Like the racing GT3, the GT3-R is powered by a blueprinted version of the Bentley 4.0 V8. Unlike the racer, it’s all-wheel drive. Bentley maintains that this makes the GT3-R more usable, safer and more enjoyable year-round on the imperfect surfaces of road driving. But while it’s nowhere near the weight of the stripped-out, harsh M-Sport racing car, the GT3-R is still the lightest, most dynamic Continental yet. Weight is 100kg down from the Continental V8S.
Suspension, steering and damper rates are all carefully tuned for outright agility and grip (with the help of the M-Sport Bentley team drivers, according to Bentley’s director of motorsport Brian Gush). Turn-in is more eager, the downforce is greater and torque vectoring by braking ensures that this Bentley changes direction with startling ease.
Outside you’ll notice the larger front splitter and fixed carbon-fibre rear wing, while the two-seater cockpit is trimmed in Beluga black leather with diamond-quilted Alcantara™. The same material is used for gearshift and steering wheel, while the centre console, fascia and door panels are carbon-fibre. A vivid accent green used in the interior and GT3-R badging and embroidery remind the driver that this track-bred Continental is a close cousin to the GT3.