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The new Supersports Continental Convertible ISR made its
debut on the Bentley stand at the 2011 Geneva Show. Wolfgang
Duerheimer, Bentley’s new Chairman and Chief Executive, said:
“Juha Kankkunen’s drive was a remarkable achievement and
worthy of a very special car. The Continental Supersports ‘Ice
Speed Record’ is a true driver’s car that captures that unique
Bentley spirit. It offers extreme performance, agility and an
extrovert personality, while retaining the refinement,
handcrafted luxury and comfort our customers expect.”
The new Bentley convertible is available in three distinctive
colours, reinforcing its muscular styling, while its leather and
Alcantara-lined cabin features high-gloss carbon fibre with a
unique red weave. For an even more extrovert appearance,
customers may specify the ISR Mulliner design package (available
at no extra cost) with its bold ‘Supersports ISR’ graphics and
red-accented detailing. The Supersports Continental Convertible
ISR is now available to order at Bentley dealerships and is
priced at £189,300 (inclusive of VAT).
Bentley’s most powerful 6-litre W12 engine with FlexFuel
technology The 6-litre, twin turbo-charged W12 engine, produces
640 PS (631 bhp / 471 kW) - the most powerful Bentley ever - and
800Nm (590lb ft) of torque. Paired with a Quickshift six-speed
automatic transmission, it launches the convertible ‘Ice Speed
Record’ model from 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.0s)
and reaches 100 mph from a standing start in only 9.5 seconds
(0-160 km/h in 9.4s).
The additional engine power of the new convertible is the
result of fine tuning of the engine to optimise the benefits of
the new free-breathing air intake ducts, intercooler system and
the exhaust system.
And true to the Bentley tradition of delivering instantly
available and exhilarating performance in real world driving
conditions, the ‘Ice Speed Record’ convertible will sprint from
50-75 mph (80-120 km/h) in just 2.5 seconds.
In common with its Continental stable mates, the new
Supersports model runs on both petrol (gasoline) or E85
bio-ethanol or any combination of the two. Pioneered in the
Supersports coupe, this FlexFuel technology offers a reduction
of up to 70 per cent in CO2 emissions on a well-to-wheel basis,
a measure of a fuel’s net contribution to the atmosphere, not
just tailpipe emissions. The on-board fuel supply system
monitors the content of the fuel tank and ensures that power and
torque remain constant regardless of the ratio of petrol to
biofuel.
The all-wheel drive system provides outstanding traction in
all weather conditions. The drive is transferred between the
front and rear axles automatically via a Torsen centre
differential. The standard 40 front/60 rear torque split
provides optimum traction and modulation of line and attitude by
’throttle steering’ for more enthusiastic drivers.
The new exhaust system with reduced back pressure benefits
gas flow while delivering a sporty baritone note under hard
acceleration. On light throttle cruising, the new Supersports
model remains impressively refined.
Large diameter (420 mm front, 356 mm rear), carbon ceramic
brake discs, with eight-piston callipers at the front provide
fade-resistant stopping power. This lightweight system also
reduces unsprung and rotating mass, benefiting steering response
and handling. As with all Supersports models the ‘Ice Speed
Record’ is fitted as standard with Pirelli 275/35ZR20 ultra high
performance tyres.
Bentley’s designers have selected three ‘stand-out’ exterior
paint colours for the new convertible: Beluga, Quartzite and,
fittingly, Arctica White. These colours are complemented by a
Dark Grey Metallic soft top with Bentley’s refined three-ply
composite construction.
For those customers seeking to accentuate the high
performance credentials of the car further, Bentley offers a
special ISR Mulliner design package as a no cost option. The 20”
10-spoke Supersports wheels can be specified in a vibrant red
paint with a diamond turned finish to produce a lustrous
metallic contrast. The dual-louvered dark bonnet vents, unique
to Supersports models, are complemented by red accent surrounds.
The extrovert Mulliner design is completed with a set of bold of
Supersports ISR graphics that run down both flanks of the car.
Contemporary luxury craftsmanship and advanced technology
The
dramatic character of the four-seat Supersports ‘Ice Speed
Record’ continues in the cockpit in which traditional Bentley
craftsmanship and fine detailing are given an even more bold
interpretation.
Traditional leather hides sit alongside a range of
contemporary materials for a distinctly sporting style. This
includes diamond-quilted Alcantara to doors, quarter panels and
seat facings, and ‘soft-grip’ leather on the steering wheel and
gear lever.
Unique to the ‘Ice Speed Record’ model, the high-gloss carbon
fibre on the dashboard, centre console and roof panel, features
a red weave. The theme continues with Pillar Box Red piping to
seats and doors, and Pillar Box Red contrast stitching to seats,
door casings, steering wheel and gearshift paddles.
The front seats and floor mats also feature embroidered
‘Supersports’ legends while the signature Breitling dashboard
clock also has a red accent.
The Supersports ‘Ice Speed Record’, despite its ice racing
pedigree, is clearly no ‘stripped out’ racer. Its highly
specified interior has the highly-advanced touchscreen
infotainment system from the new Continental GT that provides
rich map imagery and a 30GB on-board hard drive.
Photos: Bentley
(May 1, 2011)
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