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Bentley's Supersports program began as an 'under the radar' project exploring the possibilities of weight reduction on the Continental GT Coupé but with more power and torque. The largely experimental project soon crystallized into an official new car program, driven by the passion and enthusiasm of a small group of Bentley engineers and designers. Now the Supersports Convertible has received the same focus and the results are equally dramatic.

A Highly Focused Driving Experience

With 621 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque from its pioneering FlexFuel engine and new 'Quickshift' transmission, the Supersports Convertible is the fastest drop-top Bentley has ever built. It accelerates from 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds and, conditions permitting, can continue onto a top speed of 202 mph.

The increased power and torque are transmitted to the all-wheel drive system via an uprated and rapid six-speed Quickshift transmission, which more than halves shift times (to just 93 milliseconds) and maximizes the new Convertible's enormous potential. The revised gearbox also has the ability to deliver double downshifts (sixth to fourth gear, for example) and improves acceleration across the entire gear range. To cope with the additional power and torque, the planetary gear set of the ZF transmission is also strengthened.

Positive torque during downshifts is achieved through engine and gearbox electronic controller interaction for extra throttle and fuel injection during the overrun. During transmission upshifts, fuel and ignition are cut momentarily to give faster mechanical shift times through torque reduction, also improving shift quality and durability.

The extreme performance of the Superports Convertible is matched by precise, agile handling, while retaining class-leading levels of ride comfort and refinement. Developed from the GTC Speed, chassis enhancements include retuning of the electronic Continuous Damping Control (CDC) system, stiffer front suspension bushes and uprated rear anti-roll bar. The Supersports Convertible also shares its ride height with the GTC Speed, sitting 0.4 in lower at the front and 0.6in lower at the rear than the standard GTC.

The front suspension trailing lever features a new design of hydraulic bush, 33 per cent stiffer than those of GTC Speed, for improved steering response while the uprated rear anti-roll bar provides improved body control and turn-in response.

The retuned CDC system provides enhanced control of body movement to strike the optimum balance between agile handling and ride comfort during all driving maneuvers. Agility is further sharpened by a 40:60 rear-biased torque split for the all-wheel drive system which reduces understeer during hard cornering and allows the experienced driver to modulate the car's line and balance via precise throttle control.

The 9.5Jx20-inch forged alloy wheels, shared with the Supersports Coupé, offer a weight saving of 22 lbs per car, reducing unsprung and rotating mass while the open 10-spoke design offers superior brake cooling. The rear wheels have a 1 inch greater offset resulting in a 2 inch increase in the rear track, further benefiting handling and stability.

The lightweight wheels are fitted with 275/35 ZR 20 Pirelli Ultra-High Performance tires, providing excellent steering response. The standard-fit tire monitoring system allows the driver to select tires type and speed range parameters. As well as monitoring pressures, the system warns drivers if their speed is too high for the tire pressures or if tire speed ratings are exceeded on winter tires.

The Supersports Convertible features an advanced electronic stability program (ESP) that moderates intervention at low speeds, exploiting the potential of the more powerful engine and enhanced chassis, improving driver interaction and control. The new ESP also provides faster reinstatement of engine torque after intervention, giving the spirited driver greater control. The target slip is increased at greater than 90 per cent throttle to utilize all available longitudinal grip. Corner exit agility is thereby also enhanced for increased driver involvement. Together the chassis, tire and track changes deliver improved grip, turn-in and agility.

Carbon ceramic brakes are standard fitment and provide a reduction in rotating and unsprung mass of 44 lbs from the front axle, benefiting steering response, grip and ride comfort. The large diameter (420mm front, 356mm rear) lightweight discs and eight-piston calipers offer fade-resistant braking performance with minimal disc distortion under high thermal conditions. Pedal feel is also improved with shorter travel, high effectiveness and a precise pressure point.

Designing the 'Extreme' Bentley Convertible

The evolution of the Supersports Convertible's design is very much a case of form following function, with new purposeful sculptural forms signaling the engineering changes beneath the skin. Key engineering-led design changes to the Supersports include:

* Revised front air intakes and new bonnet vents to improve airflow and cooling
* Flared rear wings to accommodate wider rear track
* Discreet bootlid spoiler benefitting aerodynamic balance at high speeds

The increased power and torque of the W12 engine necessitated an additional 10 per cent airflow to the twin turbocharger intercoolers and cooling system. With extensive use of Computational Fluid Dynamics techniques, Bentley's designers responded with a purposeful and dramatic style, featuring large vertical intake apertures. Twin bonnet vents were added to ensure positive air extraction.

Similarly, all-new flared rear wings that accommodate the 2 inch wider rear track are designed to emphasize the powerful stance of this ultra-high performance Convertible. The resultant Supersports Convertible style combines the looks of the graceful Continental GTC with a wide, low and muscular appearance that reflects its more extreme character.

From the front, the radiator, lower grille and dual bonnet vents are finished in a striking Smoked Steel finish. Derived from an innovative technology normally used to apply a coating to luxury watches and specialized industrial tools, Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) is a complex and time-consuming process that involves vaporized metal being deposited onto the surface of, in this case, stainless steel.

Giving a darker, more solid appearance, it is the first use of a PVD finish on stainless steel in the car industry. In addition to the Smoked Steel finishes, a gloss black finish to the headlamp casings and rear lamp clusters gives the Supersports convertible's distinctive face and muscular rear additional visual impact.

Restyled - and more aerodynamic - door mirrors match the exterior paint choice and the window and door surrounds replace polished stainless steel with a Smoked Steel finish to match the front grille. Eye-catching, black gloss Bentley-branded brake calipers act on the carbon ceramic brakes. Surrounding the brakes are the unique 20-inch, forged alloy wheels with Smoked Steel-finish which are exclusive to Supersports models. Large diameter tailpipe trims round out the car's purposeful stance when viewed from the rear. Beneath the bonnet Supersports badges grace the cover of the 621 hp W12 engine.

The Supersports Convertible has an electrically operated, three-layer fabric hood with advanced acoustic insulation to provide superb levels of refinement and comfort when raised. A choice of eight hood colors are available, including a new Dark Grey Metallic option, which is achieved by weaving a 'grey' acrylic fibre with a semi-transparent 'metallic effect' fibre in a twill weave construction to create a directional color effect.

Inside: A Re-Interpretation of Bentley Craftsmanship

Inside the Supersports Convertible, the cockpit is a dramatic execution of iconic Bentley design displayed in its full glory every time the roof is lowered.

Lightweight carbon fiber is featured throughout the cabin, from the unique carbon-weave treadplates with Supersports script in both doorwells to the sculpted lightweight sports front seats, which feature a carbon fiber clamshell back and Diamond-quilted Alcantara. Each seat weighs just 21 kg and, in a typical example of attention to detail, the visible weave in the carbon fiber has a 'Bentley-specific' density to ensure the perfect visual finish.

The Continental Supersports is the first Bentley to offer a combination of soft-grip leather and performance-enhancing Alcantara alongside the leather hide. Alcantara is favored by racing teams for its ability to provide additional grip under extreme conditions, such as cornering. But it is also sensational to look at, as well as being immensely supportive on the road or track.

The Alcantara applied to the rear compartment, door panels and seat facings is quilted and in the Supersports marks the return of the much smaller 'diamond' upholstery pattern from Bentleys of old. To further highlight the car's sporting nature, the steering wheel and gear lever are trimmed in new 'Soft Grip' leather with extra grip for a supercar feel, and drilled alloy sports pedals stand out in the driver's footwell.

Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications