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Bentley teases a hardcore Continental for 2026
Bentley has quietly signaled the return of the Continental Supersports for 2026, reviving a legendary nameplate to mark the marque's centenary. The teaser image makes one thing clear: this will be a performance-focused Continental, dressed in matte black and sporting an aggressive rear spoiler, revised bumper, and a trapezoidal quad-exit exhaust that replaces the more restrained twin-oval tips.
Design cues and exclusivity
The lone teaser shows wheel designs likely unique to this model and hints at weight-saving touches—think carbon body panels and thinner glazing—rather than heavy electrification hardware. Bentley has described the upcoming coupe as "a rear Bentley," implying a rear-wheel-drive bias that would set it apart from the brand’s all-wheel-drive GT models and underline its sporting intent.
A look back helps explain why enthusiasts are excited. The original Continental Supersports (2009–2011) was built in limited numbers—around 1,790 examples combined of coupe and convertible—making it rare and desirable. It packed a W12 that produced 621 hp, weighed about 2,240 kg (4,938 lb), and could sprint to 100 kph (62 mph) in 3.7 seconds, with a top speed near 328 kph (204 mph).
Performance lineage and the 2017 revival
The 2017–2018 Supersports was even more focused. Bentley produced just 710 units, a figure that also reflected its output: approximately 710 metric horsepower from a high-output engine and 750 lb-ft (1,017 Nm) of torque between roughly 2,050–4,500 rpm. It added carbon-silicon-carbide brakes, revised torque vectoring, 21-inch forged wheels, and an optional titanium exhaust, cutting the 0–100 kph time to about 3.4 seconds and nudging top speed to roughly 336 kph (209 mph).
What to expect from the 2026 Supersports
Word on the street is that the new Continental Supersports will be a combustion-only model rather than a plug-in hybrid. If Bentley follows this path, the benefit is a purer driving experience and potentially significant weight savings by eliminating hybrid hardware and a full-time AWD system.
Potential highlights:
- Rear-wheel-drive layout for a more traditional, driver-focused feel
- High-output twin-turbo V8 derived from the Volkswagen Group’s EA825 family, possibly tuned in the 650–670 hp range
- Lightweight materials like carbon fiber body panels and thinner glass to shave mass
- Active chassis and torque-vectoring systems to sharpen handling
Lamborghini’s use of a 666 CV (657 hp) tune of the EA825 V8 in the Urus S and Urus Performante proves the block’s capability—those SUVs deliver roughly 627 lb-ft (850 Nm) of torque in performance spec. Bentley could deploy a similarly potent tune, but tuned for GT refinement rather than SUV aggression.
Market positioning and appeal
A combustion-only, rear-drive Continental Supersports would be a clear statement from Bentley in an era of electrification: there’s still appetite for high-performance, analog GT cars among collectors and driving purists. Positioned as an exclusive halo model, it could command a premium and serve as a bridge between Bentley’s handcrafted luxury DNA and its modern performance ambitions.
"Expect a car that prioritizes driver engagement over hybrid complexity," one industry analyst noted. "Bentley can use material savings and focused engineering to deliver a surprisingly agile grand tourer."
In short, the 2026 Continental Supersports looks set to be a limited-run, combustion-powered showcase—leaner, louder, and more driver-centric than recent GTs. Exact power, weight and performance figures remain unconfirmed, but if Bentley borrows a page from the Urus Performante’s V8, enthusiasts have reason to be optimistic.
Source: autoevolution
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