Bentley has just introduced an all-new Continental GT3-R, which happens to be an all new model inspired by the Continental GT3 race car. According to Bentley, this limited edition Continental GT3-R will be limited to just 300 units and all of them will be hand-built in Crewe and finished in Bentley’s Motorsport division. Under the hood, there is a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that delivers 580 hp at 6,000 rpm and 700 Nm of torque from 1,700 rpm.
This engine is bolted to the 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox with shorter output gearing that delivers the power to a renowed all-wheel drive system. For the first time, Bentley’s drivetrain has now the ability to control the torque at each of the rear wheels through the use of torque vectoring. Moreover, Bentley recalibrated the paddle shift functionality, while the Drive and Sport modes were moved further apart.
The new titanium exhaust not only brings a weight reduction of 7 kg but also a new sound. The V8 engine pushes the Continental GT3-R from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.8 seconds (0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds).
Bentley also says that the dynamic capabilities of this new model are enhanced with a chassis system focused on performance. As a result, air springs and dampers use a development of the sports-tuned setup from the Continental V8 S, while the 21-inch lightweight forged wheels deploy the torque-vectored power output of the engine.
Meanwhile, the sport-focused Electronic Stability Control programme offers a new level of handling dynamics. Behind the 21-inch wheels we find the Carbon Silicon Carbide (CSiC) braking system which features 420 mm front discs with 8-piston calipers finished in eye-catching green paint and 356 mm discs on the rear axle.
Regarding the design, the Continental GT3-R features a carbon fiber front splitter and fixed rear wing and two vents found on the bonnet to improve the cooling capacity of the engine. The vehicle comes with a Glacier White paint finish inspired by the Continental GT3 race and it is highlighted by the two-tone green graphics that trace the two power lines to the side profile.
The headlamps bezels, matrix grille, window surrounds and bumper strips are all finished in gloss black, just like the 21-inch wheels. The interior reveals a two-seat configuration with new bespoke sporting seats that offer additional side support thanks to the deeper bolsters. The seats are finished in Beluga black leather with diamond-quilted alcantara.
The same amterial is also found on the hand-trimmed steering wheel and gear shifter, while the centre console and fascia panels are handcrafted in carbon fibre. Bentley also used the carbon fiber to create the sculpted door casings that also include diamond-quilted Alcantara inner panels. Replacing the rear seats is a carbon fibre surround and finished in leather and Alcantara.
The design of the interior are completed by the vivid accent green colour found on the centre console, passenger-side fascia panel and sill tread plates, as well as on the seats. Every customer who will purchase the new Bentley Continental GT3-R will get free standard servicing for four years (at the 10,000, 20,000 and 30,000 mile marks). Deliveries will start in late 2014.
