Bentley->ke15 unveiled the GT3 Concept car at the 2012 Paris Auto Show and now the production version made its world debut at the 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed->ke3879 in Sussex, England.

The model continues from where the concept left, but it looks a little bit more aggressive and more track-ready. When compared to a base Continental GT, the new GT3 racer is about 2,200 pounds lighter and combined with the powerful engine found under the hood, you will get a real monster on the race track.

The new Continental GT3->ke3108 will enter its first development races before starting full competition in the FIA Blancpain Series in 2014. Until then it will run the famous Goodwood Festival of Speed hill climb, piloted twice a day by Bentley Boy and 2003 Le Mans champion, Guy Smith.

Updated 07/12/2013: The production version Continental GT3 made its world debut today at the 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Updated 11/15/2013: Bentley unveiled a new video showing the development process behind the new Continental GT3 racer. The video comes just a few days before the car's debut at Yas Marina circuit in December 2013.

Updated 01/07/2014: Bentley unveiled a new video showing the new Continental GT3 Race Car in action at the Gulf 12 Hours, held at the famous Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi.

Click past the jump to read more about the Bentley Continental GT3 Race Car.

2014 Bentley Continental GT3 Race Car

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Bentley Continental GT3 Race Car
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 600
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

To no surprise, the production version GT3 looks pretty much identical to the concept that previewed it, but it features a more aggressive aerodynamic package that helps maximize downforce and optimize the coefficient drag.

The package includes a top-mounted carbon-fiber rear wing and a carbon-fiber splitter that improves the car's downforce and stability. In order to improve the engine cooling and the optimize the drag coefficient, Bentley also updated the bonnet, bumpers, fenders and sills.

Dimensions:

Length

4950 mm (194.88 inches)

Width

2030 mm (79.92 inches)

Height

1350 mm (53.14 inches)

Weight

<1300 kg (2866 pounds)

Weight Distribution

52 : 48


Interior

On the inside, the new GT3 racecar removed all the luxury features, like the leather and the wood trim, the production electrical systems and advanced refinement materials. This way the car's total weight was kept under 2,866 pounds.

Despite being developed for the race track, the new GT3 received hand-crafted Bentley steering wheel, door pulls and seats.

Drivetrain

Under the hood, the new Continental GT3 racer receives a 4.0-liter V-8 engine that delivers a total of 600 horsepower in race specification. The engine sends its power to the rear wheels via an Xtrac six-speed sequential transaxle gearbox with racing clutch.

Engine

4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, repositioned to the rear of the engine bay, Cosworth engine management system

Power

Approx. 600 bhp derestricted

Oil System

Dry sump

Transmission

Rear wheel drive, Xtrac six-speed sequential transaxle gearbox, racing clutch, steering wheel mounted paddle operated pneumatic gear shift

Drivetrain

Carbon fiber propshaft, limited slip differential


Suspension and Brakes

The new racer sits on a set of 18-inch OZ wheels, with a Brembo braking system that features six-piston front calipers and four-piston rear calipers doing the stopping. Bentley also installed a double-wishbone suspension with four-way adjustable racing dampers.

Suspension

Double wishbone suspension front and rear, four-way adjustable racing dampers

Steering

Hydraulic power-assisted steering

Brakes

Ventilated iron disc brakes front and rear, Brembo six-piston front calipers, four-piston rear calipers, driver-adjustable brake bias

Wheels

OZ Racing 18” x 13” rims

Tires

310 /710 R18


Prices

Prices for the new Continental GT3 will be announced at a later date. The model is currently pending FIA homologation.

Competition

2013 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR

The 911 GT3 RSR is based on the new 991 generation 911 GT3 road-going version. The model is powered by a 4.0-liter six-cylinder boxer engine that delivers a total of 460 horsepower. It features a new wishbone front suspension and a lightweight racing gearbox. Porsche also installed a new aerodynamic package made of carbon fiber that includes front and rear mudguards, front and rear lids, doors, underbody, wheel arches, and a rear wing.

Alpine A450

The Alpine A450 marks Alpine's return to the market and the racing industry. The A450 is powered by a Nissan-sourced V-8 engine that delivers a total of 500 horsepower and is mated to a six-speed sequential X-Trac gearbox. With a total weight of just 1,984 pounds, the new race car will hit a pretty impressive top speed of 205 mph.

Conclusion

Like with any other Bentley model, the new Continental GT3 racer also seems to be a pretty cool car. It delivers a great amount of power and all the additions made to the exterior and on the technological features makes it ready for any track in the world.