2011 Model Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible More Results

The Continental Supersports Convertible

The new Continental Supersports Convertible is a car that must be driven to be fully understood. Behind the wheel it is immediately clear that a Supersports Bentley is a ‘fusion of extremes’ – the ultimate in extreme performance, every day practicality and unrivalled hand-crafted luxury.

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.

“The ‘extreme’ Bentley stable now has a new occupant in the form of the Supersports Convertible,” said Dr. Ulrich Eichhorn, Member of the Board, Engineering. “It is a car every bit as purposeful and potent as the Coupé but with the panache of roof-down motoring.”

FlexFuel Technology Introduced On All 2011 Continental Models

FlexFuel technology, pioneered on the Continental Supersports Coupé in 2009, is now extended to the complete 2011 Continental range, including the new Supersports Convertible. The W12 6-liter power unit now has the technology to run on gasoline, E85 bioethanol or any mix of these two fuels – all from a single tank.

Bioethanol is blended with gasoline in a variety of percentages ranging from E10 (10 percent bioethanol) to the most widely known, E85, a ratio of 85 percent bioethanol to 15 percent gasoline to ensure cold-start capability.

Bioethanol presents other unique engineering challenges compared with gasoline, due to its chemical composition and characteristics. E85 biofuel has a very high octane rating of 105 but a lower energy content that requires a 30 percent increase in the engine fuel-flow rate.

This necessitated a complete review of the fuel system to identify and, if required, replace components deemed to be insufficiently resistant to the properties of ethanol.

Increased fuel flow is achieved through a returnless fuel system, twin variable flow-fuel pumps and a new closed-loop fuel rail design with pressure sensor. For the fuel system all O-rings, seals, gaskets and pipes are new while new valve coatings and hardened valve seat material provide additional lubrication. New spark plugs with a wider heat range allow for slower combustion.

A sensor in the fuel supply system detects the blending ratio in real time and varies the engine mapping to ensure power, torque and emissions remain at the same levels whatever fuel is used.

FlexFuel offers the possibility of up to a 70 percent reduction in CO2 net emissions on a ‘well to wheel’ basis, calculated by adding the CO2 emitted during the extraction and refining process (the ‘well’) with the CO2 released when the fuel is burnt during motoring (the ‘wheel’).

Biofuels can be sourced from sugar cane or soybean, or from “second-generation” sources such as agricultural waste and forestry residues. As biofuels are not derived from fossil fuels, the CO2 released during combustion is reabsorbed by plants during the photosynthesis process, thus creating an unbroken energy cycle.

The New Continental Supersports Convertible – At a Glance

The fastest, most potent drop-top Bentley ever

• 6-liter W12 engine twin-turbocharged engine produces 621bhp at 6,000 rev/min and 590lb ft of torque at 2,000-4,500 rev/min

• 0 – 60mph in 3.9 seconds

• 0 -100mph in 9.6 seconds

• Top speed of 202mph

• Overall weight saving of 198 lbs versus GTC Speed

A highly focussed, extreme Bentley convertible driving experience

• Revised ZF 6HP26 transmission with ‘Quickshift’ system that cuts shift times by 50 percent and enables double downshifts

• New 40/60 rear-biased torque split for the all-wheel drive system reduces understeer when powering out of bends and provides for better modulation of line and attitude by ‘throttle steering’

• Retuned Continuous Damping Control (CDC) system, stiffer suspension bushes and uprated rear anti-roll bar benefit body control, steering response, turn-in and balance

• Increased 2-inch rear track improves grip and stability

• Lightweight, 20-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels offer 22 lbs weight saving per car, reducing unsprung and rotating mass and improving brake cooling

• 275/35 ZR20 Pirelli Ultra High Performance tires

• Advanced ESP system fully exploits potential of the powerful W12 engine and improved chassis

• Standard-fit carbon-ceramic brakes provide fade-free braking and contribute a 44 lb reduction in rotating and unsprung mass from the front axle

Muscular yet elegant styling with four-seat practicality

• Form follows function: distinctive center air intake and vertical grilles feed larger volume of air (+ ten percent) to turbocharger intercoolers while bonnet vents extract hot air from engine bay

• Subtly curved rear wheel arches with newly tooled side panels accommodate increased rear track of the uprated chassis and provide muscular stance

• Distinctive ‘smoked steel finish’ to all exterior ‘brightware,’ including the first automotive application of ‘Physical Vapour Deposition’ to stainless steel

• Larger, twin elliptical exhaust tailpipes and rear valance with discreet vertical divider

• Fixed rear boot lid spoiler for improved aerodynamics

• Unique driver-focused, four-seat cabin

• Lightweight, carbon fibre, front sports seats, saving 99 lbs per car

• Alcantara™, carbon fibre and ‘Soft Grip’ leather provide a new interpretation of Bentley craftsmanship

The standardization of FlexFuel capability across the 2011 Continental model range reaffirms Bentley’s on-going environmental commitment

• FlexFuel available on all 2011 Continental models, including the new Supersports Convertible, from June 2010

• All Continental models are now capable of running on gasoline and E85 biofuel or any combination of the two

• Power and torque remain constant whatever the ratio of gasoline to E85 biofuel

• A Fuel Quality Sensor detects the blending ratio of the fuel in real time sending a signal to the engine control unit (ECU), initiating the correct engine mapping. This ensures all performance parameters remain balanced and consistent

• Offers a reduction in CO2 emissions of up to 70 percent (well-to-wheel,) a measure of a fuel’s net contribution to the atmosphere, not just tailpipe emissions

Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible Test Drive

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new bentley continental gt 2012-2013 details and video

The shape of the new Bentley Continental GT coupe's body is also more aerodynamic following extensive wind tunnel analysis. In conjunction with a range of extensive underbody refinements (including wheel arch and exhaust aerodynamic aids) the GT's coefficient of drag has been reduced to 0.33Cd and the lift at the front and rear axles has also been reduced to create greater stability at higher speeds.

The new Bentley Continental GT is specified with 20-inch alloy wheels as standard, with, for the first time on the Continental family, the option to upgrade to 21-inch designs. Three styles of wheel are offered - a 20-inch five-spoke version and two 21-inch Elegant and split-rim Sports variations, which come in a variety of chromed and painted finishes.

"The new GT coupe has an even stronger sporting character than ever before. It is an exceptionally refined and comfortable 2+2 Grand Tourer but with the heart, soul and looks of a supercar." - Dirk van Braeckel, Director of Design

CONTEMPORARY, HAND-CRAFTED CABIN WITH BENTLEY'S RENOWNED REFINEMENT

With an entirely hand-crafted interior, the Bentley Continental GT's cabin sets new standards in refinement and luxury to create a stylish space in which up to four people can relax in total comfort.

The instrument panel and dashboard subtly echo the flying wings of the Bentley motif and are fashioned from the highest quality soft-touch leathers. New touchscreen technology and chrome-bezelled dials are housed within this dynamic cockpit area, which rises from the centre console in the form of dramatically surfaced 'wing' buttresses.

The striking and unique 'Cobra' design seats are supremely comfortable thanks to the introduction of the latest body-supporting materials which use complex foams to provide softness at first touch but with excellent support over longer journeys.

The seats can be specified with front-seat ventilation as well as a state-of-the-art massage system with 10 individual massage cells and individual side airbags are provided as standard for all passengers. Front seatbelts feature a new electrically-operated automatic presenter, making buckling-up effortless. Driver knee airbags are standard fitment.

The new Bentley Continental GT offers superb everyday usability. The new slim-line front seats with scalloped backs also provide a further 46mm of legroom for back-seat passengers and easy access to the rear cabin.

No other Grand Tourer offers such impressive levels of refinement thanks to the advanced noise-suppression technology that includes acoustic glazing, under-floor shields and hidden anti-vibration panels throughout the interior.

The cabin is trimmed with soft-touch leathers, a full range of wood veneers, cool-touch metals and deep-pile carpets - all hand-crafted in Bentley's unrivalled workshops at the factory in Crewe, England. The attention to detail even extends to applying a UV stabilizer to the wood veneers to protect from bleaching, thus ensuring they can be enjoyed as new for decades to come.

Every leather hide is still sewn under the watchful eye of Bentley's highly skilled craftsmen and women. By incorporating ingenious, angled 'ramps' behind the leather, the interior designers have created sharp, well-defined styling lines, while maintaining a soft-touch.

Other simple yet practical functions include a powered boot as standard, Electronic Park Brake with Move Off Assist and newly designed, leather-lined door stowage bins with an integrated bottle holder.

"The new GT coupe interior combines form, practicality and innovation. Our task was to translate the original design sketches for the car's cabin - which were quite extreme, almost revolutionary for a Bentley - into the final design. The result is a cockpit that moves the Continental GT on to the next generation." - Darren Day, Senior Designer
Complementing its contemporary cabin, the new Continental GT also features advanced new touchscreen technology with rich map imagery and a 30GB on board hard drive.

The Bentley Continental GT coupe also benefits from telephone and music player connectivity, digital television (where available) and DVD movie playback. Music can be played and controlled directly from an iPod® as well as from a six-disc CD changer, SD card reader or directly from the car's hard-disc drive, which can store up to 15GB of music.

MORE POWERFUL W12 AND NEW HIGH-OUTPUT, HIGH-EFFICIENCY V8

The Bentley Continental GT is set to have a choice of two very distinctive high-performance engines. In addition to the new 575PS version of Crewe's renowned 6.0 litre W12 powertrain, a new high-output 4.0-litre V8 engine option will be introduced in late 2011.

The new 4.0-litre V8 engine honours Bentley's environmental commitment to deliver a powertrain that achieves a 40 percent improvement in CO2 emissions. The new V8 is being designed specifically by Bentley's engineers to deliver all the exhilarating power and torque synonymous with the marque. The new Crewe-built engine will also offer a class-leading CO2 emissions-to-power ratio.

At launch, the new Bentley Continental GT coupe is powered by the latest evolution of Bentley's acclaimed 12-cylinder, 6-litre twin-turbocharged engine, now calibrated to provide even greater performance, thanks to increases in power, torque and fuel efficiency.

Designed in a unique 'W' configuration, it is the most compact and technologically advanced 12-cylinder engine in the world. Four camshafts and 48 valves allow the engine to breathe effortlessly and help to generate the distinctive Bentley wave of torque. It is also capable of running on petrol (gasoline), E85 bioethanol or any mix of the two - all from a single tank.

Further revisions to the new Bentley Continental GT coupe's engine include low friction, lightweight components which allow the W12-format engine to rev even more freely, while the latest engine management system and twin, low-inertia turbochargers are optimised to ensure minimal turbo lag.

Overall, the Bentley Continental GT coupe is 65kg lighter than its predecessor thanks to reductions in all areas of the car from engine components through to new seats. With its power output raised by 15PS and torque by 50 Nm - to 575PS (567bhp/423kW) and 700Nm (516lb ft) - the result is a 6 percent improvement in the new GT's power-to weight-ratio, making it capable of accelerating from zero to 60mph in just 4.4 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.6 seconds) with a top speed of 198mph (318km/h).

The increased power and torque are transmitted to the all-wheel drive system via an uprated six-speed Quickshift transmission, which halves shift times (to just 200 milliseconds). 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 six-speed 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, replicating manual throttle 'blips' for precise rev matching . 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 W12's extra power and torque and Quickshift transmission endow the new Bentley Continental GT with instantly accessible supercar performance across the complete rev range. At the same time, Bentley's pioneering use of FlexFuel technology underlines our ongoing environmental commitment." - Brian Gush, Director, Chassis and Powertrain, Engineering

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

•ENGINE
◦Type: 6-litre twin-turbocharged W12
◦Max Power: 567bhp / 423kW / 575PS @ 6000 rpm
◦Max Torque: 700Nm / 516lb/ft @ 1700 rpm
•TRANSMISSION
◦ZF 6-speed automatic with quickshift and steering wheel-mounted paddleshift
◦Driveline: Continuous all-wheel drive (40:60 rear bias)
◦Ratios:
■1st - 4.17
■2nd - 2.34
■3rd - 1.52
■4th - 1.14
■5th - 0.87
■6th - 0.69
■Final drive: 3.526
•BODY CONSTRUCTION
◦Steel monocoque
•BRAKES
◦Front: 405mm ventilated discs (optional 420mm Carbon Silicon Carbide, cross drilled)
◦Rear: 335mm ventilated discs (optional 356mm, Carbon Silicon Carbide, cross drilled)
•WHEELS AND TYRES
◦9.5J x 20" (optional 9.5J x 21")
◦275/40ZR 20 (optional 275/35 ZR21 linked to option wheels)
•STEERING
◦Type: rack & pinion, power assisted, speed-sensitive ZF servotronic
◦Turns lock to lock: 2.6 turns
◦Turning circle: 11.3m
•SUSPENSION
◦Front: Four link double wishbones, computer controlled self-levelling air suspension, with anti roll-bar.
◦Rear: Trapezoidal multi-link, computer-controlled self-levelling air suspension, with anti roll-bar.
◦Damping: Continuous Damping Control, tuned for dynamic performance.
•DIMENSIONS
◦Wheelbase: 2746 mm / 108.1 in
◦Overall Length: 4806 mm / 189.2 in
◦Width (across body): 1944 mm / 76.5 in
◦Width (including mirrors): 2227 mm / 87.7 in
◦Overall Height: 1404 mm / 55.3 in
◦Fuel Tank: 90 litres / 20 gallons / 24 US gallons
◦Boot Volume: 358 litres / 12.6 cu ft
◦Kerb Weight (EU): 2320 kg / 5115 lb
◦Gross Vehicle Weight: 2750 kg / 6063 lb
•PERFORMANCE
◦Top Speed: 318 km/h (198 mph)
◦0-100 km/h: 4.6 s
◦0-160 km/h: 10.2 s
◦0-60 mph: 4.4 s
◦0-100 mph: 10.2 s
◦50-80 km/h (30-50 mph): 1.7 s
◦80-120 km/h (50-75 mph): 2.9 s
•FUEL CONSUMPTION (EU Cycle)
◦Urban: 25.4 l/100km (11.1 mpg)
◦Extra Urban: 11.4 l/100km (24.9 mpg)
◦Combined: 16.5 l/100km (17.1 mpg)
◦CO2 emissions: 384 g/km
•FUEL CONSUMPTION (EPA Cycle)
◦City Driving: 12.0 mpg (US)
◦Highway Driving: 19.0 mpg (US)
◦Combined : 14.0 mpg (US)

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The New Bentley Continental GTC 2012- features and video

SUPERCAR LEVELS OF PERFORMANCE, WITH THE CONTROL AND REFINEMENT THAT BENTLEY IS FAMED FOR.

The Continental GTC delivers breathtaking performance. Its W12 engine produces 567bhp, with maximum torque of 700Nm available from just 1700rpm for effortless power at the flex of the driver’s right foot. The figures tell their own story: the Continental GTC accelerates from 0-60mph in 4.5 seconds and can reach a maximum speed of 195mph.

An all-wheel drive powertrain gives the Continental GTC reassuring traction in all conditions. The impressive power of the W12 engine is sent to all four wheels, with a 60:40 rear power delivery bias for optimum handling. As a result, it is not simply one of the fastest convertibles in the world but also one of the most confidence-inspiring, delivering exceptional grip and control.

Look around the Continental GTC’s interior your eye is drawn to clean, crisp lines, highly polished veneer, soft-touch leather surfaces and solid metal. Because this is a Bentley, the speaker grilles, seat belts, seat belt clips and even rear view mirror are all matched to your chosen interior colours.

A sense of contemporary refinement exudes from the Continental GTC’s interior, where the soft-touch leather has been shaped to create clearly defined edges and lines. Duo-tone hides, contrast hand-stitching and deep mirror-gloss veneer provide evidence of the meticulous craftsmanship that Crewe is famous for.

Throughout the interior of the Continental GTC, the finest materials are combined with a lightness of touch that takes Bentley design into the future.

Its infotainment system features are based around a 30GB hard drive, which offers up to 15GB of storage for music as well as a vast mapping databank. The navigation includes; live traffic data*, online access for point-of-interest searches*, rapid access to a continent-full of mapping and even the option of satellite landscape imagery*. The touchscreen also provides real time monitoring of tyre pressure, access to phone contacts and the zoom capability for mapping.

While 15GB should be enough music storage to last you on a round-the-world-tour, you can also play music via an iPod, MP3 player, the car’s own six-disc CD changer or even an SD card. The Naim for Bentley system, incorporating ten custom-built speakers and eight individual DSP modes, is available as an option for the ultimate in audiophile experiences on the move.

Like every Bentley grand tourer, the Continental GTC is a true driver’s car: it is rewarding and exhilarating whether you’re driving around town or across a continent. Above all, it offers supercar performance and handling whatever your mood or road, with no sacrifice of practicality.

The advanced all-wheel drive gives reassuring grip in slippery conditions, while Continuous Damping Control adapts to different conditions and delivers a flat, calm ride.

Inside the cockpit every control, including the intuitive new touchscreen, is within easy reach. Detail touches make a difference for everyday ownership: the door pocket includes a special recess with space for a bottle of water. An enclosed storage area ahead of the gearlever is illuminated with LEDs, ideal for a wallet or phone. And slotting into the centre console, a detachable case for sunglasses or keys that’s personalised and trimmed in the same hide and veneer as the car it belongs to. It’s a delightful finishing touch to a car that’s designed to be driven and enjoyed every day of the year.

For those cool summer evenings or crisp spring mornings, Bentley’s engineers have developed an extra inducement to enjoy hood-down motoring. With the optional neck warmer feature, a discreet vent in the seat just below the headrest provides a stream of warm air to take the chill off your drive. When a convertible looks this good hood down, you’ll want to enjoy it all year round. And with seats like these, you can.

Technical Specification

ENGINE

Engine Capacity 5998cc

Max. Power 567bhp / 423Kw / 575PS @ 6000rpm

Max.Torque 700Nm, 516 lb-ft @ 1700rpm

Emission Level EU5 / LEV11

Fuel 98 (95) RON

DRIVELINE AND TRANSMISSION

Continuous all-wheel drive

40/60 front/rear torque split

ZF 6-speed automatic transmission with steering column-mounted paddleshift

PERFORMANCE

Max. Speed 195mph / 314km/h*

Acceleration 0 - 60mph 4.5 seconds*

Acceleration 0 - 100km/h 4.8 seconds*

* Power rating based on 98 RON fuel

FUEL CONSUMPTION

EU DRIVE CYCLE

Urban 11.1mpg 25.4 litres/100km**

Extra-Urban 24.9mpg 11.4 litres/100km**

Combined 17.1mpg 16.5 litres/100km**

CO2 emissions (combined) 384g/km**

EPA DRIVE CYCLE

City Driving 11 USmpg***

Highway Driving 19 USmpg***

Combined 14 USmpg***

**Fuel consumption figures are provisional and subject to Type Approval.

***Fuel consumption figures are provisional and subject to EPA Certification.

WEIGHTS AND VOLUMES

Kerbweight 2495kg 5500lb

Gross Vehicle Weight 2900kg 6393lb

Boot Volume 260L 9.2cu-ft

Fuel tank capacity 90L 20 Gallons / 24 US Gallons

DIMENSIONS

Overall Length 4806mm 189.2in

Width across mirrors 2227mm 87.7in

Width with folded mirrors 1943mm 76.5in

Overall Height 1403mm 55.2in

Wheel Base 2746mm 108.1in

2012 Bentley Continental GTC official trailer

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bentley models

 2011 Model Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible Detail

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