One hundred years ago, Bentley built its first "Super Sports" — a lightweight performance car that could exceed 100 mph for the first time in the brand's history. That vehicle established two defining traits: exceptional speed and extreme rarity, with only 18 examples ever made.

Now, the Supersports name returns for only the fourth time in Bentley's century-long legacy. The 2026 Continental GT Supersports represents the most driver-focused Bentley ever created, combining rear-wheel drive, a sub-2,000 kg weight, and a twin-turbocharged V8 engine that delivers 657 horsepower. It's a vehicle designed not for top-speed records, but for maximum driver engagement through weight reduction and precision engineering.

A New Direction for Supersports

Previous generations of the Supersports focused on absolute top speed, powered by Bentley's signature W12 engine. The 2026 model takes a different approach. Instead of all-wheel drive and hybrid assistance, this Supersports uses a strengthened 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 that produces 657 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque — making it the highest power density of any Bentley engine at 166.5 hp per litre.

Power flows exclusively to the rear wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. This marks the first time a production Continental GT has been rear-wheel drive, a configuration previously reserved only for Bentley's GT3 race cars. An electronic limited-slip differential and torque vectoring by brake work together to sharpen turn-in response and maximize traction under acceleration.

The result is a 0–100 km/h sprint in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of approximately 310 km/h. More importantly, the Supersports can corner roughly 30% quicker than a Continental GT Speed, generating up to 1.3g of lateral force when equipped with optional Pirelli Trofeo RS performance tyres.

Nearly Half a Tonne Lighter

Weight reduction played a central role in the Supersports' development. By removing the hybrid battery system, switching to rear-wheel drive, and deleting the rear seats entirely, Bentley engineers saved nearly 500 kg compared to the standard Continental GT.

Additional weight savings come from a carbon fibre roof panel, which also lowers the overall centre of gravity. The rear cabin has been replaced with a lightweight carbon fibre tub wrapped in leather, creating a strict two-seat configuration. Even the audio system has been reconfigured for the front cabin only, and certain driver assistance systems have been removed to prioritize driving engagement over convenience.

The exterior aerodynamic components — including the front splitter, dive planes, side sills, fender blades, rear diffuser, and fixed rear wing — are all crafted in carbon fibre. These elements aren't just aesthetic; they generate more than 300 kg of additional downforce compared to a Continental GT Speed, helping to achieve a dynamic weight distribution that shifts rearward as speed increases.

Form Follows Function

The exterior design of the Supersports is the most aggressive ever applied to a Continental GT. A new front bumper integrates the largest splitter ever fitted to a road-going Bentley, feeding cooling air to the engine and front brakes. Two pairs of stacked dive planes sit at the corners of the front bumper, working with the splitter to reduce front lift.

Behind the front wheels, B-shaped fender blades manage airflow from the wheel arches. At the rear, a new diffuser built into an all-new bumper construction includes vents for the rear wheel arches, while a one-piece fixed spoiler crowns the boot lid. Every aerodynamic piece was extensively tested, with no elements included purely for style.

Carbon fibre extends to the wing mirrors and engine cover, completing the performance-focused aesthetic. Customers can choose high-gloss carbon fibre finishes, or opt to have lower elements fully painted or pinstriped.

Engineering for Cornering Performance

The Supersports uses aluminium double wishbones at the front with a multi-link rear axle, air springs, and twin-chamber dampers that are independently controlled in bump and rebound. Bentley Dynamic Ride, the brand's proprietary 48-volt electric anti-roll control system, can apply up to 1,300 Nm of anti-roll reaction torque in 0.3 seconds.

Braking is handled by carbon-ceramic discs — 440 mm at the front with 10-piston calipers, and 410 mm at the rear with four-piston calipers. These represent the largest automotive braking system in the world and come standard on the Supersports.

New 22-inch forged and machined aluminium wheels were developed in partnership with Manthey Racing, a company known for its work on high-performance track vehicles. The wheels are available in two finishes: Black Painted, or Black Painted and Machined with a silver metal accent.

The electronic stability control system offers three settings: fully on for maximum assistance, Dynamic Mode for a controlled level of slip and oversteer, or fully off for complete driver control over the rear axle. The Drive Dynamics Controller includes three modes — Touring, Bentley, and Sport — each progressively sharpening throttle response, gearbox strategy, chassis settings, and exhaust character.

A Two-Seat Cabin Focused on Driving

Inside, new lightweight sports seats sit lower in the car and feature increased lateral bolstering with carbon elements across the shoulder area. Both seats retain 11-way electric adjustment and heating. The rear cabin space is now occupied by a precision-engineered carbon fibre tub wrapped in leather, creating a cleaner and more purposeful interior layout.

High-gloss carbon fibre veneers are standard on the waistrails and fascia panels. Leather and Dinamica — a technical material used in motorsport applications — cover the seat centres, door panels, and headlining. Supersports embroidery and badging appear throughout the cabin, along with an individually numbered badge on the centre console.

Customers can choose from 22 main hide colours, 11 secondary hide colours, and nine accent hide colours. Single-tone, duo-tone (standard), and a new tri-tone colour split are all available. Dark Chrome Specification is standard, while Diamond Brushed or Engine Turned Aluminium in a Dark Tint finish, or Piano Black, can replace interior carbon fibre.

Celebrating a Century of the Super Sports Name

The name "Super Sports" first appeared on a Bentley in 1925, applied to an uprated version of the 3 Litre with a shorter, lighter chassis. It was the first Bentley capable of exceeding 100 mph, and only 18 were built.

The name returned in 2009 as "Supersports" — now one word — defining the pinnacle of the first-generation Continental GT. That model was also a two-seat variant, 100 kg lighter than the standard car, and the most driver-focused Bentley of its era. In 2017, a second-generation Supersports arrived with a 710 hp W12 engine, producing 710 examples to match its power output.

The 2026 Supersports continues this lineage but shifts the focus from top speed to lateral performance, weight reduction, and driver engagement. It's a return to Bentley making more extreme vehicles that combine breadth of ability with genuine driver involvement.

Limited Production and Availability

Only 500 examples of the Continental GT Supersports will be handcrafted in Crewe, England, with each vehicle individually numbered before it leaves the factory. Customers can request specific numbers from the limited production run.

Orders will open in March 2026, with production beginning in the fourth quarter of 2026. First deliveries are expected in early 2027. The Supersports will be available in select markets, including Canada.

Bentley's design team has developed five "Design Themes" that include either vertical striping with a Supersports name in a contrasting colour on the lower body side, or a series of painted stripes in two contrasting colours across the rear quarters. A core range of 24 performance-focused colours is available, with additional options including Supersports logos and matte paint finishes through Mulliner.

Why the Supersports Matters

The Continental GT Supersports represents a deliberate shift in Bentley's performance philosophy. Rather than chasing maximum speed, the focus is on creating a vehicle that rewards skilled driving through weight reduction, rear-wheel drive, and aerodynamic efficiency.

For buyers in Montreal, where driving conditions range from urban streets to winding routes through the Laurentians, the Supersports offers a level of agility and engagement that differs from the comfort-focused Continental GT Speed. The rear-wheel drive layout, lighter weight, and track-tuned chassis create a driving experience closer to Bentley's racing heritage than its luxury grand touring tradition.

The connection to the 1925 Super Sports and the limited production of 500 examples positions the Supersports as a collector-focused vehicle that celebrates a century of Bentley performance engineering. It's a vehicle designed for enthusiasts who value driver engagement and exclusivity over outright top speed or everyday practicality.

Contact Bentley Montreal to learn more about the Continental GT Supersports and stay informed on ordering timelines for this limited-production model.