
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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 flows exclusively to the rear wheels through an upgraded ZF eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, with an electronic limited-slip differential supported by torque vectoring and rear-wheel steering. The chassis, suspension, steering, and electronic systems all receive bespoke calibration to sharpen response.
Lightness, Grip, and Noise
The Supersports distinguishes itself further with extensively reworked aerodynamics, new 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 drivers chasing extra grip, the standard Pirelli P-Zero tires can be swapped for optional Trofeo RS performance rubber.
Stripping away the hybrid and all-wheel-drive systems, removing the rear seats, trimming insulation, fitting a carbon fiber roof, and cutting back on driver-assistance tech all contribute to a curb weight under two tonnes (4,000 pounds).
The result is not just the lightest Continental GT ever but the lightest Bentley built since 1940 – though, to be fair, that’s a relative achievement considering the brand’s long-standing fondness for heft.
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 car also features a laser-cut mesh grille and a more pronounced diffuser that integrates the titanium tailpipes. Bentley says the revised aero package produces an additional 300 kg of downforce compared with the Continental GT Speed, contributing to more balanced weight distribution at speed.
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, described the new Supersports as “more than just the most driver-focused Bentley yet,” adding that it marks a return to making “more extreme cars” that blend artistry with raw engagement.
Order books for the Continental GT Supersports will open in March 2026, with production set to begin in the fourth quarter of that year. Deliveries are scheduled to start in early 2027.
Only 500 units will be produced, allocated across key markets including the UK, Europe, Turkey, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Oman, Bahrain, the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait. Pricing will be shared at a later date.
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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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