The new Bentley Supersports is seriously angry

Bentley’s new Supersports is as thrilling as it is seriously purposeful: a broad, furious two-door coupé draped in aerodynamic hardware and overflowing with unapologetic V8 muscle. Take cover: Bentley has released an all-new Supersports, and it has no patience for anyone’s foolishness.

That is partly because it is just the fourth Bentley to wear the name since the celebrated British manufacturer built the first ‘Super Sports’ 100 years ago. Appropriately, that original reached 100mph, while every Supersports Bentley since has opened the door to properly extreme performance.

Bentley Supersports V8 and rear-wheel drive

Nothing is different with this model. Indeed, this particular version is something else: Bentley has removed the Continental GT V8’s hybrid support, leaving the twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre engine to send its output exclusively to the rear wheels.

The unit has reportedly been reinforced - and it certainly looks the part - with a tougher crankshaft, upgraded cylinder heads and larger turbochargers. It is paired with a complete titanium exhaust, calibrated to produce a sound unlike that of any previous Bentley. It is also unfiltered, featuring “no artificial in-cabin enhancement”.

In this specification, the turbocharged V8 develops 657bhp and 590lb ft of torque. That formidable output is handled by an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, which has been revised for faster, more responsive shifts and even clutchier clutches, before being sent straight to the rear axle.

This is because the Supersports becomes the first rear-wheel-drive Continental GT in history. Its V8, which delivers the greatest power density of any Bentley engine, can launch this HulkSmash from 0-62mph in 3.7s before reaching roughly 192mph. Bentley is still confirming the final top speed.

Bentley Supersports chassis, tyres and brakes

Yet the sharper handling matters as much as the power. The rear track is 16mm wider than that of an ordinary, feeble, Earth-bound Conti GT, while an electronic limited-slip differential, torque vectoring, and revised steering, suspension, traction-control and ESC calibrations all contribute.

There are new twin-chamber dampers, too. The splendid 22in forged and machined aluminium wheels can be wrapped in Trofeo RS tyres, allowing the car to take corners 30 per cent faster than a Conti GT.

Then there is the rather significant detail of what Bentley describes as the largest brakes ever installed on a car: 10-piston calipers with 440mm discs at the front, plus four-piston calipers and 410mm discs at the rear. Ten pistons. Brake with sufficient force and you may well travel back through time.

Weight has also been pushed back, primarily by discarding the hybrid components and four-wheel-drive system, then replacing the aluminium roof with a carbon-fibre item. Further, less obvious measures include reduced sound deadening, the removal of certain driver-assistance systems, lightweight sports seats and seatbelts, among other changes. Bentley says the Supersports comes in at below 2,000kg. Yes, that remains immensely heavy - this is a Bentley, after all - but for a Bentley? It is practically Caterham-like.

Aerodynamics, options and availability

For a Bentley, this one is also exceptionally, exceptionally angry. Such overt visual aggression may seem inappropriate for a luxury coupé, but never mind that. Its aerodynamic upgrades - comprising a new front bumper, fresh dive planes and side sills, distinctive wheel-arch ‘blades’, a reshaped rear diffuser and a fixed one-piece rear spoiler - produce 300kg more downforce than a Conti GT Speed. And that model actually has ‘Speed’ in its name.

As expected, there will be plenty of options, from “performance focused” paint finishes that contribute no additional horsepower but plenty of attitude, to extra carbon fibre, leather and aluminium, among other choices.

Bentley will make only 500 examples. Orders open in March 2026, with deliveries due to begin in early 2027. As for the price, Bentley has not said, although it will be… serious.