Pushing the limits of street-legal performance in a high-luxury package is the job of Bentley's latest work, the Continental Supersports. The British premium manufacturer has just shown the model to crowds at the 2009 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). It boasts a lighter curb weight, incredible acceleration figures and a somewhat environmentally minded flex-fuel engine.
"The W12 has been re-engineered to run on petrol or a mix of petrol and bioethanol. A sophisticated fuel sensing system ensures that power and torque remain constant irrespective of the fuel ratio to deliver seamless power delivery in the Bentley tradition" said Brian Gush, who directs powertrain and engineering efforts at Bentley.
Rolling on enormous, distinctive wheels and capped by a heavily ducted front fascia, the 621 horsepower Continental Supersport amounts to a sophisticated, low-flying missile.
The six-litre, twin-turbocharged W-12 engine sends its power to all four wheels through a high-speed automatic transmission, and drive torque is biased in a 40 / 60 split between front and rear. Drivers can expect 0-100 km/h in about 3.9 seconds on the way to a top speed of nearly 330 km/h.
A continually-damping suspension system works with the Continental's extensive luxury features for a first class motoring experience. Showgoers noted the hand-crafted cabin with carbon fibre trim, and custom sport seats built to Bentley's specifications.
photo:Philippe Champoux
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"The W12 has been re-engineered to run on petrol or a mix of petrol and bioethanol. A sophisticated fuel sensing system ensures that power and torque remain constant irrespective of the fuel ratio to deliver seamless power delivery in the Bentley tradition" said Brian Gush, who directs powertrain and engineering efforts at Bentley.
Rolling on enormous, distinctive wheels and capped by a heavily ducted front fascia, the 621 horsepower Continental Supersport amounts to a sophisticated, low-flying missile.
The six-litre, twin-turbocharged W-12 engine sends its power to all four wheels through a high-speed automatic transmission, and drive torque is biased in a 40 / 60 split between front and rear. Drivers can expect 0-100 km/h in about 3.9 seconds on the way to a top speed of nearly 330 km/h.
A continually-damping suspension system works with the Continental's extensive luxury features for a first class motoring experience. Showgoers noted the hand-crafted cabin with carbon fibre trim, and custom sport seats built to Bentley's specifications.
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photo:Philippe Champoux
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