A “Hardcore” Bentley Continental GT Without A Hybrid Could Be Made

The person leading Bentley is a dedicated car enthusiast. Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser, who previously worked at Porsche, was responsible for the development of the 918 Spyder, managed the Motorsport department, and oversaw the 718 and 911 lines. He became CEO of Bentley last year, and he is already leaving his mark on the company.

Autocar reports that Bentley is preparing to unveil a new Continental Supersports model. This version will replace the regular Continental GT’s hybrid powertrain and all-wheel drive system. Instead, Bentley is developing a Continental equipped with a 640-horsepower V8 engine that sends power exclusively to the rear wheels. According to Autocar, this will be the first of several more “hardcore” Bentley models to come, with Walliser eager to emphasize the brand’s racing heritage.

Bentley has used the name Continental Supersports for the old Continental GT on two occasions. Both versions were top-of-the-line models that featured more powerful variations of Bentley’s twin-turbocharged W-12 engine. However, that engine is no longer in production, so the current Continental lineup exclusively utilizes V8 engines. All versions of the current Continental GT are equipped with a V8 paired with a hybrid system, while the Continental GT Speed offers enhanced power.

The notion of a “hardcore” Bentley might initially sound absurd, but there is some historical context to consider. The GT3-R, produced from 2014 to 2015, incorporated several weight-saving features, including the removal of the rear seats and the replacement of the W12 engine with a V8. Additionally, it was equipped with a carbon-fibre wing. This model was closely linked to Bentley’s Continental GT3 race car, which, unfortunately, no longer participates in competition.

• Also See: The Mayon Or Barnato Are Two Possible Names For Bentley’s Electric SUV