Drawing inspiration from its GT3-class race car, Bentley has unveiled its most powerful Continental GT yet.
Known as the Continental GT3-R, it is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine, rated at 572 horsepower and 516 lb.-ft. of torque, the latter of which is available at just 1,700 rpm. That power is fed to all four wheels via Bentley’s eight-speed automatic transmission manufactured by ZF, which for the first time in a Bentley, includes torque vectoring on the rear axle.
The Bentley Continental GT3-R.
Handout, Bentley
The Continental GT3-R sprints from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds — a very impressive figure considering the Continental GT isn’t exactly a light car to begin with. Chalk that one up to the GT3-R’s diet, which Bentley has managed to shave 100 kg from the Continental GT V8S’s 2,295 kg curb weight largely thanks to the removal of the rear seats.
In addition, Bentley says it recalibrated the car’s throttle for a more noticeable difference between Drive and Sport modes and threw in a titanium exhaust. Not only does it contribute to the weight savings, but also adds a unique, more baritone note. Brakes have also been upgraded to downright huge 420-millimetre rotors up front with eight-piston calipers and 356-millimetre rotors out back.
The Bentley Continental GT3-R.
Handout, Bentley
Outside, the Continental GT3-R includes visual tweaks that echo the Continetal GT3 race car, including a new front lip, hood vents, a fixed rear spoiler and unique 21-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the diamond-quilted seats are finished in black leather with Alcantara inserts with green and carbon fibre accents across the dashboard and door panels.
Pricing hasn’t been announced just yet, but Bentley said the Continental GT3-R will be limited to 300 units and deliveries will begin towards the end of the year.
The Bentley Continental GT3-R.
Handout, Bentley
