2014 Bentley Boys named

Team M-Sport Bentley has chosen its driver squad for 2014.

One of the Continental GT3 race cars is to be shared by the all-British contingent of Steven Kane, Andy Meyrick and Guy Smith. The other meanwhile has been allocated to Belgian ex-F1 driver Jérôme D’Ambrosio, Frenchman Antoine Leclerc and Duncan Tappy, who’s another Brit.

Bentley Continental GT3 2014 Front Side

Like the production Continental GT V8, the Continental GT3 features a 4.0 litre engine. However, the competition version gains dry sump lubrication and various other upgrades that see its output increase by 20% to 600 bhp (447 kW / 608 PS). The regulations mean the showroom model’s all-wheel drive system has had to be ditched, so that power is sent to the rear wheels only via a carbon fibre propshaft and an Xtrac six-speed sequential transaxle gearbox.

To make the most of its extra performance potential, the GT3 has been on a drastic diet. Thanks to lightweight bumpers, carbon fibre body panels and an absence of the usual interior trim, the Continental racer weighs less than 1,300 kg (2,866 lbs).

Bentley Continental GT3 2014 Rear Side

Bentley’s 2014 campaign is initially going to focus on the Blancpain Endurance Series. A championship exclusively for GT3 cars, it should certainly be competitive as twelve manufacturers are expected to be represented. This year’s calendar comprises five events at the Monza, Silverstone, Paul Ricard, Spa-Francorchamps and Nürburgring circuits.

Related posts:
Bentley Continental GT3
New Bentley Continental V8

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