Revamped Bentley GT Adds Super Oomph

Volkswagen AG's Bentley unit says the 2017 Continental GT Supersports coupe is the most powerful car the luxury brand has ever built.

Powered by a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W-12 engine mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission, the new model makes 700 hp and 750 lb-ft of torque. That’s 79 horses and 160 lb-ft more than the previous W-12-powered Continental Supersports, which was discontinued in 2013 after a five-year run.

The 2017 coupe races from zero to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds on its way to a top speed of 209 mph. A convertible variant is rated at 3.9 seconds and 205 mph.

Both versions get a new suspension that Bentley says is lower and stiffer than a base Continental GT. The all-wheel-drive system includes torque vectoring borrowed from the Continental GT3-R. Large carbon ceramic brakes (16.5 inches up front, and 14 inches in back) are standard to help bring the 5,000-lb car to a stop.

The car's carbon fiber body kit consists of a front splitter, rear diffuser, hood vents and a spoiler on the trunk lid. Other exterior updates include revised bumpers, black chrome accents and 21-inch alloy wheels. An "X Specification" package includes carbon fiber mirrors and other trim pieces as well as a titanium exhaust that saves about 10 lbs of weight.

The Continental Supersports is expected to launch within the next few weeks. Pricing hasn't been announced.