Bentley reshapes the Continental GT Supersports for a new era
Bentley has announced a radical rethink for its high-performance flagship with the Continental GT Supersports, a model that shifts focus toward rear-wheel drive dynamics while shedding weight. Built to challenge both the track and the road, this car blends extreme power with a purer steering feel, signaling Bentley’s intent to keep its grand tourer roots while embracing modern performance engineering.
Powertrain: a 490 kW twin-turbo V8 that means business
At the heart of the Supersports lies a strengthened 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 delivering 490 kW and 800 Nm. This configuration, tuned for a more rear-biased experience, aims to combine blistering acceleration with a controllable, engaging ride. The powertrain pairings, transmission choices, and torque delivery have been calibrated to maximize grip and response in diverse conditions, from sunny highway bursts to demanding mountain passes.
Weight loss and materials: carbon fibre and a leaner cabin
Weight savings are central to the Supersports’ dynamic appeal. Bentley has deployed carbon-fibre components more broadly across the car, contributing to a target that sees the overall weight slip under two tonnes. In addition to structural and bodywork choices, the rear cabin has been removed to further drop mass and improve weight distribution, an approach that emphasizes agility and chassis feedback. The result is a car that more closely mirrors the driver’s inputs with the kind of immediacy you’d normally expect from a much lighter machine.
Driving dynamics: rear-drive focus in a Bentley
Rear-drive bias is a notable shift for a brand famous for its all-wheel-drive confidence. The Supersports prioritizes balance, steering precision, and tire grip, letting drivers exploit the car’s torque with controlled enthusiasm. This setup is designed to reward skilled piloting while still offering the refined ride and luxury expected from Bentley. Engineers have tuned suspension, dampers, and electronic stability controls to maintain composure at high speeds and during dynamic cornering, all while preserving everyday practicality for long-distance cruising.
Limited production and exclusivity
Bentley will produce only 500 individually numbered Continental GT Supersports cars, reinforcing its status as a collector-grade performance model. Production is scheduled to begin in late 2026, with each unit carrying a unique identity in the model’s lineage. The limited run underscores Bentley’s strategy of blending extreme performance with the brand’s luxury heritage, ensuring that owners enjoy both exclusivity and high residual value.
What this means for Bentley’s line-up
The Continental GT Supersports represents more than a new variant; it signals Bentley’s willingness to experiment within its traditional family. By adopting rear-wheel drive architecture and aggressive weight management, the Supersports aims to deliver a more direct, engaging driving experience — one that sits at the intersection of grand touring and track-ready performance. For buyers, the model offers a compelling blend of daily usability, long-haul comfort, and the kind of dynamic thrill that previously required a supercar budget and a specialist chassis setup.
How to think about ownership and expectations
As with any limited-run high-performance car, prospective buyers should anticipate a meticulous, hands-on ownership experience. The exclusivity of 500 units means early reservations and individualized options, from paint finishes to interior detailing, will be critical to securing a place in the line-up. Potential owners should also consider maintenance and service logistics, as the Supersports sits at the pinnacle of Bentley engineering and may necessitate specialized care and support from authorized centres.
In summary, Bentley’s Continental GT Supersports pushes the brand into a sharper, lighter, rear-drive territory without abandoning the luxury and refinement customers expect. By marrying a powerful 490 kW V8 with carbon fibre physics and a bold, weight-conscious philosophy, Bentley is offering a bold reinterpretation of its flagship GT for 2026 and beyond.
