2014 Bentley Continental GT3-R
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With the arrival of the new 2014 Continental GT3-R, Bentley Motors has effectively announced its most dynamic member of the Continental family of Grand Tourers Author: Chandan B Mallik
t takes inspiration from its motorsports heritage and cutting edge engineering sees that it’s a car that can perfectly blend track and road credentials in one package. The road legal model, which will have limited to 300 units production was inspired by the new Continental GT3 race car that stormed to victory at the second round of the Blancpain Endurance Series at Silverstone, the first UK race for Bentley for 84 years. Bentley engineers have taken the stock Continental GT as the donor car and have extensively reworked on it to ensure optimized power-to-weight ratios, track-oriented performance and handling. The engineering programme included cognitive measures to ensure flab reduction by 100kg [helped partly by removal of rear seats] and shaving of some of the suspension components besides removal of non-essentials and usage of lightweight titanium exhaust. Cosmetic-cum-aero profiled components include a new carbon fibre front splitter, a new fixed rear wing fitted. The bonnet also has two functional vents to improve airflow and help enhance the cooling capacity of the powertrain system. However, despite it being stripped, the
interior of the car is handsomely crafted in unique to the model combination of green and black colours and trims materials. The two-seat configuration includes a pair of new bespoke sporting seats with additional side support through deeper bolsters, including newly designed foam layers for comfort and finished in Beluga black leather with diamond-quilted AlcantaraÂŽ. This material is also handtrimmed to the steering wheel and gear shifter, while the centre console and fascia panels are handcrafted in carbon fibre. To power the car, Bentley engineers have developed a retuned version of the race-proven, high performance 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 for this new two-seater GT. For this car, it is programmed to developing 572bhp and 700 Nm of torque which comes at 6,000 rpm and 1,700 rpm respectively. Complementing the revised powertrain is a further development of the all-wheel drive system, which now features torque vectoring for the first time. Together with modified Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and a chassis tune optimised for outright cornering ability. With revised and shorter gearing in the eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox, the GT3-R becomes the fastest-accelerating
Bentley ever capable of reaching 96km/h from a standstill in just 3.6secs or 0-100 km/h in 3.8secs. Recalibrated control software means that Drive and Sport modes are moved further apart, each with different characteristics and with Sport mode designed for more spirited driving. Maximum driver control is provided by completely recalibrated paddle shift functionality. Meanwhile, air springs and shock absorber use a development of the sports-tuned setup from the Continental V8 S, and lightweight forged 21in rims are shod with high-grip Pirelli tyres. Sure shot braking duties have been commissioned to the Carbon Silicon Carbide (CSiC) braking system which uses large 420mm discs up front and 356 mm discs are fitted to the rear axle. With these enhancements and performance figures, this also means the Continental GT3-R now touches the supercar territory. All 300 units of this variant will be hand-built in Crewe and finished in Bentley’s Motorsport division. Purchase of the car also includes free standard servicing for four years (at the 10,000, 20,000 and 30,000 mile marks). Order books for the Continental GT3-R are open now, with deliveries to start late in 2014.