Experienced by Kimatni D. Rawlins, AutomotiveRhythms.com
Bentley is on a roll, perfecting its roster with updated technology and performance parameters. From an upcoming electric SUV dubbed Torcal to the evocative 2027 Supersports Grand Tourer (GT) highlighted at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in a ‘Dragon’ livery, the British automaker is prepping devotees and recruits for a new generation of dynamic machines replete with supreme confidence.
Built for improved driver engagement, the evolved Bentley Supersports becomes the brand’s lightest GT and one that would make the gentlemen racers, the Bentley Boys, proud to pilot on raceways. The historical name was first resuscitated in 2009 with the 204-mph model of the first-generation Continental GT. Progressive technology, advanced production manufacturing, and thoughtful engineering went into the vehicle. Powering through the eleven corners of Laguna Seca in Sport mode felt really good, as the Supersports is 30% quicker around bends than a GT Speed. Without a hybrid system and battery, Bentley saved more than 600 pounds alone, and over 1,000 pounds total from using RWD vs AWD and lightweight materials.
The 2-door coupe is meticulously curated with lightweight body panels, a carbon fiber roof, a full-length titanium exhaust, an optimized rear diffuser and aerodynamic spoiler, unique air intakes to the front carbon ceramic brakes (10-piston calipers), and the largest carbon-fiber wing and front splitter ever fitted to a Bentley. You will also find carbon-fiber front dive planes to reduce front-axle lift and fender blades behind the front wheels to decrease turbulence along the side panels. Basically, the front end remained nailed to the track during acceleration, and understeer was hardly noticeable.
Supersports represents the pinnacle of performance for Bentley right now. The heart of the GT is a thoroughly reworked 4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that produces 657 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque channeled through the ZF 8-speed dual-clutch transmission and out to the wheels by way of the RWD layout, a Bentley first for a Continental except for the Continental GT3 racecars. The gas engine and RWD open up an extra dimension of performance according to engineers. Bentley Driving Modes include Sport, Touring, Custom, and Bentley.
The Bentley Performance Active Chassis incorporates Rear Axle Steering (4.1 degrees), Twin Valve Dampers to soften the suspension when required, 48V electric Anti-Roll Control (Bentley Dynamic Ride), an eLSD, and a new advanced ESC, all working in unison to stabilize the Supersports at high speed. I witnessed this formula at work behind the wheel when blasting through the famed Corkscrew at the 2.24-mile track. But if ESC is turned off, then you can slide the vehicle around for smokey burnouts. Paired to 22” forged-aluminum Manthey Racing wheels, the optional Pirelli Trofeo RS track tires added impeccable grip and stopping power, especially after we warmed them up! Expect a 0-60 mph time of 3.4 secs and a 199 mph top speed.
The visionaries at Bentley Motors absolutely loved racing and the unstoppable machines required for motorsports success. To let me vicariously live through that legendary era from a century ago, the PR team gave me a ride in “Smoky,” a 1926 Bentley Super Sports that was visiting the United States for the first time in its history. Exclusivity is the name of the game: only 18 units were built, and I experienced chassis number 12.
Smoky started life with a 3-liter 4-cylinder engine and was given that nickname for obvious reasons. After engineers updated to the 4.5-liter, the Super Sports miraculously topped 100 mph, an incredible speed back then. This unit is the same breed of engine that powered Bentley to victory at Le Mans in 1928. Bentley mechanics also lowered the chassis and streamlined the body, turning a road car into a weapon. Rolling on tall, thin Dunlop tires (off the shelf), my driver showed me Smoky’s impressive handling and power on the roads around WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.
Although there are 24 standard paint options, Bentley’s new Design Theme by Mulliner is a Supersports special-edition by request. It introduces a design ethos the brand has never used before: a paint fade running across the GT from one side to the other. A bold paint scheme defines the driver’s side and blends into a darker shade toward the passenger side, with a single stripe running front to rear along the passenger seat line. The theme always centers on the driver, regardless of drive hand. A number 8 highlights the laser-cut, Supersports-specific aluminum grille, with pinstripe accents outlining the carbon diffusers, fender blades, and sills.
The various color formations add a sinister appeal to the Supersports’ exterior, which contrasts perfectly with the array of carbon fiber elements. Moreover, you don’t need to add any further packages or customizations to your GT because it is already engineered and designed to be race-ready, from its mechanical performance to its bold appearance.
Inside, the Supersports carries the same purpose as the rest of the car, built with the energy and precision of motorsport, signified by a 12.3” touchscreen system, a rear carbon fiber and leather shell, and highly-bolstered sports seats. The cabin looks and feels more aeronautical than automotive and prepares you for F-16 Fighting Falcon-type G-forces; well, not exactly, but you get my drift. Three styling selections cover both the exterior and interior: Pale Brodgar fading to Brodgar outside, matched with Camel and Beluga inside; Dragon Red fading to Black Crystal outside, paired with Hotspur and Beluga leather inside; and Electric Blue fading into Dark Sapphire, with a Klein blue and Imperial Blue cabin.
The cabin’s logic is built on a full leather specification with a Supersports perforation pattern on the two-tone seats and door inserts. Like the exterior, the brighter color wraps the driver’s side, with the darker tone reserved for the passenger. For example, the driver’s seat can be red and the passenger’s black. The gear lever matches the driver’s seat, with contrast stitching on the dash and headrests. How unique is that? Owners who want a more personalized configuration can work with a Bentley retailer and Mulliner on a specific bespoke build.
Bentley is producing only 500 units (180 to the US) for $486,200, yet each is already spoken for. Accordingly, fans of the track-oriented Grand Tourer will have to wait patiently for round two. Executives say Supersports will always be a rare commodity and the most driver-focused Bentley in the lineup, hence the limited production run. Expect the dynamic GT to hit the streets in early 2027.
