Under a veil of matte black and black forged wheels, Bentley has captured a striking silhouette that hints at a new chapter for the marque. Spy photographs released this week show a two-door, roof-retractable version of the already-fierce Supersports, a model that already set the benchmark for lightweight performance within the Continental family. The front end is dominated by an oversized grille, a deep splitter with massive side intakes and twin dive planes flanking the bumper – visual cues that unmistakably announce the car’s Supersports lineage.
Design cues and aerodynamic intent
The prototype’s side view reveals a widened track compared with the standard Continental GTC convertible, along with pronounced sill extensions that blend into an integrated rear diffuser. A single-piece carbon spoiler sits flush on the trunk lid, completing the aggressive rear profile. Bentley offers the coupe with either Pirelli P-Zero tires – as seen on the spy shot – or the track-focused Trofeo RS compound for owners who crave circuit-ready grip. The
Powertrain overhaul and a dramatic lightening
Behind the dramatic styling lies a mechanical rebirth. The Supersports convertible abandons the hybrid system that powers the regular Continental, removing the front differential, driveshafts and associated electronics. Instead, the car returns to a pure rear-wheel-drive layout – a first for the Continental line in its 23-year history. The 4.0-liter bi-turbo V8 receives enlarged turbochargers and upgraded cylinder heads, delivering a certified 657 horsepower (666 PS) and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque. Power travels through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission to the rear wheels.
Weight savings are equally aggressive. Swapping the aluminium roof panel for a carbon-fiber skin and deleting the rear seat row shave roughly 1,000 lb (455 kg) from the coupe’s curb weight, placing the sedan at just under 4,410 lb (2,000 kg). The convertible version, while heavier than the hard-top by about 390 lb (177 kg), still benefits from the majority of those reductions. The partnership with Akrapovic supplies a full-length titanium exhaust, promising a louder, more visceral note that is often muted in the hybrid-charged variants.
Limited production, premium pricing and market outlook
When the Supersports coupe launched, Bentley capped production at 500 units, each priced at $490,150 – roughly $140,000 above the Continental GT Speed. The limited run sold out in eight weeks, a testament to the model’s appeal among collectors who value performance over sheer straight-line speed. Analysts anticipate the convertible will follow the same production philosophy, with an expected price tag exceeding $500,000. While the hybrid-charged Continental models can push up to 771 hp (782 PS) and 738 lb-ft (1,000 Nm), the Supersports philosophy prioritises chassis dynamics, reduced mass and a purist driving experience over raw numbers.
All of this is expected to be revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show this November, where Bentley’s chief executive Dr Frank-Steffen Walliser – formerly the architect of Porsche’s 918 Spyder project – will likely underscore the brand’s return to its racing roots. The prototype serves as a tangible glimpse of Bentley’s vision: a luxury grand tourer that does not shy away from track-day credentials, while still delivering the craftsmanship the marque is renowned for.
