Optimised aerodynamics in perfect quality

Sportive elegance is the hallmark of the HAMANN-IMPERATOR design: In order to meet the high expectations in its appearance and aerodynamics, the HAMANN -designers completely reconstructed the front of the four-seater. Larger air inlets in connection with perfectly integrated daytime running lights give the Bentley an even more dynamic face. Additionally, the newly designed front optimises the air flow and therefore reduces the lifting forces at the front axle. Impressive extensions at the front and rear wings broaden the IMPERATOR by 70 millimetres and are contribute significantly to the powerful overall impression of the HAMANN modification. The HAMANN side skirts were modelled in such a way that they calm the air flow at the sides and make the noble sports car look even lower and more elongated. In order to reduce the lifting forces at the rear axle, the HAMANN technicians fitted an elegant spoiler on the original boot lid of the Bentley and combined it with a diffuser rear skirt for additional downthrust.

Impressive in terms of dimension and design – the new light alloy wheel ANNIVERSARY RACE ??ANODIZED??

Matching the striking appearance of the IMPERATOR, HAMANN uses new rims of the type ANNIVERSARY RACE ??ANODIZED?? in the dimension 22 inches. The exceptionally light, multi-part forged wheel has a high-gloss polished rim flange and a black anodized rim star. The recommended wheel/tyre combination for the front is 10.5Jx22 inches with tyres measuring 265/35 R 22. At the rear, 11.0Jx22 inch rims are used with tyres measuring 305/30 R 22.

HAMANN even offers a 21-inch alternative. Under the designation DESIGN EDITION RACE ANODIZED the refiner offers an ultra-light forged wheel which unites sportiness and elegance in its design. The black rim star and the titanium bolts emphasise the dynamics of the wheel while the high-gloss polished rim flange confirms the noble look. HAMANN offers the 21-inch wheel with tyres sized 295/30 R 21.

The new aluminium wheels are especially put in the limelight with the special chassis springs which lower the centre of gravity of the Continental GT by 30 millimetres at the front and 20 at the rear axle. At the same time, the handling of the sports car is significantly enhanced.

Perfected technology for superior performance enhancement

With a powerful performance enhancement, HAMANN offers the core part of the refining programme. The upgrade includes a sports end muffler with oval stainless steel end pipes and a new engine management. The result for the Continental GT Speed engine is an extra output of approx. 40hp /29kW and a torque increase by 90 Newton metres. The aggregate of the Continental GT even improves by 70hp/52kW and advances its torque by an additional 90 Nm. In addition, the maximum speed for both engines rises by approx 5km/h compared to their serial counterparts.

Noble or sportive – HAMANN offers the suitable interior

An interior highlight is the ergonomically newly designed 3-spoke sport steering wheel. Due to its new shape it lies much better in the hand and still offers all functions of the serial steering wheel. In the HAMANN upholstery, the wheel is covered with most precious leather and enhanced with applications made of carbon fibre – this perfectly goes with the multi-part interior set made of same material. No matter if you are looking for black piano finish, leather or ultra-suede – we have everything that makes your heart beat faster. From the personalised floor mat set to a complete leather trim, everything is produced with artisan precision. Individually designed and fitted in the car by expert hand.

• The Continental Supersports is the fastest, most powerful Bentley ever with 630PS (621 bhp) 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds) and a 204 mph (329 km/h) top speed.
• The Supersports reaffirms Bentley’s environmental commitment with the launch of its first FlexFuel performance car.
• The Supersports combines the looks of the iconic GT with a distinctive style that reflects its supercar character.
• The Supersports is the extreme Bentley delivering a highly focused driving experience – a muscular two-seater that is 110 kg lighter than the Continental GT Speed.

The Continental Supersports is the fastest and most powerful Bentley ever. It is the extreme Bentley, a muscular two-seater that delivers supercar performance and a highly focused driving experience.

The Supersports is also the first Bentley capable of running on both petrol (gasoline) and biofuel, pioneering the use of FlexFuel technology in the luxury sector. This represents stage one of the company’s commitment to make its complete model range compatible with renewable fuels by 2012.

Available worldwide from autumn 2009, the Continental Supersports will be FlexFuel compatible in the majority of markets from launch with North American cars offering the capability by summer 2010, following regulatory approval.

The Continental Supersports began as an ‘under the radar’ project exploring the possibilities of weight reduction on the Continental GT but with more power and torque. A largely experimental process crystallised over a period of 24 months into an official new car programme, driven by the passion and enthusiasm of a small group of Bentley engineers and designers.

The results are dramatic. With 630PS (621 bhp) and new ‘Quickshift’ transmission that halves shift times, the Supersports sets new performance benchmarks for Bentley. It accelerates from 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds) onto a top speed of 204 mph (329 km/h).

Supercar performance is complemented by an array of chassis enhancements including retuned steering and suspension, utilising lighter weight components, retuned dampers and anti-roll bars.

Agility is further sharpened by the 40:60 rear-biased torque split for the all-wheel drive system, a wider rear track, bespoke lightweight 20-inch alloy wheels and a unique electronic stability programme.

Carbon ceramic brakes are standard fitment, benefiting steering response, grip and ride comfort, while saving weight. Overall, the engineering team have achieved a weight reduction of 110 kg (243 lb) compared with the Continental GT Speed.

The evolution of the Supersports’ design is very much a case of ‘form following function’ with new purposeful sculptural forms signalling the engineering changes beneath the skin.

For example, the increased power and torque of the W12 engine necessitated additional airflow to the twin turbocharger intercoolers and cooling system. Bentley’s designers responded with a purposeful and dramatic style that features large vertical intake apertures and twin bonnet vents.

Similarly, new flared rear wings that accommodate the 50 mm (2 inches) wider rear track are designed to emphasise the powerful stance of this ultra-high performance coupe. The resultant Supersports style combines the looks of the iconic Continental GT with a new and distinctive appearance that reflects its more extreme character.

The Supersports is further distinguished from its Continental coupe stable mates by a unique dark-smoked steel finish to all exterior ‘brightware’, including front grilles, lamp bezels, window surrounds and wheels. A complex ‘Physical Vapour Deposition’ process is applied to all stainless steel components to give a lustrous and highly durable finish. A car industry first, this process is normally used as a coating on industrial tools, watches and even hip replacement joints.

Fully embracing the extreme spirit of the Supersports, Bentley’s interior designers have created a unique ambience. The cockpit represents a dramatic re-interpretation of Bentley interior design in which carbon fibre and AlcantaraTM not only convey a sporting and contemporary style but also reduce weight.

The Supersports is a strict two-seater featuring all-new lightweight sports seats with carbon fibre clamshell rear panels. In the rear compartment, the seats are replaced by a stowage deck with a carbon fibre luggage retaining beam.

The new interior also provides a showcase for the skills of Bentley’s craftsmen and women at the company’s factory in Crewe, England. Signature premium grade leather and brightware are complemented by carbon fibre panels, replacing traditional wood veneers.

The Continental Supersports is capable of running on either petrol and E85 biofuel or any combination of the two. E85 biofuel can offer a reduction of up to 70 per cent in CO2 emissions on a ‘well-to-wheel’ basis.

Well-to-wheel is a measurement of a fuel’s net CO2 contribution to the atmosphere, not just tailpipe emissions. It is a way of quantifying how much CO2 a fuel emits from its growth or extraction (well) to its combustion or deployment (wheel). It includes refinement, distillation and transport of the fuel.

The fuel supply system detects the blending ratio of the fuel in the tank and ensures that power and torque remain constant regardless of the ratio of petrol to biofuel. The result is seamless power delivery in the Bentley tradition.

The ‘Supersports’ name is inspired by the original two-seater 3-litre Supersports model introduced in 1925, itself an evolution of the 3-litre Speed. The lightweight, 85 bhp Supersports was the first production Bentley to reach 100 mph and was also renowned for the application of Le Mans-winning race technology.

Commenting on the new Supersports model, Dr. Franz-Josef Paefgen, Bentley’s Chairman and Chief Executive said:

“The Continental Supersports reflects the passion and enthusiasm of Bentley’s engineers and designers. This is the fastest, most extreme Bentley ever, dramatically styled to underline its supercar character. Importantly, it also pioneers the use of FlexFuel technology in the luxury sector.”

The fastest most powerful Bentley in the company’s 90-year history

Continental Supersports reaffirms Bentley’s environmental commitment by pioneering the use of biofuel in the luxury sector

Continental Supersports is the extreme Bentley, delivering a highly focused driving experience

Continental Supersports combines the looks of the iconic GT with a distinctive style that reflects its supercar character