Bentley have launched the hardest-core V8-powered Continental yet, the 580-PS GT3-R!
The Continental GT3-R is based on the GT3 race car and will be made in limited numbers, just 300 to be precise. The car is 100 kg lighter than the lightest V8 and packs just two seats. Special body graphics in British Racing Green make it easily stand out from the rest and, surprisingly, or not, it looks just as fast standing still as it does on the go. Remember the Supersports?
The 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 in the GT3-R makes all of 580 PS and 700 Nm, that’s 73 PS up on the standard car and 52 PS up on the S too! Moreover, considering that this 3,993cc unit with two twin-scroll blowers is in everything from the Continental and the Flying Spur to the Audi RS 7, the 580 PS state of tune is the highest yet! Paired to the 8-speed QuickShift automatic transmission, Bentley claim a 0-100 km/h time of 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 273 km/h – that’s quick for a 2,195-kg luxo-barge turned racer! If you’re worried about stopping times, fret not, for the Continental GT3-R used massive cross-drilled carbon silicon carbide brake rotors.
Bentley have also announced theior target of competing in the Nürburgring 24 Hours in 2015. Their Continental GT3 race car is the challenger which they hope will bring home the glory, after the success it has seen in the Blancpain Endurance Racing Series earlier this year. More details on their racing programme will be revealed later this year.
Story: Jim Gorde
Images: Bentley
