Geneva Preview: 2011 Bentley Continental Supersports Automobile
Bentley has forsaken the details on its newest origination forward of the unveiling during the Geneva Motor Uncover, and claims that it’s constructed the world’s fastest four-seat automobile and a quickest drop-top Bentley in the automaker’s history.
A 2011 Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible is a soft-top sibling the marque’s ultimate coupe, packing the same twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W12 as a hard-top as well as putting out 621 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. Also similarto a fixed rooftiles variant, the Supersports Convertible can run upon possibly gasoline or E85, returning a 0-60 mph run of 3.9 seconds and a tip speed on 202 mph no matter what you select to tip up with.
Other carryovers embody the all-wheel expostulate complement and ZF-sourced six-speed automatic that send energy to 4, 20-inch, 10-spoke wheels shod in high-performance Pirelli rubber (275/35Z R20). However, unlike a hard-top, a back seats remain, along with carbon essential ele ment seats as well as matching trim, Alcantara and the host of interior amenities.
Bentley hasn’t expelled pricing on the Supersports Automobile yet, but considering the coupe starts around $270,000, you and three friends can share the $300k tab when it goes upon sale this summer. Press release after a jump.
Gallery:2011 Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible
Uncover full PR textNEW BENTLEY CONTINENTAL SUPERSPORTS CONVERTIBLE
FlexFuel technology rightaway customary opposite Continental indication operation
• A Continental Supersports Convertible is the fastest, most manly drop-top Bentley ever
built – 0-60mph in only 3.9 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.2 seconds) and the top speed of 202mph
(325km/h). It is also the fastest four-seat automobile in the world.
• The Supersports is a extreme Bentley convertible, offering the highly focussed, pristine Bentley
driving experience.
• Robust styling reflects the Supersports Convertible’s supercar celebrity with the
practicality and elegance of four-seat accommodation.
• A standardisation of pioneering FlexFuel record across a 2011 Continental indication
operation reaffirms Bentley’s on-going environmental joining to have all the cars biofuel-
compatible by 2012.
The Continental Supersports Automobile further strengthens Bentley’s supercar range, following the key of the Continental Supersports Coup? in 2009. The new Supersports Convertible, with a same 630PS (621bhp/463kW) twin-turbocharged W12 engine, is a fastest, most manly drop-top Bentley has ever built, offering the ultimate Bentley pushing knowledge in a world’s many thespian automobile. The impulse for the ‘Supersports’ name is the 1925 Bentley Supersports, a race-bred version of the iconic Bentley 3-litr e, that delive red 85bhp when some-more typical cars were versed with a medium 15bhp. It was also the initial production automobile to strech 100mph – extreme opening in the day.
A new, robust four-seat Supersports Convertible is unmistakably Bentley in its design as well as craftsmanship though the interior signifies a thespian re-interpretation of Bentley luxury. Satin-finished carbon fibre, Alcantara™ and ‘Soft Hold’ leather create a unique atmosphere with a clearly sporting
as well as contemporary style.
All models in a Continental indication operation, togetherwith the new Supersports Convertible are now able of using upon both motor-fuel (gasoline) and E85 bioethanol or any multiple of the two, reaffirming Bentley’s ongoing joining to make all the cars bio-fuel compatible by 2012. Pioneered by the Supersports Coupe, this FlexFuel technology offers the rebate of up to 70 per cent in CO2 emissions on a ‘well-to-wheel’ basement, a magnitude of a fuel’s net contribution to the ambience, not only tailpipe emissions.
To ensure seamless power delivery, a on-board fuel supply system detects the blending comparativemeasure of a fuel in a tank and ensures that energy as well as torque remain consistent regardless of a comparativemeasure of motor-fuel to biofuel.
Bentley Authority and Arch Executive Dr Franz-Josef Paefgen welcomes the new further to the Bentley range, as well as the standardisation of the FlexFuel W12 engine on all 2011 Continental models: “The brandnew Supersports Automobile blends thrilling performance and dramatic styling with luxury and practicality in the Bentley open-top convention. Impassioned power combines with pioneering FlexFuel record, rightaway shared with all Continental models, reflecting Bentley’s
ongoing commitment to more environmental motoring.”
THE BRANDNEW CONTINENTAL SUPERSPORTS – DURING THE PEEK
The fastest, many potent drop-top Bentley ever
• 6-litre W12 engine twin-turbocharged engine produces 630PS (621bhp/463kW) at 6000
rev/min and 800Nm (590lb ft) of torque at 2000-4500 rev/min
• 0 – 60mph in 3.9 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.2 seconds)
• 0 -100mph in 9.6 seconds (0-160km/h in 9.5 seconds)
• Tip speed of 202mph (325km/h)
• Altogether weight saving of 90kg (198lb) versus GTC Speed
THE rarely focussed, ext reme Bentley convertible driving experience
• Revised ZF 6HP26 transmission with ‘Quickshift’ system which cuts change times by 50% and
enables doub le downshifts
• New 40/60 re ar-biased torque split for a all-wheel expostulate system reduces understeer when
powering out of bends and provides for improved modulation of line and attitude by ‘throttle
steering’
• Retuned Successive Damping Control (CDC) complement, stiffer suspension bushes as well as uprated
rear anti-roll bar benefit body control, steering reply, turn-in and balance
• Increased 50mm rear lane improves hold and fortitude
• Lightweight, 20-inch, 10-spoke amalgamate wheels offer 10kg (22lb) weight saving per car, reducing
unsprung as well as rotating mass as well as improving stop
• 275/35 ZR20 Pirelli Ultra High Performance tyres
• Ad vanced ESP system fully exploits potential of a most powerful W12 engine as well as
improved chassis
• Standard-fit carbon-ceramic brakes provide fade-free braking as well as contribute a 20kg (44lb)
reduction in rotating as well as unsprung mass from the front axle.
Robust nonetheless superb styling with four-seat practicality
• Form follows duty: particular centre air intake and vertical grilles feed larger volume of
air (+ 10%) to turbocharger intercoolers while carp vents extract prohibited air from engine bay
• Subtly curved back circle arches with newly tooled side panels accommodate increased back
track of the uprated chassis and yield muscular stance
• Particular ’smoked steel finish’ to all exterior ‘brightware’, togetherwith a first automotive
application of ‘Physical Effluvium Deposition’ to stainless steel
• Larger, twin elliptical exhaust tailpipes as well as rear valance with watchful ver tical divider
• Fixed rear bootlid spoiler for improved aerodynamics
• Unique driver-focused, four-seat cabin
• Lightweight, carbon fibre, front sports seats, saving 45kg (99lb) per car
• Alcantara™, co fibre as well as ‘Soft Grip’ leather yield a new understand of Bentley
craftsmanship
• A standardisation of FlexFuel capability across the 2011 Continental indication range
reaffirms Bentley’s on-going environmental joining
• FlexFuel available on all 2011 Continental models, including a brandnew Supersports
Convertible, from June 2010 (all markets)
• All Continental models, are now capable of using upon petrol as well as E85 biofuel or any
combination of the dual
• Power and torque remain constant whatever the comparativemeasure of petrol to E85 biofuel
• A Fuel Peculiarity Sensor detects the consistent ratio of the fuel in real time promulgation the signal to
the engine control section (ECU), initiating a scold engine mapping. This ensures all
openi ng parameters sojourn offset and unchanging
• Offers a rebate in CO2 emissions of up to 70% (well-to-wheel), a magnitude of a fuel’s net
grant to the atmosphere, not just tailpipe emissions
Extended choice for all Continental indication range business
• A full 2011 Continental range gets the horde of brandnew exterior and interior specification
changes
• 6 new colours have been added to the Bentley palette (Citric, White Satin, Kingfisher, Magenta,
Orange Flame and St James Red Pearl)
• Dark Grey Lead Hood which is available upon all Continental convertible togetherwith the brandnew
Supersports Convertible
• Automatic opening and shutting Powerboot is included as standard upon the new Continental
Flying Coax and GTC models (not Supersports versions)
• A brandnew cost option Reward Container for the Drifting Spur includes veneered picnic tables with
vanity mirrors, the Mulliner alloy fuel filler cap and chrome inlay strips to the door waistrails
Convenience Packs have been accessible for all Continental models as well as include features such as Adaptive Cruise Control with ‘Follow to Stop’ feature, an iPod™ interface, front chair rubthebody function, telephone handsets, rear-view camera and Valet key
A CONTINENTAL SUPERSPORTS CONVERTIBLE – IN ITEM
A new Continental Supersports Convertible is a car that must be driven to be fully accepted. At the back of the circle it is rughtaway clear that the Supersports Bentley is a ‘fusion of extremes’ – the idealisation in impassioned performance, each day practicality as well as peerless hand-crafted oppulance.
Bentley’s Supersports programme began as an ‘under a radiodetector’ project exploring a possibilities of weight reduction upon a Continental GT Coup? but with more power and torque. A mostly initial plan shortly crystallised into an central brandnew car programme, driven by the passion and enthusiasm of a small organisation of Bentley engineers and designers. Rightaway the Supersports Automobile has perceived the same focus and the formula are equally dramatic. Dr Ulrich Eichhorn, Member of a Board, Engineering explains a thinking at the back of a project: “A Impassioned’ Bentley fast rightaway has a new passenger in a form of a Supersports Automobile – the car every bit as purposeful and potent as a Coup? but with the panache of roof-down motoring.”
THE highly focussed, pristine Bentley driving experience
With 630PS (621bhp) as well as 800Nm (590lb ft) of torque from its pioneering FlexFuel engine and new ‘Quickshift’ delivery, the Supersports Convertible is a fastest drop-top Bentley has ever built. It accelerates from 0-60mph in 3.9 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.2 seconds) and, conditions needing, can goon onto the tip speed of 202mph (325km/h).
The increased power as well as torque are transmitted to the all-wheel drive complement around an uprated and fast six-speed Quickshift delivery, that some-more than halves change times (to just 93 milliseconds) as well as maximises a new Convertible’s enormous intensity. The revised gearbox also has the capability to broach double downshifts (sixth to fourth rigging, for example) and improves acceleration across the complete gear range. To cope with the one more power as well as torque, a planetary gear set of a ZF delivery is also strengthened.
Positive torque during downshifts is completed through engine and gearbox electronic controller communication for extra throttle and fuel injection during the overrun. During transmission upshifts, fuel as well as ignition are cut momentarily to give faster automatic shift times by torque reduction, also
mending shift quality as well as durability. The extreme opening of a Superports Convertible is matched by accurate, flexible doing, whilst retaining class-leading levels of ride comfort and refinement. Developed from a GTC Speed, framework enhancements include retuning of the electronic Successive Damping Carryout (CDC) system, stiffer front cessation bushes and uprated back anti-roll bar. A Supersports Convertible also shares its ride tallness with the GTC Speed, sitting 10mm (0.4in) reduce during a front as well as 15mm (0.6in) lower at the back than the customary GTC.
The front cessation trailing push facilities a new design of hydraulic bush, 33 per cent stiffer than those of GTC Speed, for softened steering reply whilst the uprated rear anti-roll bar provides improved physique control and turn-in response. The retuned CDC system provides extended control of body transformation to setupon the optimum balance in between agile handling as well as float comfort during all driving manoeuvres. Lively is further sensory by the 40:60 rear-biased torque split for the all-wheel drive system wh ich reduces understeer during tough cornering and allows the gifted driver to modulate a car’s line and balance via accurate throttle control.
A 9.5Jx20-inch fake alloy wheels, shared with a Supersports Coup?, offer the weight saving of 10kg (22lb) per car, shortening unsprung as well as rotating mass while the open 10-spoke pattern offers superior brake cooling. A back wheels have the 25mm (1 inch) larger offset ensuing in the 50mm (2inches) increase in the back lane, further benefiting doing and fortitude. A lightweight wheels are propitious with 275/35 ZR 20 Pirelli Ultra-High Opening tyres, providing excellent steering reply. The standard-fit tyre monitoring complement allows the driver to select tyres sort and speed range parameters. As well as monitoring pressures, the system warns drivers if their speed is aswell tall for a tyre pressures or if tyre speed ratings are exceeded on winter tyres.
A Supersports Convertible features an modernized electronic stability programme (ESP) which moderates involvement at low speeds, exploiting a intensity of a more absolute engine and extended framework, improving driver communication and control. The brandnew ESP also provides faster reinstatement of engine torque after involvement, giving the spirited motorist greater control. A target slip is increasing during larger than 90 per cent stifle to utilise all available longitudinal hold.
Corner exit agility is thereby also enhanced for increasi ng driver involvement. Together a framework, tyre and lane changes broach softened grip, turn-in and agility. Co ceramic brakes have been customary fitment and yield the reduction in rotating and unsprung mass of 20kg (44lb) from the front axle, benefiting steering response, grip and float comfort. The large diameter (420mm front, 356mm back lightweight discs and eight-piston calipers suggest fade-resistant
braking performance with minimal disc exaggeration under tall thermal conditions. Pedal feel is also improved with shorter travel, high effectiveness as well as a accurate pressure point. Designing a Impassioned’ Bentl ey automobile – where form follows function The evolution of the Supersports Convertible’s design is very much the box of form following function, with brandnew eloquent sculptural forms signalling the engineering changes beneath the skin. Pass engineering-led design changes to the Supersports include:
• Revised front air intakes as well as brandnew bonnet vents to improve airflow as well as cooling
• Flared back wings to accommodate wider rear lane
• Watchful bootli d spoiler benefitting aerodynamic balance at high speeds
The increasing power and torque of a W12 engine necessitated an one more 10 per ce nt airflow to the twin turbocharger intercoolers and cooling system. With extensive use of Computational Fluid Dynamics techniques, Bentley’s designers responded with a eloquent and dramatic style, featuring
vast straight intake apertures. Twin bonnet vents were combined to safeguard positive air descent. Similarly, all-new flared rear wings that accommodate the 50mm (2 inches) wider rear lane are written to emphasize the absolute position of this ultra-high performance Automobile. The resultant Supersports Automobile style combines the looks of the seemly Continental GTC with the far-reaching, low and robust coming which reflects its some-more extreme character.
A Supersports Convertible, in usual with its Coup? stablemate, occupies a position insideof the Bentley portfolio which is all the own, as Raul Pires, Head of Extraneous Design, explains. “The Supersports Automobile as well as Coup ? are the idealisation driver’s Bentleys and which is reflected in unique pattern cues that provide the confidant, sporting demeanour, from whatever point of view a cars are dignified. Even from 50 metres behind on a dim road, you can just discussit it’s the
Supersports.”
From the front, the radiator, reduce grille and dual carp vents are finished in a distinguished Smoked Steel finish. Derived from an innovative technology routinely used to apply a cloaking to opp ulance watches as well as specialised industrial collection, Earthy Effluvium Deposition (PVD) is a complex as well as time-consuming process
that involves vaporised metal being deposited onto the surface of, in this box, immaculate steel. Giving a darker, more solid appearance, it is a first make use of of the PVD finish on stainless steel in the car attention. In addition to the Smoked Steel finishes, the gloss black finish to a headlamp casings and back
lamp clusters gives the Supersports convertible’s distinctive face as well as robust rear additional visible impact.
Restyled – as well as some-mor e aerodynamic – door mirrors match the exterior paint preference and the window and door surrounds replace polished stainless steel with a Smoked Steel finish to match the front grille. Eye-catching, black gloss Bentley-branded stop calipers action on a co cer amic brakes. Surrounding a brakes have been the unique 20-inch, forged alloy wheels with Smoked Steel-finish which are exclusive to Supersports models. Vast diameter tailpipe trims turn out a car’s purposeful stance when noticed from a rear. Underneath the bonnet Supersports badges beauty a cover of the 630PS (621bhp) W12 engine.
The Supersports Automobile has an electrically operated, three-layer fabric hood with modernized acoustic insulation to yield superb levels of refinement as well as comfort when raised. THE choice of 8 metalcover colours have been accessible, including a brandnew Dim Grey Metallic choice, that is completed by weaving a ‘grey’ acrylic fibre with a semi-transparent Lead effect’ fibre in the twill weave building a whole to emanate a directional colour outcome.
A re-interpretation of Bentley craftsmanship
Inside the Supersports Convertible, the cockpit is the dramatic execution of iconic Bentley design displayed in its full glory each time the roof is lowered. Dirk outpost Braeckel, Executive of Design as well as Styling, describes the proceed taken by his interior pattern group: “A design group has entirely embraced the suggestion of Supersports to create the dramatic understand of Bentley luxury for a new Convertible where normal craftsmanship and fine detailing are given a really dissimilar understand. Tannedhide hides mix with new materials for Bentley such as satin-finished carbon twine as well as Alcantara™ to emanate the unique ambience with a distinctly sporting as well as contemporary style.” Lightweight carbon twine is featured via the cabin, from the unique carbon-weave treadplates with Supersports script in both doorwells to a sculpted lightweight sports front seats, which underline the co fibre clamshell behind as well as Diamond-quilted Alcantara. Each seat weighs only 21kg as well as, in the typical e.g. of attention to detail, the manifest weave in the co twine has a ‘Bentley-specific’ density to safeguard the undiluted visual finish. A Continental Supersports is the first Bentley to offer the combination of soft-grip tannedhide and
performance-enhancing Alcantara™ alongside a leather censor. Alcantara™ is favoured by racing teams for the ability to yield one more hold under extreme conditions, such as cornering. Though it is additionally marvellous to demeanour at, as well as being immensely supportive on the road or lane.
The Alcantara™ practical to the rear cell, doorway panels and seat facings is quilted and in the Supersports marks a return of the most smaller ‘diamond’ upholstery pattern from Bentleys of aged. To further prominence the car’s sporting nature, the steering wheel as well as rigging lever have been trimmed in new ‘Soft Grip’ tannedhide with extra hold for a supercar feel, as well as drilled alloy sports pedals stand out in the driver’s footwell.
FlexFuel technology introduced on all 2011 Continental models
FlexFuel technology, pioneered on a Continental Supersports Coup? in 2009, is now extended to a complete 2011 Continent al range, including a new Supersports Convertible. The W12 6-litre energy section now has a technology to run on petrol, E85 bioethanol or any mix of these two fuels – all from a single tank.Bioethanol is blended with petrol in a variety of percentages ranging from E10 (10 per cent bioethanol) to the many widely known, E85, a comparativemeasure of 85% bioethanol to 15 per cent petrol to ensure cold-start capability.
Bioethanol presents alternative unique engineering hurdles compared with petrol, due to the chemical combination and characteristics. E85 biofuel has a very tall octane rating of 105 though the reduce appetite calm which requires the 30 per cent enlarge in the engine fuel flow rate. This necessitated a complete
examination of the fuel complement to brand as well as, if required, replace components deemed to be insufficiently resistant to the properties of ethanol.
Increased fuel flow is achieved through a returnless fuel complement, twin non-static flow fuel pumps as well as the new sealed loop fuel rail pattern with pressure sensor. For the fuel complement all O-rings, seals, gaskets and pipes are new whilst new valve coatings and hardened valve seat element yield additional lubrication. Brandnew hint plugs with a wider feverishness operation concede for slower combustion. A sensor in a fuel supply complement detects the blending ratio in real time as well as varies a engine mapping to ensure power, torque and emissions remain during a same levels whatever fuel is used.
FlexFuel offers the possibility of up to a 70 per cent rebate in CO2 net emissions on the ‘well to w heel’ basement, distributed by adding a CO2 issued during the descent and enlightening routine (the ‘well’) with the CO2 expelled when the fuel is burnt during motoring (the Circle. Biofuels can be sourced from sugar cane or soyabean, or from “2nd generation” sources such as rural waste and forestry residues. As biofuels are not subsequent from hoary fuels, a CO2 expelled during explosion is reabsorbed by plants during the photosynthesis process, toillustrate formulating an unbroken energy cycle.
Enhanced choice for all Continental business
In addition to the passingfromonetoanother to all-FlexFuel engines, the Continental range receives a horde of new extraneous and interior selection enhancements for a 2011 models, which emphasize a unparalleled craftsmanship and materials that have been used to create the artistic interiors for that Bentley is renowned.
6 new colours have been combined to the Bentley colour palette (Citric, White Finecloth, Kingfisher, Magenta, Orange Fire and St James Red Pearl) as well as a Dim Gr ey Metallic Metalcover that is accessible on a new Supersports Convertible is additionally available upon a Continental GTC models.
Normal Bentley facilities such as chair piping as well as stitching options can be practical to the abounding leather hides that have been used to trim the cabins of each Continental. These embody highly perplexing fine line, cranky and Z-stitching to adorn a seats, doorway panels and front console. THE new Premium Container for a four-door Drifting Spur is accessible as a price option as well as includes beautiful veneered picnic tables with self-centredness mirrors, a Mulliner ‘jewelled’ alloy fuel filler top and chrome inlay strips to the doo r waistrails. Customers can additionally choose from lambswool rugs or dee p pile runner mats with leather hide contracting to the edges.
Preference Packs are accessible for both a Continental GT, Continental GTC, Drifting Coax and Drifting Coax Speed models. Upon the GT as well as GTC models this includes Adaptive Cruise Carryout with ‘Follow to Stop’ feature, an iPod™ interface linked to a Infotainment system, rubthebody function to a front seats, the front remoteness write handset, rear-view c amera and Valet key. For Drifting Spur models, a Preference Container additionally includes an one more back privacy handset. The massage function for a front seats is already standard on this model.
Finally the new automatically opening and shutting shutting Powerboot is rightaway customary on a new Continental Drifting Coax and GTC models (not upon Supersports versions).
