Reaching 202 mph in a convertible never felt so effortless.
Supersports: a name that dates back to the 1925 Bentley Supersports, a car that became the first production automobile to reach 100 mph. Based on the famous Bentley 3-liter, the Supersports developed 85 bhp, while normal cars were equipped with just 15 bhp. The new Continental Supersports Convertible carries on the Supersports heritage with its twin-turbocharged W12 engine, the fastest and most powerful convertible that Bentley has ever produced.
Shooting the Continental Supersports Convertible to a 202 mph top speed is the almighty 6-liter twin–turbocharged W12 engine, producing a volcanic 621 bhp and 590 lb-ft. of torque. The new Supersports Convertible, along with the entire Continental model range, is capable of running on both gasoline and E85 bioethenol. This FlexFuel technology results in a reduction of CO2 emissions by up to 70 percent, without a reduction in horsepower. This fierce power is harnessed through the reinforced six-speed Quickshift transmission, changing gears in just 93 milliseconds, and sending the Supersports Convertible to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds. The all–wheel drive system has been retuned to provide a 40:60 rear-biased torque split to reduce understeer.
A number of aesthetic changes have been made to the Continental Supersports Convertible. Due to the increased power of the W12 larger air inlets have been integrated into the front bumper to increase airflow to the intercoolers by 10 percent, while twin hood vents allow for hot air extraction. The lower grille, radiator, and hood vents are all finished in a new Smoked Steel finish. For the first time in the automotive industry Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) has been used to create the Smoked Steel finish. A gloss black is applied to both the headlamp surrounds and rear lamp clusters to for a striking appearance. Side mirrors have been redesigned for increased aerodynamics as the Supersports Convertible cruises to 100+ mph speeds. The rear track has also been widened by two inches, resulting in newly flared fenders that give the Supersports Convertible a crisp, muscular character. A small trunk spoiler increases stability at high speeds, while two large-diameter exhaust tips bellow the sound of the raging W12.
The power and performance of the twin-turbocharged W12 is echoed through the nimble and precise handling of the chassis. A retuned Continuous Damping Control (CDC) system, a larger rear anti-roll bar, and stiffer suspension bushes are unique to the Supersports Convertible. A lower center of gravity is achieved with a ride height that is 0.4 inches lower at the front and 0.6 inches lower at the rear than the standard Continental GTC.
Stunning 20-inch forged ten-spoke alloy wheels measuring 9.5Jx20 shed 22lbs from the Supersports Convertible. At the rear the wheels each have a 1-inch greater offset, widening the rear track by 2 inches to increase both handling and stability. Pirelli Ultra-High Performance tires measuring 275/35 ZR 20 are used and offer both phenomenal grip and an increased steering response. The design of the lightweight wheels allows for increased cooling of the carbon ceramic brakes. The brakes reduce weight by 22 lbs. at the front axle, and utilize eight-piston calipers for the 420mm front and 356mm rear discs.
Inside the Supersports Convertible features a sea of satin-finished carbon fiber, soft leather, and alcantara. Greeting passengers are carbon-weave treadplates with the Supersports logo. Two lightweight sports seats are used for the front passengers and weight just 46 lbs. each. Alcantara with diamond stitching is used in the rear compartment, door panels, and seat facings. The sporty character continues with the drilled alloy sport pedals, and steering wheel and gear shifter adorned in “Soft Grip” leather.
The convertible top of the Supersports is electrically operated, and features three layers with acoustic insulation to provide a quiet and comfortable ride. Eight different colors are available for the fabric top, along with the new Dark Grey Metallic option, made by waving a grey acrylic fiber with a semi-transparent metallic effect fiber in a twill weave construction for a directional color effect. Six new exterior colors are available to the Supersports Convertible: Citric, White Satin, Kingfisher, Magenta, Orange Flame, and St. James Red Pearl.
The Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible will make its debut at the 2010 International Geneva Motor Show. Expect pricing to start just above $300,000.
Engine:
Capacity (cc): 5998
Cylinders: W12
Aspiration: Twin-turbocharged
Installation: Front, longitudinal
Construction: Alloy heads and block
Bore/Stroke: 84.0/90.2 mm
Compression Ratio: 9.0 : 1
Fuel: E85 & 98 (95) RON
Valve gear: Chain-driven DOHC per bank, 4 valves per cylinder, cam phased inlet and outlet
Maximum Power: 630PS/621 bhp/463 kW @ 6000 RPM
Maximum Torque: 800 Nm/590 lb ft @ 2000 to 4500 RPM
Transmission:
Type: Continuous all-wheel drive with 40/60 rear bias torque split & Torsen center differential
Gearbox: ZF 6-speed ‘Quickshift’ automatic
Ratios: 1st: 4.172
2nd: 2.340
3rd: 1.521
4th: 1.143
5th: 0.867
6th: 0.691
Final Drive: 3.52:1 front / 3.52:1 rear
Performance:
Maximum Speed: 202 mph (325 km/h)
0-60 mph: 3.9 seconds
0-100 mph: 9.6 seconds
0-100 km/h: 4.2 seconds
0-160 km/h: 9.5 seconds
Suspension:
Front: Four-link double wishbones, anti-roll bar, air springs
Rear: Trapezoidal multi-link, anti-roll bar, air springs
Dampers: Continuous Damping Control with four adjustable settings
Steering:
Type: Rack & pinion, power-assisted, speed-sensitive
Turns lock to lock: 2.6
Turning circle: 37.4 feet curb-to-curb
Brakes:
Front: 16.5-inch diameter carbon/ceramic, vented & cross-drilled
Rear: 14.0-inch diameter carbon/ceramic, vented & cross-drilled
Anti lock: Standard with Electronic Stability Program (ESP) 8.1 and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
Body & Chassis:
Construction: Steel monocoque, 2-door convertible
Length: 189.1 inches
Width across mirrors: 86.4 inches
Width mirrors folded: 76.6 inches
Curb weight: 5279 lbs
Height: 54.6 inches
Wheelbase: 108.1 inches
Front track: 63.9 inches
Rear track: 65.2 inches
Wheels: 20-inch x 9.5J 10-spoke Smoked Chrome Alloy
Tires: 275/35×20 Pirelli Ultra High Performance
Fuel tank capacity: 19.8 gallons/23.8 US gallons
Fuel Consumption/Emissions:
Urban: 11.1 mpg (25.5 liters / 100 km)
Extra Urban: 24.3 mpg (11.6 liters / 100 km)
Combined: 17.0 mpg (16.7 liters / 100 km)
EPA Drive Cycle City Driving: TBC
Highway Driving: TBC
Carbon dioxide emissions: 388g/km
Emission controls: EU V and US Lev 11
