The second-generation Bentley Continental GT arrived in 2011 with a mildly redesigned exterior, a new interior, and upgraded technology. Although it uses the same Volkswagen Group D1 platform (shared with the Phaeton and the Bentley Flying Spur), the second-gen Conti GT gained a revised W-12 engine and a brand-new, twin-turbo V-8. Much like its predecessor, the second-gen Continental GT spawned a number of versions, including V8 and W12 trims, convertibles, the higher-performance GT Speed, a race-spec GT3 model, and a road-going GT3-R. In early 2017, Bentley unveiled the Supersports, a successor to the beefed-up model it first introduced in 2009.

The fact that the Supersports arrived almost six years after the second-generation Continental GT went into production isn't surprising. The first Supersports was launched by a similar schedule, hitting public roads six years after the standard model and two years before the first generation car was discontinued. With the current luxury two-door set to be replaced by a third-gen car sometime in 2018, the Supersports was once again introduced as the ultimate Continental GT.

Just like its predecessor, the new range-topping coupe is the fastest and most powerful Continental GT released to the date. The same goes for its soft-top sibling, which is only marginally slower from 0 to 60 mph.

"The Supersports name is legendary at Bentley. From the very first Supersports of the 1920s, to the Continental Supersports of 2009 – and now with the third iteration of this iconic model – it is a name which excites, impassions and thrills. Only Bentley could create a car which blends immense performance and unrivalled luxury in this way," said Wolfgang Durheimer, chairman and CEO of Bentley Motors.

Continue reading to learn more about the new Bentley Continental Supersports.

2018 Bentley Continental GT Supersports

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2018 Bentley Continental GT Supersports
  • Engine/Motor: W12
  • Horsepower: 650
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Essentially a more aggressive version of the GT Speed, the Supersports features a modified front bumper with revised side vents -- now split in two by horizontal slats -- a reshaped center intake, and a carbon-fiber splitter. Above, the trademark Bentley grille received blacked-out chrome elements and black bezels for the headlamps. The vents on each side of the hood are now finished in carbon-fiber.

Around back, the bumper sports a new carbon-fiber diffuser, black chrome trim, black taillight surrounds, and gloss-black exhaust pipes. Optionally, you can get a relatively large rear spoiler that gives the car a race-inspired look. This element also comes with an optimized front splitter.

Moving onto the sides, the first thing that catches the eye is the new wheel design. The 21-inch rollers are made from forged alloy and are 20 kg (44 pounds) lighter than the standard rims. We can also notice new side sills extensions and black door handles and window trim. Another option adds side decals, while the X Specification package adds two-tone paints and carbon-fiber mirror caps.

As with all Bentleys, the Continental GT Supersports can also be handed over to the company's Mulliner department for individual customer requirements and special (yet very expensive) options.

COMPETING DESIGNS

Given its massive size, performance, and comfort, the Bentley Continental GT doesn't have too many competitors to match the same specs. The closest option you can have if you're looking for similar luxury features and performance is the Aston Martin Vanquish S. However, the British grand tourer is a tad smaller, being 3.4 inches shorter and 1.5 inches narrower, and it also boasts a sportier, almost supercar-like appearance. The front end is much more aggressive with its low-stanced, trapezoidal grille, swept-back headlamps, and big splitter, while the rear looks more aerodynamic and more similar to a brutish, Ferrari sports car rather than an elegant Bentley. Carbon-fiber is used on the this car too, with the front splitter and the rear diffuser being just a couple of components that come in the lightweight material. The Vanquish's profile is also more aggressive to look at thanks to its prominent side skirts, muscular rear haunches, and seemingly flatter roof line. Speaking of which, the Aston Martin is also a full five inches lower, which further contributes to its sporty image. Sure, the differences aren't very overwhelming, the Vanquish S lacks the imposing stature and unique elegance of the Continental GT, even in Supersports trim. This doesn't put the Aston Martin at a disadvantage though, but it's an issue you need to consider.

Aston Martin Vanquish S

Bentley Continental GT Supersports

Wheelbase (Inches)

107.87

108.1

Length (Inches)

186.22

189.2

Width (Inches)

75.19

76.5

Height (Inches)

50.98

54.9


Interior

Inside the Supersports, there aren't any changes as far as the overall design and layout go, but the upholstery and trim are unique to this model. For starters, it comes with an exclusive tri-tone seat upholstery -- the first for this generation Conti GT -- in black, white and red. The side bolsters are wrapped in red leather, the center section sports black Alcantara with red diamond quilting, while two white leather straps separate the two colors as they extend toward the headrest.

The door panels and the dashboard also feature white trim, while the floor mats have bright-red edges. Another feature that sets the Supersports apart is the checkered carbon-fiber dashboard panels on each side of the center stack. The standard setup is rounded off by new Supersports emblem stitching, a bespoke steering wheel with a red 12-o'clock stripe, and a unique gear lever with Alcantara inserts. Those who don't like the carbon-fiber dash can choose between ten veneers and finishes. Naturally, a Mulliner-spec version can be equipped with just about any type of upholstery.

If you go with the X Specification package, the interior side panels will get a special carbon-fiber finish. The Convertible model also features the neck warmer, which makes open air driving appealing and comfortable even on the cooler days of spring and autumn.

Needless to say, the Supersports' cockpit is as unique as they get, and the tri-tone upholstery is a nice touch even for a luxury car.

THE COMPETITION

In many ways, the Vanquish S is very similar to the Continental GT Supersports on the inside. It may not have carbon-fiber and a fancy tri-tone upholstery as standard, but the British grand tourer can be customized in many ways. Actually, seating leather options are quite unique, with the new "Filograph" quilted seats matching everything Bentley has to offer, including the Mulliner division. The dark leather paired with white contrast stitching, quilting on the bolsters, and white "Vanquish S" embroidery on the headrests, add a dash of elegance and exclusivity to the otherwise sporty cabin. Speaking of sportiness, you'll feel closer to the race track in this Aston Martin, especially due to the heavily slanted center stack and the wide center console. The only downside compared to the Continental GT is that the rear seats are significantly smaller and legroom is very tight for adults. Other features include the "Chopped Carbon" dashboard fascia, the latest AMi III infotainment system with 6.5-inch LCD, navigation, and Bluetooth, and a 13-speaker, 1,000-watt Bang & Olufsen audio system. The options list includes various steering wheel finishes, a black hardware pack, carbon-fiber shift paddles, personalized sill plates, perforated leather door inserts, and many more.

Drivetrain

Under the hood of the Supersports lurks a twin-turbo, 6.0-liter W-12 rated at a mind-boggling 700 horsepower and 750 pound-feet of torque. That's a 74-horsepower and 145-pound-foot increase over the Continental GT Speed and an extra 79 horsepower and 160 pound-feet of twist compared to the previous-generation Supersports. This makes the current range-topping model the most powerful Conti GT ever built. But is it also the quickest?

Indeed it is, as all that oomph pushes the Supersports from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds, which is three tenths quicker than the first-gen model more than a half-second quicker than the current GT Speed. Top speed also increased to 209 mph, the most Bentley has ever offered on a production model. Compared to the GT Speed, the Supersports is three mph faster. Granted, that's not much, but it sure counts in the statistics.

As for the Convertible model, it needs 3.7 seconds to hit 60 mph, on its way to a top speed of 205 mph. Equally impressive for a drop-top of this size.

So what makes the Supersports quicker and more powerful than any other Bentley out there? For starters, the 6.0-liter W-12 uses high-capacity turbocharged and revised charge-air cooling system. In order for the car to harness the extra oomph, the cranktrain also gained new main and conrod bearing. A new torque converter locks up faster to make the best use of the massive torque output and increase acceleration, while the rear-biased torque split of the Bentley's AWD system sends 60 percent of the power to the rear wheels for a sporty feel.

Bentley also developed a titanium exhaust system that's five kg (11 pounds) lighter that the standard design. This feature is optional, as is the carbon-fiber engine cover. However, both are included in the X Specification package.

Moving over to the suspension system, the Supersports comes with a lowered, stiffened dynamic setup for a "luxurious drive quality." The standard brakes have a also been replaced with a high-performance, carbon-ceramic system with enhanced cooling. Bentley claims that these brake discs are "the largest of their type in the world."

COMPETING PERFORMANCE

Upgraded for the 2018 -- and for the last time with a next-generation model underway -- the Vanquish's 5.9-liter V-12 received a power bump from 568 to 592 horsepower, while torque remained unchanged at 465 pound-feet. While these figures might not sound like much compared to the Continental GT Supersports, the Aston Martin is by no means slow, coming only a tenth-second behind the Bentley in the 0-to-60 race, with a 3.5-second benchmark. The reason for this is that the Aston Martin is nearly 1,000 pounds lighter than Supersports, which pretty much renders the Bentley's extra 108 horsepower and 285 pound-feet almost useless. The new calibration of the eight-speed Touchtronic III transmission also helps, as do the retuned suspension and spring rates. Performance aside, the two are significantly different as far as engine go, with the Aston Martin still using the more traditional naturally aspirated power. I'm sure die-hard enthusiasts will find it rather enjoyable.

Aston Martin Vanquish S

Bentley Continental GT Supersports

Aston Martin Vanquish S

Bentley Continental GT Supersports

5.9-liter V-12

6-litre twin-turbocharged port injection W12

Engine

592 HP @ 7,000 RPM

700 HP @ 6,000 RPM

Horsepower

465 LB-FT @ 5,500 RPM

750 LB-FT @ 2,050 – 4,500 RPM

Torque

3.5 seconds

3.4 seconds

0 to 60 mph

201 mph

209 mph

Top Speed

3,834 Lbs

5,027 Lbs


Prices

Pricing for the Continental GT Supersports is not yet available, but given that the GT Speed model starts from $240,300, the range-topping coupe could cost close to $300,000 before options. Expect the Convertible to fetch at least $320,000.

COMPETING PRICES

The Continental GT Supersports and the Vanquish S may be significantly different on the outside and under the hood, but they have similar price tag. Much like the Bentley, the Aston Martin costs nearly $300,000 before options, coming in at $294,950 in the United States.

Other Competitors

Ferrari F12berlineta

The F12 might not compete in the exact same field as the Continental GT, but it's pretty close to the Supersports model when it comes to performance and features. However, much like the Vanquish S, the F12 benefits from a significantly more aggressive design and it's far more suitable for the race track given its motorsport-derived internals. Inside, the Ferrari features a sporty layout and some of the best materials you can find in a high-end car. Standard equipment includes two big LCD screen in the instrument cluster, infotainment with navigation, Bluetooth, and voice activation, cruise control, and a Harman Kardon audio system. Performance-wise, the F12berlinetta is definitely the superior machine, with its naturally aspirated 6.3-liter V-12 pumping out no fewer than 730 horsepower and 509 pound-feet of torque. And don't let the inferior torque figure fool you, this Italian grand tourer needs only three seconds to hit 60 mph and tops out at an amazing 211 mph. As you might have already guessed, it's also significant lighter, tipping the scales at only 3,120 pounds. Pricing starts from $324,000, which makes it the most expensive of the bunch.

Learn more about the Ferrari F12berlinetta here.

Mercedes-AMG S63 Coupe

I know what you're thinking, Ferrari and Mercedes-Benz have never competed against each other in the same segment and the AMG S63 Coupe is significantly longer than any other car discussed in this review, but what may seem ludicrous at first glance will make some sense if you bear with me. For starters, the S-Class Coupe isn't a lot bigger than the Continental GT. Sure, it may offer more room in the rear and its interior design feels more modern, but the S63 Coupe actually boasts the same qualities as the Supersports. It has plenty of power, it's fast, it can be customized in various way, and it can also be comfortable when not driven in anger. Moving the AMG S63 aobut is a twin-turbo, 5.5-liter V-8 that cranks out 577 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque. Available with all-wheel-drive only in the States, it gets to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds, while top speed is limited at 186 mph. If you need more power, the AMG S65 version comes with a twin-turbo, 6.0-liter V-12 good for 621 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque. Although this model is closer to the Supersports in terms of output, it's actually slower to 60 mph due to its RWD-only configuration. Specifically, it needs four seconds to hit the benchmark and tops out at 186 mph. The good news is that the beefed-up S-Class Coupe is significantly more affordable, starting from $164,750 in AMG S63 trim. The AMG S65 is pricier at $236,250 before options, but it's nowhere near as expensive as the Continental GT Supersports.

Find out more about the AMG S63 and AMG S65 here and here.

Conclusion

The first-generation Continental GT Supersports was a highly acclaimed performance and luxury model and solid proof that Bentley knows how to build high-performance cars that can be quick but still offer the comfort of a high-end sedan. Since then, the British firm has created a race car based on the Conti GT and the track-focused, but road-legal GT3-R, but enthusiasts were still asking for a new Supersports. Now that the current Conti GT is about to be phased out in a couple of year, the second-gen Supersport finally made an entrance and took the crown as the quickest and most powerful model in the lineup. It's impressive by all means and will make headlines for years to come, but the competition ain't bad either. From where I stand, it's only downside is the almost 5,000-pound weight rating, which makes heavier than its most competitors and not a good vehicle for weekends at the track. Because of this reason alone, I'd be happier with an Aston Martin Vanquish S, despite the lower power output.

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