Bentley Continental Supersports Gets Official Unveil

Just almost a week from when the 2009 Geneva Auto Show opens its gates, Bentley has released the official pictures and specifications of its newest creation: the Continental Supersports. Also dubbed as the fastest, most powerful and also greenest Bentley in history, the Continental Supersports' name evokes the name given to another Bentley supercar from the "Bentley Boys" era, 1925. Although, apart from the immense performance compared to other Gran Tourers of its time and the "flying B" badge on the hood, there's no other resemblance between the two namesakes.

The modern Supersports-badged GT is Bentley's first ever FlexFuel model, bringing together the opposites, which apparently most always attract. In the Continental Supersports' case, the 630 hp twin-turbocharged W12 under the bulged hood is perfectly capable of using both gasoline and biofuel.

On the contrary to what some anti-greenie people might believe, using biofuel doesn't exactly come at the expense of performance, since the Continental Supersports has a naught to 100 km/h (62 mph) time of only 3.9 seconds, while being able to waft its way all the way a top speed of 329 km/h (204 mph).

If that's not enough to impress you while looking at this 2240 kg (4,939 lbs) behemoth, we don't know what is. Keep in mind that the Supersports is also 110 kilograms (243 pounds) lighter than the "regular" Continental GT Speed by means of removing the rear seats and using lighter materials such as aluminium and carbon fiber whenever possible on the car.

The all-wheel-drive luxurious monster was created over a period of 24 months by a small skunkworks-like team of dedicated engineers and designers in Crewe. Apart from the aerodynamic enhancements over the Continental GT Speed, the Supersports also benefits from retuned steering and suspension, including improved dampers and anti-roll bars. The rear track is wider than on the GT Speed, making more room for the 20-inch alloy wheels.

Also, you should keep in mind that the Supersports includes the largest disk brakes ever fitted to a production car as standard. By being built from carbon-ceramic materials, they also provide a weight-saving of 20 kilograms (44 pounds) per vehicle.

"The Continental Supersports reflects the passion and enthusiasm of Bentley’s engineers and designers. This is the fastest, most extreme Bentley ever, dramatically styled to underline its supercar character. Importantly, it also pioneers the use of FlexFuel technology in the luxury sector." said Dr. Franz-Josef Paefgen, Bentley’s Chairman and Chief Executive.

The new Bentley will be available worldwide from autumn 2009, while its FlexFuel compatibility in North America will be offered by summer 2010, following regulatory approval.