SytnerTV: Bentley Supersport

The performance car market is often focused on adding more power, more technology and more complexity. The Bentley Supersports takes a different approach. By removing weight, ditching hybrid assistance and switching to rear-wheel drive, Bentley has created a more focused driving machine while retaining the luxury and craftsmanship the brand is known for.

Limited to just 500 units worldwide, the Bentley Supersports is one of the most exclusive models the company has produced in recent years. But beyond the rarity, it's the engineering philosophy behind the car that makes it stand out.

Bentley Supersports Performance and Engineering

The headline story is weight reduction. Bentley has removed approximately 500kg compared to the standard setup by eliminating the four-wheel-drive system, the hybrid components and several other weight-saving elements throughout the car.

The result is a Bentley that feels far more focused on driver engagement.

Key Performance Figures

• 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8

• 657 brake horsepower

• Rear-wheel drive only

• 0-62 mph in approximately 3.7 seconds

• Around 500kg lighter than before

• Lightest Bentley produced in roughly 85 years

Although the removal of the hybrid system results in slightly less overall power, the Supersports still delivers remarkable performance. The V8 has received a number of updates, including a titanium exhaust system, helping create a package that's built around responsiveness and reduced weight rather than outright numbers alone.

Exterior Design and Aerodynamics

At first glance, the Bentley Supersports is instantly recognisable as a Continental GT. Look closer, however, and you'll notice extensive aerodynamic revisions designed to improve performance and increase downforce.

Bentley says the aerodynamic package generates an additional 300kg of downforce, and many of the visual changes serve a functional purpose.

Front-End Design

The front end features a much larger and more aggressive splitter, while carbon fibre is used extensively throughout the car. Even behind the slimmer front grille, carbon fibre elements are visible, reinforcing the Supersports' lightweight philosophy.

Matt also highlights the bespoke front detailing, where owners can choose:

• No number graphic

• The number eight

• Or a personalised race number

One of the most striking features of the car on display is its split paint finish, with one side finished in black and the other in red. It's an eye-catching specification that emphasises just how dramatic the Supersports looks in person.

Carbon Fibre Throughout

Weight reduction and aerodynamic efficiency are evident across the entire body.

Notable features include:

• Carbon fibre front splitter

• Carbon fibre wing mirrors

• Carbon fibre roof

• Carbon fibre side skirts

• Carbon fibre aerodynamic winglets

Despite these additions, the Supersports still retains the elegant proportions and design cues that make it unmistakably Bentley.

Technical Highlights

The engineering details are just as impressive as the headline figures.

Under the bonnet sits the updated 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8, finished with a carbon fibre engine cover and intricate heat shielding. Matt describes the engine bay as a masterpiece, showcasing the attention to detail that has gone into the car's development.

Chassis and Braking

The Bentley Supersports rides on bespoke 22-inch wheels, developed specifically for the model by Manthey.

Behind them sit substantial carbon ceramic brakes featuring:

• 10-piston brake calipers

• Carbon ceramic discs

• High-performance stopping capability

The combination of reduced weight, upgraded brakes and rear-wheel drive creates a very different character from traditional Bentley performance models.

Rear Aerodynamics

At the rear, the aerodynamic focus becomes even more obvious.

A large carbon fibre rear wing dominates the design, working alongside an aggressive diffuser to generate additional downforce. Matt particularly praises the way the wing wraps around the rear of the vehicle and the visible aerodynamic elements integrated into the diffuser.

The rear also houses a full titanium Akrapovič exhaust system, adding both visual drama and performance credentials.

Everyday Practicality

Despite its track-focused appearance, the Bentley Supersports hasn't abandoned practicality.

The electronically operated boot reveals a surprisingly usable luggage compartment, offering plenty of storage space for everyday use or longer trips. According to Matt, this remains very much a practical Bentley, despite the extensive weight-saving measures elsewhere.

That balance between performance and usability is a recurring theme throughout the car.

Conclusion: A Different Kind of Bentley

Matt's verdict is overwhelmingly positive. Rather than chasing ever-larger power figures, Bentley has focused on reducing weight and increasing driver involvement, creating a car that feels genuinely different from many modern performance vehicles.

Key highlights include:

• Limited to just 500 units worldwide

• Around 500kg lighter than before

• 657 bhp twin-turbocharged V8

• Rear-wheel-drive layout

• Extensive carbon fibre construction

• Additional 300kg of downforce

• Bespoke Supersports interior

• The lightest Bentley in approximately 85 years

What Matt seems to admire most is the philosophy behind the Bentley Supersports. It embraces a "less is more" approach, stripping away weight and complexity while retaining the luxury, craftsmanship and sense of occasion that Bentley owners expect.

The result is a car that feels more focused, more engaging and more special. It may be one of the most extreme modern Bentleys, but it never forgets what makes a Bentley a Bentley.

For more information, contact Sytner Bentley.