The Bentley Continental Supersports is the fastest and most powerful production car to come from the British marque and it will be shown at the upcoming Detroit Motor Show.

Bentley has combined ultimate power and luxury to create what the company claims to be the world’s fastest and most powerful 4-seat luxury car. This is the Continental Supersports, and on paper at least, it’s an absolute brute.

Wolfgang Dürheimer, chairman and chief executive of Bentley Motors, said: "The Supersports name is legendary at Bentley. From the very first Supersports of the 1920s, to the Bentley Continental Supersports of 2009 – and now with the third iteration of this iconic model – it is a name which excites, impassions and thrills. Only Bentley could create a car which blends immense performance and unrivalled luxury in this way."

Performance facts

The Continental Supersports is the fastest and most powerful Bentley to date.

Fitted with a redeveloped biturbocharged 6.0-litre W12 engine with high performance turbochargers and a revised charge-air cooling system, the Continental Supersports develops a staggering 522 kW and 1017 Nm of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels using an 8-speed automatic transmission and as you may expect, acceleration is lighting fast. Bentley says the Continental Sports will sprint from zero to 100 kph in just 3.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 336 kph. A convertible version will also be offered and is capable of zero to 100 kph in 3.9 seconds before reaching a top speed of 330 kph, making it the fastest convertible in the world, according to Bentley.

The Continental Supersports is also fitted with a specifically calibrated and updated torque vectoring system used on the Continental GT3-R to improve handling ability, while a lowered and stiffened suspension set-up provides comfort on long journeys. Stopping power is provided by large carbon ceramic brakes set behind lightweight 21-inch forged alloy wheels.

Design details

The interior features a unique tri-tone design with bespoke finishes and detailing.

Exterior design features include a newly designed front bumper with a carbon fibre splitter while the new rear bumper is fitted with a carbon fibre diffuser. Carbon fibre side sill extensions and bonnet vents add to the overall look. The exhaust tailpipe features a rifled gloss black design and dark-tint headlight and taillights, as well as black-finished detailing found on the front grille, lights rear bumper, door handles and window surrounds complete the exterior styling package.

Optional features include a rear spoiler, front splitter, Supersports badging, side decals and a new black and bright-machined finish for the 21-inch wheels. A gloss-finished, carbon fibre engine cover can also be had as an option. In addition to this, an optional titanium exhaust system is available, offering a delightful soundtrack with the benefit of reduced weight.

On the inside, a tri-tone interior is offered with a new diamond-quilted design for the seats and side door panels in Alcantara. Chequered carbon fibre fascia panels are fitted with 10 veneers and finishes on offer. The interior is completed with Supersports emblem stitching while a Supersports steering wheel and a unique gear lever are finished with Alcantara accents.

The Bentley Continental Supersports will be shown in the metal at the upcoming Detroit Motor Show next week.

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