A century after the original Super Sports established Bentley’s reputation for exhilarating performance, the legendary nameplate returns to Crewe. The fourth Supersports in the marque’s history represents a complete reimagining of what a Continental GT can be. Stripped of excess weight. Freed from hybrid complexity. Engineered with a singular purpose: to deliver the most engaging driving experience Bentley has ever created.
Announced from the company’s headquarters on 14 November 2025, this grand tourer brings rear-wheel drive to the Continental GT platform for the first time in the model’s road-car history. With a gross weight beneath two tonnes, a non-hybrid twin-turbo V8 developing 666 PS, and strictly limited production of just 500 individually numbered examples, the Supersports marks a bold statement of intent from Bentley’s new leadership.
A Centenary Celebration of Speed
The timing carries profound significance. Exactly one hundred years ago, in 1925, Bentley introduced the first Super Sports, a lightened, more powerful derivative of the 3 Litre that became the first Bentley capable of exceeding 100 miles per hour. That pioneering model established two defining characteristics: exceptional performance and deliberate rarity, with only 18 examples ever constructed.
The nameplate lay dormant for decades before roaring back in 2009, when the first-generation Continental Supersports (now rendered as a single word) achieved 204 mph. That car introduced the two-seat cabin configuration to the Continental family, shed 100 kg from the standard model, and became the most driver-focused Bentley of its era.
Eight years later, an even more formidable successor emerged, powered by a 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12 producing 710 PS. The marque honoured that output figure by limiting production to precisely 710 examples.
Each previous Supersports defined the ultimate performance expression of its Continental GT platform. The new model takes this philosophy somewhere different entirely, prioritising driver engagement over outright top speed through the most extreme weight reduction programme in Bentley’s history.
The Genesis of Project Mildred
The development story began in September 2024, when a small engineering team posed a tantalising question: how might a rear-wheel drive, sub-two-tonne Continental GT behave dynamically? The answer, they suspected, would be rather special.
Approval came swiftly for a single test mule. Six weeks later, it was on track. The demonstrator’s performance proved so convincing that full development commenced immediately, though under strict secrecy with a deliberately small team.
Every clandestine project needs a codename. For this, the engineers drew inspiration from one of motorsport’s most underappreciated figures: Mildred Mary Petre. Born in 1895, Petre was a record-breaker across land, sea and air. Racing driver, powerboat racer, pilot. Her achievements remain extraordinary by any measure.
In 1929, she drove a Bentley 4½ Litre around the Montlhéry circuit in France, solo, for a full 24 hours. Averaging nearly 90 mph throughout, she established a new endurance record. For the 1920s, this was almost incomprehensible. Her fearless spirit made her the perfect inspiration, and so the development team christened their creation: Mildred.
The Heart of the Matter
At the core of the new Supersports lies a thoroughly revised 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 that abandons hybrid assistance entirely. This isn’t simply the existing powertrain with recalibrated software. Bentley’s engineers have substantially strengthened the unit with a reinforced crankcase, uprated cylinder heads and larger turbochargers.
The results: 666 PS (657 bhp) and 800 Nm of torque, yielding the highest power density of any Bentley engine at 166.5 PS per litre. Power flows through a ZF eight-speed double-clutch transmission, familiar across the range but substantially redeveloped here with uprated clutches and an entirely new shifting strategy. Gear changes arrive sharper. The downshift calibration during braking has been tuned for optimal stability and driver confidence.
The engine breathes through a full-length titanium exhaust developed with Akrapovič, a bespoke creation unique to Supersports. The complete system amplifies the cross-plane V8’s distinctive note. Deep, powerful, completely authentic. No artificial in-cabin enhancement required.
Performance figures: 0-62 mph in 3.7 seconds, top speed approximately 192 mph (310 km/h). Official verified figures will follow. But Bentley emphasises that these headline numbers matter less than how the Supersports actually behaves on the road.
The First Rear-Wheel Drive Continental GT
For Bentley’s chassis engineers, the Supersports presented an unprecedented opportunity. This is the first rear-wheel drive Continental GT in road-car history. Only the Continental GT3 race cars have previously channelled power exclusively to the rear wheels.
The powertrain sends its output through an electronic limited-slip differential to rear wheels mounted on a track widened by 16 mm over the standard GT. The eLSD works with torque vectoring by brake, both systems collaborating to maximise turn-in sharpness and traction. Rear-wheel steering remains for agility and stability. Calibrations for steering, suspension, traction management and ESC systems are entirely new.
The Electronic Stability Control offers three settings. Fully-on provides complete assistance. Dynamic Mode permits a degree of slip and oversteer within reactive limits. Fully-off hands complete control of the rear axle to the driver, enabling significant but controllable oversteer for those who want it.
Three new configurations enhance the Drive Dynamics Controller. Touring mode matches the performance character of Sport mode in a Continental GT Speed but pairs it with increased ride height, softer damping and a more discrete exhaust character. Bentley mode intensifies everything further: gearbox strategy, throttle response, chassis settings, exhaust valves open, launch control activated. Sport mode goes further still, with ultimate optimisation for driver engagement and maximum chassis response.
The chassis architecture employs aluminium double wishbones at the front with a multi-link rear axle, air springs, and new twin-chamber dampers that are ECU-controlled independently in bump and rebound. Bentley Dynamic Ride, the proprietary 48V electric anti-roll control system, can apply up to 1,300 Nm of anti-roll reaction torque in 0.3 seconds.
Braking duties fall to the largest automotive braking system in the world: 440 mm Carbon-Silicon-Carbide discs at the front, clamped by ten-piston calipers, with 410 mm discs and four-piston calipers at the rear. All standard. Calipers come finished in black, with red-painted optional.
The Supersports rides on new 22-inch forged and machined aluminium alloy wheels developed with Manthey Racing, available in Black Painted or Black Painted and Machined finishes. Two tyre options: standard Pirelli P-Zero or optional Trofeo RS performance rubber. With the latter fitted, the Supersports corners approximately 30 per cent faster than a Continental GT Speed, generating up to 1.3g of peak lateral force.
The Lightest Bentley in 85 Years
The weight reduction programme here is the most aggressive in Bentley’s history. The finished car weighs nearly half a tonne less than the standard Continental GT, coming in beneath 2,000 kg. That makes this the lightest Bentley in 85 years.
The most substantial savings derive from the powertrain conversion to ICE-only propulsion and rear-wheel drive. The roof, typically aluminium, has been replaced with a carbon fibre panel that reduces mass and lowers the centre of gravity.
The rear cabin environment is gone entirely, along with seats, seatbelts and sound insulation. The audio system serves the front cabin only. Further savings come from deleting certain driver assistance systems deemed unnecessary for such a focused grand tourer.
Aerodynamic Aggression
The exterior of the Supersports is the most aggressive Bentley Grand Tourer ever. Every new element serves genuine aerodynamic function.
A new lower front bumper integrates the largest aerodynamic splitter ever fitted to a road-going Bentley. The bumper incorporates two new cooling channels on each side, directing air to the front brakes and engine respectively. Above sits a new lightweight mesh grille unique to Supersports, laser-cut from extremely fine aluminium.
Two pairs of stacked dive planes occupy the corners of the front bumper, working with the splitter to reduce front lift. New side sills run the length of the wheelbase. Behind the front wheels, distinctive B-shaped fender blades manage airflow from the wheel arches, aiding extraction of high-pressure air and controlling its passage along the body sides.
A new rear diffuser sits within an entirely redesigned rear bumper construction that includes vents for the rear wheel arches. A one-piece fixed rear spoiler crowns the boot lid. Carbon fibre wing mirrors and an engine cover complete the lightweight applications.
Together, these aerodynamic additions generate more than 300 kg of additional downforce compared to a Continental GT Speed, whilst maintaining lift balance. The result is a dynamic weight distribution beginning at 54:46 when stationary, gradually shifting rearward as speed increases.
A Sporting Sanctuary
The interior matches the purposeful character of the exterior, drawing from motorsport’s energy and precision whilst maintaining Bentley’s standards of craftsmanship.
The two-seat configuration completes the focus on driver engagement. New lightweight sports seats provide accommodation for driver and one passenger, featuring increased lateral bolstering, a lower seating position, and carbon elements across the shoulder area. The seats offer 11-way electric adjustment and retain heating functionality.
The rear cabin space has been transformed into a lightweight, precision-engineered carbon fibre tub. Finished with a leather wraparound design, this structure integrates with the rest of the cabin whilst delivering a cleaner, more purposeful layout.
Lightweight high-gloss carbon fibre veneers adorn the waistrails and fascia panels as standard. Leather and Dinamica (the latter appearing on seat centres, door panels and headlining) create the performance-focused atmosphere. Supersports embroidery and badging complete the cabin, together with an individually numbered badge on the centre console.
Bespoke Without Boundaries
Every Supersports receives individual numbering before departing Crewe. Customers can request specific numbers from the 500 available allocations.
Paint options begin with 24 performance-focused colours, with additional finishes including Supersports logos and matte paint available through Mulliner. Beyond single-tone exteriors, Bentley’s design team has developed five ‘Design Themes’ incorporating either vertical striping with contrasting Supersports name behind the front wheel, or painted stripes in two contrasting colours across the rear quarters.
Exterior carbon fibre is available in high-gloss finish, with lower elements offered fully painted or pinstriped. For the cabin, 22 Main Hide colours accompany 11 Secondary Hide and nine Accent Hide options. Single-tone, duo-tone (standard) and a unique tri-tone colour split are available, with Dark Chrome Specification fitted as standard.
The launch imagery showcases a Design Theme called ‘Nightfall’, with Anthracite gloss exterior paint, Camel accents to the lower bodywork, Camel striping and a contrasting number eight on the grille. The interior pairs Beluga and Camel with Bronze accents.
The car unveiled at the global debut in New York wears ‘Daybreak’ specification: Jetstream Matte with an Arctica and Portofino Design Theme livery. Inside, Damson leather meets Light Blue and Pillar Box Red accents.
Leadership Perspective
Dr Frank-Steffen Walliser, Bentley’s Chairman and CEO, places the new Supersports within a broader context:
“The new Supersports is more than just the most driver-focused Bentley yet. It signifies a return to Bentley making more extreme cars – ones that combine extraordinary breadth of ability with true driver engagement, while remaining pieces of automotive artwork unique and bespoke to each customer. Bentley has always thrived when revealing a more daring side, and the new Supersports is a statement of our intent while celebrating 100 years of the name. This is the first project developed from start-to-finish since I joined Bentley Motors, and I’m proud of our team and the speed at which we’ve created a car so different to the GT on which it’s based.”
Availability and Timeline
The launch will be celebrated with what Bentley describes as the most dynamic film in the company’s history, premiering in Dubai in January. Order opening follows in March 2026, with production commencing in Q4 2026 ahead of first deliveries at the start of 2027.
The new Supersports will be available in the UK, Europe (EU27 plus Switzerland and Turkey), USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Oman, Bahrain, UAE, Qatar and Kuwait.
For collectors and driving enthusiasts, this is a rare opportunity to acquire a Bentley that honours a century of performance heritage whilst proving that luxury and driver engagement need never be mutually exclusive.
