Bentley Continental GT3-R revealed

Just 300 examples of the new Bentley Continental GT3-R are going to be built, so a ‘future classic’ status is pretty much guaranteed. Hopefully though they won’t all be hidden away in private collections and never driven.

That would be a shame, because there’s a lot more to this high-performance Bentley than just the obvious stripes and spoilers. Indeed, inspired by the Continental GT3 racer that’s currently competing in the Blancpain Endurance Series, the big coupé has been comprehensively transformed.

Bentley Continental GT3-R (2014) Rear Side

For starters, weight is down by 100 kg (220 lbs) compared to the GT V8 S. That diet has been achieved by various measures including the removal of the rear seats plus the fitment of a titanium exhaust, 21” forged alloy wheels, fade-resistant carbon silicon carbide brakes and carbon fibre door casings.

The 4.0 litre V8 engine has also received some attention. Thanks to higher-boost twin turbochargers and recalibrated engine management software, power is up to 572 bhp (426 kW / 580 PS) while peak torque is 700 Nm (516 lb/ft). Together with shorter gearing for the eight-speed automatic transmission, the result is a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of only 3.8 seconds and an estimated 170 mph (273 km/h) top speed.

To go with its extra output the GT3-R’s all-wheel drive system uniquely features torque-vectoring. This controls torque delivery to each rear wheel, thereby improving agility and minimising understeer. Modifications to the electronic stability control and a sportier suspension set-up complete the chassis upgrades.

The Continental GT3-R is available to order now, but Bentley has yet to confirm a price.

Bentley Continental GT3-R (2014) Interior 1Bentley Continental GT3-R (2014) Front Side

Bentley Continental GT3-R (2014) SideBentley Continental GT3-R (2014) Interior 2

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