Bentley Continental Supersports

We're thinking that when the Bentley Continental Supersports was first proposed in Crewe the world was a rosier place financially. The Supersports revives a badge worn by a 1925 Bentley that was the first production Bentley to reach 100mph. The Supersports Continental can do more than double that, its 621bhp W12 engine capable of propelling it to a 204mph maximum.

What's all the fuss about?

The fuss from Bentley about this big-money, big-performance Continental Supersports isn't really its quite incredible 3.9-second 0-62mph time or its double-ton-plus top speed, but instead the fact that it's capable of running on E85 bio-fuel. Bentley claims that because of this the Supersports is able to offer a reduction in CO₂ emissions of up to 70% on a well-to-wheel basis, that being a measure of the net CO₂ contribution to the atmosphere rather than merely a tailpipe measure.

Any new technology?

Aside from that, ahem, environmentally-conscious engine the Supersports promises to deliver a highly focussed driving experience. To achieve this Bentley's engineers have tweaked almost everything imaginable. The automatic gearbox shifts quicker, the suspension has been lowered and stiffened and there's a new 40/60 front to rear torque split with the all-wheel drive system. Standard ceramic brakes, an overall 110kg weight saving, revised looks and a two-seat interior complete the package.

When can I buy one?

We're sure that any Bentley dealer will be delighted to take a deposit off you right now for a Supersports Continental. Deliveries will start in autumn this year, unless you're in America, where you'll need to wait until summer 2010 for this ultimate Continental GT to reach you.

Kyle Fortune