Photo: Bentley
From deep within Bentley’s Crewe factory and with quite some polish given by the automaker’s Motorsport Division, comes the Bentley Continental GT3-R. Bentley describes this as their most dynamic roadcar yet and while they did attach a press release to the vehicle earlier today, we were a bit unsure about some rather technical aspects. We turned to a Bentley source who was happy to provide us with answers, so let’s go though a few delicacies of the Continental GT3 racercar-inspired model.
Any details on the Torque Vectoring?
The Continental GT3-R has shed 220 lbs (100 kg), with its weight now sitting at 4,839 lbs (2,195 kg), but the engine is still mounted high within its compartment and goes quite a bit past the point where the front axle is found. This can bring understeer but Bentley has come up with a Torque Vectoring solution.
The Brits mentioned the GT3-R features a torque vectoring function and we wanted to know if this relies on the rear diff or on the ESC (Electronic Stability Control). The latter solution was the chosen one, with the Conti braking the inside rear wheel during cornering.
They’ve also recalibrated the ESC to allow a more engaging experience though the twisties. Nonetheless, the default torque split remains in its current form, which means we are dealing with a 40:60 front-rear bias.
We’re expecting to see this on future Bentleys, so prepare your driving gloves.
PS: As some sort of answer to a question nobody asked, here's a comparison between the Continental GT3-R and its mentor, the GT3 Racer.
The Continental GT3-R has shed 220 lbs (100 kg), with its weight now sitting at 4,839 lbs (2,195 kg), but the engine is still mounted high within its compartment and goes quite a bit past the point where the front axle is found. This can bring understeer but Bentley has come up with a Torque Vectoring solution.
The Brits mentioned the GT3-R features a torque vectoring function and we wanted to know if this relies on the rear diff or on the ESC (Electronic Stability Control). The latter solution was the chosen one, with the Conti braking the inside rear wheel during cornering.
They’ve also recalibrated the ESC to allow a more engaging experience though the twisties. Nonetheless, the default torque split remains in its current form, which means we are dealing with a 40:60 front-rear bias.
We’re expecting to see this on future Bentleys, so prepare your driving gloves.
Can the engine still run in four-cylinder mode?
Bentley confirmed the reworked engine is still capable of running in V4 mode under light loads. We’ll remind you that the 4.0-liter V8 received a new pair of turbochargers, along with a titanium exhaust. The unit now delivers 580 hp at 6,000 rpm and 516 lb-ft (700 Nm) of toruqe, ontap from 1,700 rpm. Everything is managed by a new ECU software. Among others, this comes with Normal and Sport modes that have been set further apart.Any options available?
Since this is a special edition limited to 300 units, we wanted to know if you can still take it to Bentley’s tailors. The answer is "Yes". Let’s put it in Bentley’s words: “All 300 GT3-R cars will be offered in Glacier White as standard, as the only standard colour available. However, all Bentleys can be tailored to the requirements of individual customers, and the GT3-R is no different.”What about the financial side?
Bentley wouldn’t reveal the pricing of the GT3-R, but they did tell us this will be released in the coming weeks. As a reminder, the order books are already open, with the first deliveries set for late 2014. Now that Father’s Day is behind us, you’d better start saving.PS: As some sort of answer to a question nobody asked, here's a comparison between the Continental GT3-R and its mentor, the GT3 Racer.
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