The new Bentley Supersports claims the title of the brand’s lightest vehicle since 1941, a claim that shapes its whole character.
Engine and power output
Under the hood sits a revised 4.0 L V8, featuring a reinforced block, fresh cylinder heads and larger turbochargers. A dual‑mass flywheel remains wet‑sumped, keeping the drivetrain simple.
The power plant delivers 657 hp and 590 lb‑ft of torque. While not the strongest Bentley ever, the numbers are tuned for a more engaged drive.
Both axles are equipped with 48 V active anti‑roll bars that can react in about a third of a second, applying up to 960 lb‑ft of reaction torque to keep the chassis level.
When paired with optional Pirelli Trofeo RS tires, the car can generate cornering forces of roughly 1.3 g.
Aerodynamics and handling trends
The exterior is wrapped in carbon‑fiber, from a lightweight roof to a pronounced rear spoiler and diffuser. Aerodynamic appendages include a front splitter and winglets positioned ahead and behind the wheels.
Bentley states the model creates at least 661 lb of additional downforce compared with the Continental GT Speed reviewed a year earlier. The aero balance shifts rearward as speed climbs, moving from an initial 54:46 split toward greater stability.
During a test run at the famed Laguna Seca circuit, the vehicle descended the newly renamed “Zanardi Corkscrew” with confidence, its carbon‑fiber roof contributing to a low centre of gravity.
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Suspension settings adapt across Touring, Bentley and Sport modes, with twin‑valve dampers and air springs recalibrated for each.
Even on a curb that rises to the car’s underbody, the chassis absorbs the impact before any intrusion reaches the cabin, a detail that feels almost like a safety net.
Interior layout and driver focus
Inside, the cabin is draped in carbon‑fiber panels, yet the two sports seats remain generous, offering extensive electric adjustments. They hold occupants firmly during rapid elevation changes or tight apexes.
Despite a curb weight listed as “less than 4,407 lb” (under 2,000 kg), the vehicle feels agile, a rarity for a marque known for grand touring comfort.
The dashboard’s minimalist approach reduces visual clutter, letting the driver concentrate on the road ahead.
One quirky observation: the steering wheel’s tactile feedback sometimes feels like a slightly over‑engineered glove.
Compared with earlier Bentley high‑performance editions, this iteration leans more toward a sports‑car ethos, shedding weight and adding driver‑centric technology while still retaining a hint of luxury.
Overall, the model demonstrates how a luxury automaker can blend heritage with a stripped‑down engineering mindset, delivering a car that feels both exclusive and surprisingly focused on the pure act of driving.