Summer 2014


Motoring
The ‘ultimate’ Bentley


Bentley has unveiled its new Continental GT3-R, billing it as “the rarest and most dynamic member of the esteemed Continental family of Grand Tourers”. The car is inspired by the new Continental GT3 race car that stormed to victory at the second round of the Blancpain Endurance Series at Silverstone, the first UK race for Bentley in 84 years. Blending proven track and road credentials, the Continental GT3-R is a highly exclusive and unique interpretation of performance-focused luxury, limited to just 300 cars.

All 300 of the Continental GT3-R will be hand-built at Crewe and finished in Bentley’s Motorsport division.

Bentley engineers have developed a retuned version of Bentley’s race-proven, high-performance 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 for this new two-seater Grand Tourer (GT). Developing 580 PS (572 bhp/426 kW) and 700 Nm of torque, together with a 100 kg weight reduction and shorter gearing, the Continental GT3-R is the fastest-accelerating Bentley ever. Capable of reaching 60 mph from standstill in just 3.6 seconds (0-100 kmph in 3.8 secs), the GT3-R is a Grand Tourer with the performance of a racer.

Complementing the revised powertrain is a further development of Bentley’s renowned all-wheel drive system, which now features torque vectoring for the first time. Together with modified electronic stability control (ESC) and a chassis tune optimised for outright cornering ability, the Continental GT3-R is the most dynamic, responsive and involving Bentley road car ever.

“The experience of driving a Continental GT3-R is awe-inspiring, and takes the dynamic abilities of our Grand Tourer to new heights,” comments Wolfgang Dürheimer, Chairman and Chief Executive of Bentley Motors. “We were inspired to create something extremely special for the road by the performance of our Continental GT3. It is a celebration of the Bentley passion for building outstanding drivers’ cars. To be a true Bentley, the GT3-R had to be the most luxurious track-inspired Grand Tourer ever, and this car pushes our trademark combination of luxury and performance to a new level.”

REVISED POWERTRAIN

For the GT3-R, Bentley set about developing a special combination of engine, driveline and exhaust to create an evocative, powerful yet efficient system. Bentley’s acclaimed 4.0-litre twin turbo V8 engine, now race proven by the Continental GT3, has been fitted with precision-honed high-boost turbochargers and developed with new engine control software to liberate 580 PS at 6,000 rpm and 700 Nm of torque from 1,700 rpm.

This increased power is fed through the car’s eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox, now with shorter output gearing to enhance acceleration, to Bentley’s renowned all-wheel drive system. For the first time for a Bentley, the drivetrain has the ability to control the torque at each of the rear wheels through the use of torque vectoring. Recalibrated control software means that Drive and Sport modes are moved further apart, each with different characteristics and with Sport mode designed for more spirited driving. Maximum driver control is provided by completely recalibrated paddle shift functionality.

A soundtrack appropriate to the new levels of performance is provided by an all-new titanium exhaust, which not only provides a weight saving of 7 kg but also has allowed Bentley’s acoustic engineers to give the GT3-R a unique baritone roar.

DRIVER ENGAGEMENT

To provide a dynamic capability unmatched in the Grand Touring sector, the GT3-R receives a chassis system focused on performance whilst retaining a cossetting level of refinement for everyday use. Air springs and dampers use a development of the sports-tuned set-up from the Continental V8 S, already recognised as the best-handling Bentley ever, while lightweight forged 21-inch wheels and high-grip Pirelli tyres deploy the torque-vectored power output of the engine.

This combination, together with a sport-focused ECS programme, offers a Continental with a new level of handling dynamics and turn-in agility, while both the chassis and powertrain respond immediately to throttle inputs.

Deceleration is via Bentley’s record-holding carbon silicon carbide (CSiC) braking system. 420-mm front discs are slowed by 8-piston calipers finished in eye-catching green paint, while 356-mm discs are fitted to the rear axle.

Bentley’s Member of the Board for Engineering, Rolf Frech, comments: “We wanted to develop our powertrain and chassis systems further than ever before for the GT3-R. The result is a Continental GT that is more dynamic than ever, with a torque vectoring system that neutralises understeer and a chassis tune that is both direct and forgiving. We’ve differentiated the Drive and Sport modes further to give the driver a choice between a relaxed and refined Grand Tourer and a sharp supercar with instant responses. The reflexes of the car are matched by the throttle response from our redeveloped V8 engine, and the new turbochargers eliminate turbo lag. Bentleys are rewarding drivers’ cars – but dynamically, the GT3-R is our finest hour yet.”

LUXURY AND PERFORMANCE

Featuring a two-seat cabin handcrafted from carbon fibre, Alcantara and the finest leather, the GT3-R is as breathtaking in its approach to interior design as to its dynamic ability.

The two-seat configuration includes a pair of new bespoke sporting seats with additional side support through deeper bolsters, including newly designed foam layers for comfort, and finished in Beluga black leather with diamond-quilted Alcantara. This material is also hand-trimmed to the steering wheel and gear shifter, while the centre console and fascia panels are handcrafted in carbon fibre. Carbon fibre is also used to create beautifully sculpted door casings that also include diamond-quilted Alcantara inner panels. In place of the rear seats is a new uniquely trimmed rear cabin, complete with a carbon fibre surround and finished in leather and Alcantara.

Contrasting the Beluga leather and motorsport-inspired materials is a vivid accent green, used as a hide colour on the seats, instrument panel and door panels, and in contrast stitching throughout the seats and diamond-quilted areas. GT3-R badging adorns the centre console, passenger-side fascia panel and sill treadplates, while the seats receive GT3-R stitching to the headrests in contrast-green thread.

DRAMATIC EXTERIOR

For the exterior of the car, a new front splitter provides an assertive look to the front of the car, balanced by a new fixed rear wing fitted to the boot lid – both finished in exquisite carbon fibre. The bonnet incorporates two vents to improve the cooling capacity of the powertrain system for repeated accelerations while also invoking the shape of the Continental GT3 racer in a styling element where form follows function.

The gloss carbon fibre contrasts with the Glacier White paint that all 300 cars will be finished in, and the inspiration of the race car is highlighted by the use of two-tone green graphics that trace the two power lines to the side profile of the car – one leading backwards from the front wheel, the other tracing the shape of the Continental GT’s iconic rear haunch.

Further inspiration from the race car is reflected in the finishing touches to the exterior – the headlamp bezels, matrix grille, window surrounds and bumper strips – all finished in stylish gloss black.

The visual appeal of the Continental GT3-R is completed by an all-new lightweight 21-inch wheel, machine-forged from high-strength alloy and finished in gloss black.

Purchase of the car also includes free standard servicing for four years (at the 10,000-, 20,000- and 30,000-mile marks). Order books for the Continental GT3-R are now open, with deliveries to start late in 2014.

Bentley Motors is one of the most sought-after luxury car brands in the world and in 2013 one in every four luxury cars delivered to customers worldwide was a Bentley.

Bentley’s headquarters in Crewe is home to all of its operations including design, research and development (R&D), engineering and production of the company’s three model lines, Continental, Flying Spur and Mulsanne. The combination of fine craftsmanship alongside engineering expertise and cutting-edge technology is unique to UK luxury car brands such as Bentley. It is also an example of high-value British manufacturing at its best.





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