New Bentley Continental GT to arrive next year
Bentley is seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. It thinks that the economies of the world will have recovered enough by next year that its customer base will be back to buy. So now Bentley is moving up the schedule for the new Continental GT (possibly previewed in the Supersports) to give customers something to look at when they are back in the money.
"We know that coming out of the dip is when new models will pay off," Stuart McCullough, Bentley’s board member for sales and marketing told Automotive News. "We have done enough work with our customers to understand what they are thinking and when they are likely to be back in the market."
Just like Jaguar’s development plans, Bentley is realizing the best way to win in the long term is to have fresh products when bank accounts are on the upswing. That means making the tough decision to spend on development when pockets are still empty. Good for you Bentley.
As we suspected, once Bentley got ready to drop the veil on its latest supercar project, it would also lose the Victoria name. Bentley has released full details on the car now known as Continental Supersports.
Bentley has created its most powerful car ever by taking its turbocharged 6.0-liter W12 engine and raising the horsepower to 621 (up 21 hp from the Continental GT Speed editions.) With this amount of power the Supersports makes the 0 to 60 mph sprint in 3.7 seconds, the 0 -100 mph in 8.9 seconds and can hit a top speed of 204 mph.
The Continental Supersports was designed to run on either regular gasoline or biofuel. Bentley says it’s using this car to begin a three-year process of spreading FlexFuel technology over the entire lineup. The car will go on sale in Europe in the fall of 2009, and in North America starting the summer of 2010.
More details in the press release after the jump.
Press release
The Continental Supersports is the fastest and most powerful Bentley ever. It is the extreme Bentley, a muscular two-seater that delivers supercar performance and a highly focused driving experience.
The Supersports is also the first Bentley capable of running on both petrol (gasoline) and biofuel, pioneering the use of FlexFuel technology in the luxury sector. This represents stage one of the company’s commitment to make its complete model range compatible with renewable fuels by 2012.
Available worldwide from autumn 2009, the Continental Supersports will be FlexFuel compatible in the majority of markets from launch with North American cars offering the capability by summer 2010, following regulatory approval.
The Continental Supersports began as an ‘under the radar’ project exploring the possibilities of weight reduction on the Continental GT but with more power and torque. A largely experimental process crystallised over a period of 24 months into an official new car programme, driven by the passion and enthusiasm of a small group of Bentley engineers and designers.
The results are dramatic. With 630PS (621 bhp) and new ‘Quickshift’ transmission that halves shift times, the Supersports sets new performance benchmarks for Bentley. It accelerates from 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds) onto a top speed of 204 mph (329 km/h).
Supercar performance is complemented by an array of chassis enhancements including retuned steering and suspension, utilising lighter weight components, retuned dampers and anti-roll bars.
Agility is further sharpened by the 40:60 rear-biased torque split for the all-wheel drive system, a wider rear track, bespoke lightweight 20-inch alloy wheels and a unique electronic stability programme.
Carbon ceramic brakes are standard fitment, benefiting steering response, grip and ride comfort, while saving weight. Overall, the engineering team have achieved a weight reduction of 110 kg (243 lb) compared with the Continental GT Speed.
The evolution of the Supersports’ design is very much a case of ‘form following function’ with new purposeful sculptural forms signalling the engineering changes beneath the skin.
For example, the increased power and torque of the W12 engine necessitated additional airflow to the twin turbocharger intercoolers and cooling system. Bentley’s designers responded with a purposeful and dramatic style that features large vertical intake apertures and twin bonnet vents.
Similarly, new flared rear wings that accommodate the 50 mm (2 inches) wider rear track are designed to emphasise the powerful stance of this ultra-high performance coupe. The resultant Supersports style combines the looks of the iconic Continental GT with a new and distinctive appearance that reflects its more extreme character.
The Supersports is further distinguished from its Continental coupe stable mates by a unique dark-smoked steel finish to all exterior ‘brightware’, including front grilles, lamp bezels, window surrounds and wheels. A complex ‘Physical Vapour Deposition’ process is applied to all stainless steel components to give a lustrous and highly durable finish. A car industry first, this process is normally used as a coating on industrial tools, watches and even hip replacement joints.
Fully embracing the extreme spirit of the Supersports, Bentley’s interior designers have created a unique ambience. The cockpit represents a dramatic re-interpretation of Bentley interior design in which carbon fibre and AlcantaraTM not only convey a sporting and contemporary style but also reduce weight.
The Supersports is a strict two-seater featuring all-new lightweight sports seats with carbon fibre clamshell rear panels. In the rear compartment, the seats are replaced by a stowage deck with a carbon fibre luggage retaining beam.
The new interior also provides a showcase for the skills of Bentley’s craftsmen and women at the company’s factory in Crewe, England. Signature premium grade leather and brightware are complemented by carbon fibre panels, replacing traditional wood veneers.
The Continental Supersports is capable of running on either petrol and E85 biofuel or any combination of the two. E85 biofuel can offer a reduction of up to 70 per cent in CO2 emissions on a ‘well-to-wheel’ basis.
Well-to-wheel is a measurement of a fuel’s net CO2 contribution to the atmosphere, not just tailpipe emissions. It is a way of quantifying how much CO2 a fuel emits from its growth or extraction (well) to its combustion or deployment (wheel). It includes refinement, distillation and transport of the fuel.
The fuel supply system detects the blending ratio of the fuel in the tank and ensures that power and torque remain constant regardless of the ratio of petrol to biofuel. The result is seamless power delivery in the Bentley tradition.
The ‘Supersports’ name is inspired by the original two-seater 3-litre Supersports model introduced in 1925, itself an evolution of the 3-litre Speed. The lightweight, 85 bhp Supersports was the first production Bentley to reach 100 mph and was also renowned for the application of Le Mans-winning race technology.
“The Continental Supersports reflects the passion and enthusiasm of Bentley’s engineers and designers. This is the fastest, most extreme Bentley ever, dramatically styled to underline its supercar character. Importantly, it also pioneers the use of FlexFuel technology in the luxury sector.”
Continental Supersports – news in brief
The fastest most powerful Bentley in the company’s 90-year history
* 6-litre W12 engine twin-turbocharged engine now produces 630PS (621 bhp/463 kW) at 6000 rev/min and 800 Nm (590 lb ft) of torque at 1700 – 5600 rev/min
* 0 – 60 mph in 3.7 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds)
* 0 -100 mph (0-160 km/h) in 8.9 seconds
* 50 – 70 mph in 2.1 seconds
* 80 – 120 km/h in 2.6 seconds
* Top speed of 204 mph (329 km/h)
Continental Supersports reaffirms Bentley’s environmental commitment by pioneering the use of biofuel in the luxury sector
* Capable of running on petrol and E85 biofuel or any combination of the two
* Power and torque remain constant whatever the ratio of petrol to E85 biofuel
* A Fuel Quality Sensor detects the blending ratio of the fuel in real time sending a signal to the engine control unit (ECU), initiating the correct engine mapping. This ensures all performance parameters remain balanced and consistent.
* Offers a reduction in CO2 emissions of up to 70% (well-to-wheel), a measure of a fuel’s net contribution to the atmosphere, not just tailpipe emissions
Continental Supersports is the extreme Bentley, delivering a highly focused driving experience
* Revised ZF 6HP26 transmission with ‘Quickshift’ system that cuts shift times by 50% and enables double downshifts
* New 40/60 rear-biased torque split for the all-wheel drive system reduces understeer when powering out of bends and provides for better modulation of line and attitude by ‘throttle steering’
* Uprated front suspension with aluminium forward levers, stiffer bushes together with retuned anti roll bar and Servotronic steering for sharper turn-in
* Revised Continuous Damping Control (CDC) for improved body control
* Unique lightweight, 20-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels offer 10 kg (22 lb) weight saving per car, reducing unsprung and rotating mass and improving brake cooling. Increased 25 mm (I inch) offset on rear wheels improves grip and stability
* 275/35 ZR20 Pirelli Ultra High Performance tyres
* Advanced ESP system fully exploits potential of the most powerful W12 engine and improved chassis
* Standard-fit carbon-ceramic brakes – the largest and most powerful brakes ever fitted to a production car - contribute 20 kg (44 lb) weight saving
* 110 kg (243 lb) weight saving compared to Continental GT Speed
Continental Supersports combines the looks of the iconic GT with a distinctive style that reflects its supercar character
* Form follows function: distinctive centre air intake and vertical grilles feed larger volume of air (+ 10%) to turbocharger intercoolers while bonnet vents extract hot air from engine bay
* Subtly curved rear wheel arches with newly tooled side panels accommodate increased rear track of the uprated chassis and provide muscular stance
* Distinctive ‘smoked steel finish’ to all exterior ‘brightware’, including the first automotive application of ‘Physical Vapour Deposition’ to stainless steel
* Larger, twin elliptical exhaust tailpipes and rear valance with discreet vertical divider
* 2 new pearlescent and 2 new matt finish colours
* Unique driver-focused, two-seater cabin with lightweight sports seats, giving a 45 kg (99 lb) weight saving
* Rear seats replaced by stowage deck with carbon fibre luggage retaining beam
* AlcantaraTM, carbon fibre and ‘Soft Touch’ leather’ provide a very different interpretation of Bentley craftsmanship with choice of Single Tone and Duo Tone combinations
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The fastest, most powerful Bentley ever
For the Continental Supersports, Bentley engineers have created the most powerful engine in the company’s 90-year history.
Bentley’s renowned 6-litre, twin-turbocharged W12 now develops 630 PS (621 bhp/463 kW) at 6000 rev/min, an increase of 3.5 per cent compared with the Continental GT Speed. Maximum torque of 800 Nm (590 lb ft), up by 6.7 per cent, is achieved from 1700 rev/min across virtually the entire rev range for effortless power delivery.
The extra power and torque resulting from the increased turbocharger boost necessitated a 10 per cent increase in air flow to the intercoolers and radiators following an extensive programme of Computational Fluid Dynamics.
Dramatically-styled front air intakes feed the intercoolers behind, while twin bonnet vents ensure positive extraction of hot air above the engine.
These changes also help to increase downforce at the front, balanced by the addition of a re-profiled spoiler on the rear aerofoil with a raised rear edge.
The new ‘Quickshift’ version of the six-speed ZF 6HP26 automatic transmission is engineered exclusively for the Continental Supersports. Shift time has been cut by 50 per cent and the revised transmission also helps double downshifts (e.g. 6th down to 4th)
During upshifts, fuel and ignition are cut momentarily to give faster mechanical shift times through torque reduction, also improving shift quality and durability. Positive torque during downshifts is achieved through engine and gearbox electronic controller interaction for extra throttle and fuel injection during the overrun. This replicates manual throttle ‘blips’ for precise rev matching and helps double downshifts for enhanced response.
Acceleration times are improved, response times throughout the whole gear range are enhanced and engine braking can be better exploited during enthusiastic driving. The result is a driving experience with a sportier feel and sound.
To cope with the additional power and torque, the planetary gear set of the ZF transmission is also strengthened.
Engineering Bentley’s first ‘FlexFuel’ engine
At the 2008 Geneva Auto Salon, Bentley announced a far-reaching environmental programme to reduce CO2 emissions and improve fuel economy across its model range.
An important element of this strategy is by 2012 to make the entire Bentley fleet capable of running on renewable fuel through the introduction of FlexFuel technology, where engines are capable of running seamlessly on bioethanol, petrol or any mix of the two.
At the same time Bentley declared that this would be achieved without sacrificing its well-known performance and luxury.
This statement of intent has taken shape in the Continental Supersports – a car that balances extreme potency with the pioneering use of biofuel technology in the luxury sector.
The result is a net CO2 reduction of up to 70 per cent on a well-to-wheel-basis, the measurement of CO2 release of a fuel from its production (well) to its combustion or deployment (wheel).
Bioethanol can be derived responsibly from crops such as corn, soybeans, sugarcane and switchgrass. Second generation bioethanol uses the non-food fibres of the plant (biomass), as well as agricultural waste and forestry residues. These are collected and refined into cellulose ethanol.
CO2 is absorbed by plants as part of the photosynthesis process, and cars using biofuel then release that CO2 back into the atmosphere, thus creating an unbroken energy cycle. In addition, biofuels are not derived from fossil fuels, making them a renewable resource ensuring a secure supply into the future.
Bioethanol is often blended with petrol in a variety of percentages ranging from E10 (10% bioethanol) to the most widely known, E85, blended to a ratio of 85 per cent bioethanol to 15 per cent petrol to ensure cold-start capability.
Bioethanol presents unique engineering challenges compared with petrol, due to its chemical composition and characteristics. E85 biofuel has a very high octane rating of 105 but a lower energy content that requires a 30 per cent increase in the engine fuel flow rate.
This necessitated a complete review of the fuel system to identify, and if required replace, components deemed to be insufficiently resistant to the corrosive properties of ethanol.
For the fuel system all O-rings, seals, gaskets and pipes are new. In addition, increased fuel flow is achieved through a returnless fuel system and twin variable flow fuel pumps for the engine. The use of bioethanol also requires new valve coatings and hardened valve seat material for additional lubrication, a new closed loop fuel rail design with pressure sensor for higher fuel flow rates and new spark plugs with a wider heat range for slower combustion.
The W12 6-litre power unit has the technology to run on petrol, E85 or any mix of these two fuels.
A new Fuel Quality Sensor in the fuel supply circuit detects the current mix of petrol and bioethanol in real time. The engine control unit instantly initiates the correct engine mapping to ensure all performance parameters remain balanced and consistent. Power and torque remain constant whatever the ratio of petrol to bioethanol.
“The W12 has been re-engineered to run on petrol or a mix of petrol and bioethanol. A sophisticated fuel sensing system ensures that power and torque remain constant irrespective of the fuel ratio to deliver seamless power delivery in the Bentley tradition.”
A highly focused driving experience
The Supersports’ high performance is complemented by an array of chassis enhancements and weight reductions to deliver a highly focused driving experience with the emphasis on grip, agility and response.
The complex, four-link front suspension features not only high stiffness aluminium uprights, but now lightweight aluminium forward levers (saving 4 kg/8.8 lb). New double-stiffened bushes are fitted at the inboard mounting point to improve steering response and feedback.
A new hydraulic bush for the trailing link is 33 per cent stiffer to improve response and has a revised damping peak for better control of fore-aft wheel movement.
The anti-roll bar geometry is retuned for improved roll stiffness, while the Servotronic speed-sensitive steering system is tuned for sharper turn-in, improved feel and linearity.
The front and rear suspensions benefit from changes to the electronic control strategy of the Continous Damping Control (CDC) system that improve body control.
In common with the GT Speed, the Supersports’ suspension is lowered by 10 mm (0.4 inches) at the front and 15 mm (0.6 inches) at the rear for optimal handling.
Agility is further sharpened by a revision to the continuous all-wheel drive system, which provides exceptional traction in all weathers. As before, the drive is transferred between the front and rear axles automatically via a highly sensitive Torsen centre differential which automatically sends more power to the wheels with greater grip.
For the Supersports, the standard 50/50 front/rear torque split is replaced by 40/60 split with a rear-bias. This provides for better modulation of line and attitude by ‘throttle steering’ as well as neutral acceleration out of bends.
The Supersports is fitted with unique, lightweight 9.5J x 20-inch forged alloy wheels, offering a total weight saving of 10 kg (22 lb) per car. These reduce both unsprung and rotating mass while the open 10-spoke design offers superior brake cooling. The rear wheels have a 25 mm (I inch) greater offset resulting in a 50 mm (2 inches) increase in the rear track, further benefiting handling and stability.
The new wheels are fitted with 275/35 ZR20 Pirelli Ultra-High Performance tyres, shared with the Continental GT Speed and provide excellent steering response. The wider rear track further enhances the already high level of grip.
To ensure optimum aerodynamic balance at speeds of up to 204 mph (329 km/h) the Supersports is fitted with a re-profiled automatic spoiler which deploys at 50 mph (80 km/h).
The Supersports is fitted with Bentley’s carbon-ceramic brakes as standard – the largest and most powerful ever fitted to a production car. The large diameter (420 mm front, 356 mm rear), lightweight discs and eight-piston calipers offer fade-resistant braking performance with minimal disc distortion under high thermal conditions. A 20 kg (44 lb) weight saving reduces unsprung and rotating mass, benefiting steering response and handling. Pedal feel is also improved with shorter travel, high effectiveness and a precise pressure point.
The standard-fit tyre-pressure monitoring system allows drivers to select tyre type and speed range parameters. As well as monitoring pressures, the system warns drivers if their speed is too high for the tyre pressures or if tyre speed ratings are exceeded on winter tyres.
The Supersports features an advanced electronic stability programme (ESP) that exploits the potential of the more powerful engine and enhanced chassis, improving driver interaction and control. The new ESP also provides faster reinstatement of engine torque after intervention for improved agility. The target slip is increased at greater than 90 per cent throttle to utilise all available longitudinal grip. Corner exit agility is thereby enhanced for increased driver involvement.
Brian Gush, Director of Chassis and Powertrain Engineering comments:
Muscular styling: form follows function
The Bentley Continental Supersports was not born of market research. It started out as a kind of ‘under the radar’ project’ with a team of four engineers investigating the additional performance potential of a lighter weight Continental GT.
Driven by this small, highly-motivated group of Bentley engineers the project gathered momentum. The team sought to create a rear-bias for the power delivery and also raise that power to create the fastest and most powerful Bentley ever. The design team was then briefed to make the new car ‘extreme’.
The evolution of the Supersports’ design was a clear case of form following function, the purposeful sculptural forms signalling the engineering revisions beneath the skin.
At the front, Supersports has a simple ‘letter box’ centre air intake flanked by two vertical grilles which give the car dramatic differentiation, making it seem wider (and therefore lower) while feeding a larger volume of cooling air to the intercoolers. Two new bonnet vents extract hot air from the engine bay.
At the rear, the subtly curved wheel arches are extended by 25 mm (I inch) each side, necessitating newly tooled panels, to accommodate the increased track of the uprated chassis. They provide the Supersports with a truly muscular stance, complemented by the new lightweight, 20-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels. The very open design allows a clear view of the carbon ceramic brake discs and calipers.
A new bumper with a black finish to the lower valance, houses larger (+ 40 mm/1.6 inches), unique elliptical exhaust pipes with a discreet vertical divider.
The Supersports is further distinguished by a unique dark-smoked steel finish to all exterior ‘brightware’, including front grilles, lamp bezels, window surrounds and wheels. A complex ‘Physical Vapour Deposition’ process is applied to all stainless steel components to give a lustrous and highly durable finish. A car industry first, this process is normally used as a decorative coating on watches and machine tools.
Four new exterior colours are available exclusively for the Supersports – pearlescent Ice and Quartzite and a first for Bentley, two matt finish colours, Light Grey Satin and Dark Grey Satin. Supersports customers will also have a choice of the 17 ‘standard’ paint colours.
The new Continental Supersports will feature subtle external model badges incorporated in the smoked steel trim strip behind each wheel on the lower front wings.
Dr. Ulrich Eichhorn, Member of the Board, Engineering:
“The Supersports was driven by the passion and enthusiasm of a small group of designers and engineers. Their aim was simple: to create a performance car exuding adrenaline and potency, where form follows function.”
A unique driver-focused cabin
Fully embracing the extreme spirit of Supersports, Bentley’s designers have created a unique ambience for the interior of this most ‘driver focused’ of Bentley cars. They have crafted a dedicated two-seat cabin that blends traditional leather hide with three new materials for Bentley – carbon fibre, AlcantaraTM and ‘Soft Touch’ leather. Traditional Bentley craftsmanship and fine detailing is retained but given a very different interpretation.
Dirk van Braeckel, Director of Design and Styling explains:
“Our challenge was to create a driver-focused cabin that complements the extreme character of the exterior, using non-traditional materials whilst maintaining Bentley’s high standards of quality and craftsmanship.”
Light weight carbon fibre replaces wood veneer on the fascia and centre console, while the new lightweight front sports seats also feature a carbon fibre clamshell back. The rear seats are replaced by a stowage deck area with a carbon fibre luggage retaining beam.
A visible weave in all the carbon fibre components has a ‘Bentley-specific’ density and all the parts are finished at the company’s Crewe wood shop.
The all-new lightweight sports seat frames are manufactured to a Bentley specification and assembled and trimmed at Crewe. The cushion angle is fixed but the seat can be raised/lowered by 40 mm (1.6 inches) by the dealer who will tailor each car to its owner’s stature. The new seats have regular fore/aft movement, backrest recline adjustment and a heated cushion and backrest which tips forwards to provide access to the rear compartment. The new seat makes a significant contribution to the weight reduction target by saving a total of 45 kg (99 lb) versus the Continental GT Speed.
As the new sports seats do not have integrated belts, the top seatbelt anchorage was moved to the B-post. The Continental GT’s twin centre armrests were replaced by a wider, single armrest above an enlarged centre console storage unit.
The headlining, rear compartment and the seat centre panels are finished in AlcantaraTM, a high quality suede-like material.
The AlcantaraTM applied to the rear compartment and seat facings is quilted and in the Supersports marks the return of the much smaller ‘diamond’ upholstery pattern from Bentleys of old.
To further highlight the car’s sporty nature, the steering wheel and gear lever are trimmed in a new ‘Soft Touch’ leather with extra grip for a racing car feel.
The predominant interior colour is black with Beluga secondary hide and Anthracite AlcantaraTM. Customers however can personalise their interior by choosing between Single and Duo Tone themes.
Single Tone interiors feature primary and secondary hides in Beluga (black) and can be tailored to customer preference with a choice of contrasting stitching and piping (defining the seat edges) in seven colours – Newmarket Tan, Hotspur, Saffron, Linen, Portland, Porpoise or Beluga.
Duo Tone interiors offer a choice of three colour combinations with the primary hide in Newmarket Tan, Porpoise (grey) or Hotspur (red), the secondary hide in Beluga and the rear compartment and seats faces trimmed in Anthracite AlcantaraTM – as they are in the Single Tone cars.
These innovations are complemented by drilled alloy foot-pedals and ‘Supersports’ logos to the polished treadplates.
Conclusion
Commenting on the most extreme Bentley, Stuart McCullough, Member of the Board, Sales and Marketing said:
“The Supersports will appeal not only to existing Bentley customers but will extend the brand’s appeal to enthusiasts who value extreme performance and distinctive styling in a luxury car that is fuelled for the future.”
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