Bentley and Kankunnen Gives Goodwood Crowds Something to Remember

First it was a high speed run on ice. Now, Bentley is once again stunning the world – but this time by running up a famous hill.

The latest Bentley record breaking run began when four-time world rally champion Juha Kankunnen set a new world record by traversing a 70cm-thick layer of Baltic Sea ice, off the coast of Finland a few months ago. What was amazing about this feat? He did it in the all-wheel drive Continental Supersports convertible.

The muscular 6.0 liter, 12-cylinder Bentley, with its distinctive black and bright red livery, attracted attention once again during this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. Reunited with his record-breaking Bentley Continental Supersports convertible, Kankunnen gave the large crowds something to remember.

“Driving this very special Bentley Continental in front of the packed Goodwood grandstands was a special experience for me,” Kankunnen explained.

Although Goodwood’s famous Hill Climb didn’t present Kankunnen with the same level of difficulty as the ice track, it didn’t stop him from delivering extremely fast runs with the 631HP Supersports.

“Driving on a frozen sea was a unique challenge and only a few Bentley engineers and my support crew were there to witness the new world record. So it was a pleasure to provide a glimpse of the capabilities of this Bentley to a huge audience of motorsport enthusiasts on a beautiful summer’s day,” added Kankunnen.

While some may wonder why this hill climb was so important to Bentley, the company’s roots can be traced back to one such event. In 1912, company founder W.O. Bentley and his brother decided to try their hand at this burgeoning sport. On his first run in the Aston-Clinton hill-climb, W.O. broke the class record – with his wife Leonie in the passenger seat. That win helped fuel his competitive juices and plunge him into the world of high performance automobiles.

So it’s only natural that a Bentley would once again rule the road, up a hill. The world’s fastest production convertible road car now has proven its agility and speed on land and ice all while maintaining its luxury and class upholding Bentley’s reputation of delivering a first-class experience – as well as its storied history.

BENTLEY SUPERSPORTS SHATTERS WORLD SPEED RECORD ON SHEET ICE

Finland’s four-time world rally champion Juha Kankkunen drove a Bentley Continental Supersports convertible on the hazardous frozen waters of the Baltic Sea, off the coast of Finland, to a breathtaking 205.48 mph (330.695 km/h). This set a new world speed record on ice.

Kankkunen was in an all-wheel drive, 6-liter, 12-cylinder Continental Supersports convertible which ran on biofuel. The world’s fastest soft top enabled Juha to shatter his own 2007 world ice speed record of 199.83 mph (321.6 km/h) set in the Continental GT at the same location.

With the help of his own experienced team and Bentley engineers, Kankkunen overcame the challenges of temperatures as low as minus 30 degrees, sudden snow blizzards and potentially dangerous crosswinds on the 16.5km track on a 70cm-thick layer of sea ice. The record attempt was driven on a 1000m long measured distance with the speed certified by officials from the Finland Traffic Police. His new world record was based on the average of two runs in opposite directions with measured speeds ratified by a representative of The Guinness Book of Records.

“The last time, I narrowly missed the magical 200 mph mark in a Continental GT. When I heard about the Supersports I was determined to go record breaking again with the Bentley Boys. This time, with over 600bhp under the bonnet, a Quickshift transmission and the security of the all-wheel drive system, the Supersports convertible was the perfect car to go for the record, ” Kankkunen said.

“200mph came up after 5km on sheet ice. Then it was just a question of getting everything right in the timing zone and hoping the snow kept away. There’s nothing to beat driving a Bentley at these speeds; the conditions may be perilous but the car responds so well to the slightest adjustment which gives you the confidence to push even harder.”

As with the previous record-breaking drive in the Continental GT the Anglo-Finnish team used a car with minimum modification. A fully-welded, heavy-duty safety roll-cage, along with Pirelli winter tires (Pirelli SottoZero II 275/40R20) and a rear bumper-mounted parachute provided reassurance in case of an emergency. Front and rear spoilers provided optimum high speed stability on the treacherous surface.
To highlight Bentley’s environmental commitment to sustainable fuel sources, Kankkunen’s Supersports Convertible was fuelled with E85 bioethanol rather than petrol (gasoline). All models in the Continental range are capable of running on petrol (gasoline), E85 bioethanol or any combination of the two.

Wolfgang Dürheimer, Bentley’s new Chairman and Chief Executive, said:
“The ice speed record is an amazing feat by Juha Kankkunen, whose skill and courage in extreme conditions truly make him one of the modern-day Bentley Boys. We will be celebrating this achievement with a very special ‘extreme’ Bentley, which will be the most powerful model ever to bear the famed Winged B emblem.”

A limited edition of just 100 examples of this most extreme Bentley will be made and the car will make its global debut at the Geneva Motor Show on 1st March.

HISTORY OF WORLD ICE SPEED RECORDS
• 2011: Bentley Continental Supersports convertible: 205.48 mph (330.695 km/h) driven by Juha Kankkunen
• 2007: Bentley Continental GT: 199.83 mph (321.6 km/h) driven by Juha Kankkunen
• 1995: Bugatti EB110 Supersport: 184 mph (296 km/h)

BENTLEY’S EARLY HISTORY OF RECORD BREAKING
• 1924: John Duff in a Bentley 3-litre took records at Brooklands between 87mph (139.7 km/h) and 93 mph (149.3 km/h) and a Double-Twelve race victory at 86.69 mph (139.2 km/h)
• 1925: A Bentley 3-litre established a 24-hrs record at Montlhery at an average speed of 95 mph (152.9 km/h).
• 1927: The 24-hrs Grand Prix de Paris at Montlhery was won by a Bentley 41/2 –litre at an average speed of 52.5 mph (84.5 km/h)
• 1928: A Bentley 3-litre driven by Dudley Froy became the first car to average more than 115 mph (185.1 km/h) over a distance of 100 miles (160.9 km) at Brooklands
• 1929: Mrs Victor Bruce drove solo in a Bentley 41/2-litre at Montlhery to set a Class C record at over 89mph (143.2 km/h)
• 1932: Tim Birkin in a Birkin blower single seater broke the Brooklands Outer Circuit lap record with a speed of 137.96 mph (221.47 km/h)
• 1934: Walter Hassan in a Barnato – Hassan single seater set a new Brooklands Outer Circuit record of 142.6 mph (228.9 km/h). It achieved a faster lap time of 143.11 mph (230.3 km).

The Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible – A Car Made for Texas

In much of the country, top down motoring is not an option in November. But in the Hill Country of Texas, it is a glorious time to drive a convertible.

John Eagle European’s Bentley of Austin recently provided a 2011 Bentley Continental Supersports for review, which was this journalist’s first experience with Bentley’s fastest, most potent drop top ever. And with a price tag starting at $280,400, one of the most exclusive cars I have experienced this year.

Bentleys are rare cars by nature. Hand built, powerful and exquisitely appointed, each is a jewel. The Continental Supersports model, available as a coupe or convertible, takes Bentley to an entirely new level.

Bentley’s Supersports program began as an “under the radar” project exploring the possibilities of weight reduction on the Continental GT Coupé, along with adding more power and torque. The largely experimental project evolved into an official new car program, driven by the passion and enthusiasm of a small group of Bentley engineers and designers. In 2010, the Convertible received the same SuperSports treatment and the results were equally dramatic.

The 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, everyday practicality and unrivaled hand-crafted luxury.

Unmistakably Bentley in its design and craftsmanship, its interior signifies a dramatic re-interpretation of Bentley luxury. Satin-finished carbon fiber, Alcantara™ and ‘Soft Grip’ leather create a unique ambience with a distinctly sporting and contemporary style.

Starting up the powerful W12 engine, the car seems to come alive with 621 horsepower beating inside the stylish convertible’s heart, it’s a monster. One push on the accelerator and it’s easy to believe the car will go from 0-60 mph in just 3.9 seconds and reach 100 in only 9.6. The car pulls like a locomotive from any speed.

The Continental Supersports Convertible is far more than a big motored car. Bentley improved the braking and handling as well. It also lightened the car. Fortunately the Austin weather was perfect for a weekend in this delectable convertible and the car lived up to its billing.

The Continental Supersports Convertible is a true “sporting” Bentley in the same mold as the 1933 4.5 liter supercharged convertible driven by James Bond in the original Ian Fleming novels. It is fast, the handling is sharp, the brakes firm and the styling distinctive. It’s truly the fine gentleman’s Bentley. And as of today, the world’s fastest 4 seat convertible with a top speed of 204 mph. In my book, that makes it perfect for enjoying the high speed highways and the back roads of Texas. The “Supersports” is indeed “super.”

BENTLEY OF AUSTIN INTRODUCES NEW NEW BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GTC SPEED AND GTC

• The new GTC Speed builds on the success of Continental GTC
• The 200 mph GTC Speed is Bentley’s most powerful convertible ever
• The latest GTC range is refined and extended with two new models
• The new GTC delivers enhanced style, comfort and choice

Since its debut in 2006, the Continental GTC has enjoyed sales success in over 50 countries across the globe, attracting younger buyers to the Bentley marque. Customers are attracted to its sleek design, interior craftsmanship, refined performance and agile handling.

Now, the introduction of the new GTC range builds on this success with a subtle evolution of its distinctive style and a range of technical and feature enhancements benefiting comfort and customer choice. The appeal of the GTC is further strengthened by the addition of the new 600bhp (610PS) GTC Speed model. It is Bentley’s most powerful convertible ever and inspired by Bentley’s legendary ‘Speed Models’ from the 1920s.

The new GTC models share a fresh frontal appearance. The radiator grille is more upright with a more pronounced square edge, accentuating the Bentley profile, and bolder lower air intake. These latest models are further distinguished by chrome headlamp bezels, the availability of two new exterior paints and a new color hide.

For the standard GTC, new low-friction dampers provide improved ride comfort. In addition, two significant new options may be specified on both GTC models: lightweight, fade-resistant, carbon-ceramic brakes, the largest production passenger car brakes in the world, and a sophisticated follow-to-stop Adaptive Cruise Control system with long-range radar sensor that monitors traffic ahead and manages throttle and brakes to maintain a driver-selected time gap.

The GTC’s chassis and exceptionally rigid steel body have proved more than capable of coping with the power of the 552bhp (560PS) 6-litre W12 engine. For the new Continental GTC Speed, Bentley’s twin-turbocharged W12 now develops 600bhp (610PS) that delivers true 200 mph (322 km/h) performance, with the roof up, with exhilarating, effortless acceleration. Even with the roof down the GTC Speed can reach 195 mph (312 km/h).

The Continental GTC Speed is visually distinguished by subtle design enhancements which emphasize its higher performance credentials. At the front, the radiator and lower air intake grilles feature a dark tinted matrix as standard. Larger diameter 9.5J x 20-inch, multi-spoke alloy wheels with Bentley-bespoke Pirelli PZero ultra-high performance (UHP) tires, lowered and uprated suspension, wider twin-rifled exhaust tail pipes and a new boot-mounted lip spoiler that enhances high speed aerodynamics, reinforce the sporting character of the Speed model.

The GTC Speed’s 600bhp (610PS) W12 engine develops 9 per cent more power than the standard GTC. However, it is the 15 per cent increase in torque that really distinguishes the Speed model, which now develops an impressive output of 750 Nm (553lb ft). This is achieved across virtually the complete rev range, from just 1700 to 5600 rev/min, delivering that characteristic Bentley wave of torque.

The 0-60 mph sprint is reached in a mere 4.5 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds) and 0-100 mph in 10.6 seconds (0-160 km/h in 10.5 seconds).

The GT Speed coupe, which debuted in 2007, has become the top selling GT model across the globe. This was followed in summer 2008 by the 4-door Continental Flying Spur Speed. Now, the Speed family is completed with the introduction of the GTC Speed, which is expected to account for up to two-thirds of GTC sales worldwide in its first year of production.

Bentley Chairman and Chief Executive, Dr. Franz-Josef Paefgen explains the rationale behind the GTC Speed:

“The Continental GTC is an elegant Grand Touring convertible in the Bentley tradition, exciting the emotions with its distinctive blend of performance, luxury, craftsmanship and modernity. The GTC Speed completes the family of Continental Speed models and broadens the appeal of the GTC to customers who demand a more focused, open-top driving experience.”

BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GTC – NEWS IN BRIEF

Continental GTC range

• New more upright front grille and larger, lower air intake
• Chrome headlamp bezels
• Retuned Servotronic power steering for improved feedback and feel
• Optional follow–to -stop, radar–based Adaptive Cruise Control system
• Optional fade-resistant high-power carbon ceramic brakes (only available with 20 - inch wheels)
• Two new exterior colors – Aquamarine & Blue Crystal
• New interior color – Aquamarine

Continental GTC Speed

Technical
• 600 bhp (610PS) W12 engine, 9 per cent more power and 15 per cent more torque
• Top speed (roof up) of 200 mph (322km/h) and 0–60 mph in 4.5 secs (0–100 km/h in 4.8 secs)
• Top speed (roof down) of 195 mph (312 km/h)
• Lowered suspension (10mm front, 15 mm rear) features revised spring, anti-roll bar and damper settings for optimized ride quality, comfort and refinement
• New design 9.5J x 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels with Bentley-bespoke Pirelli PZero UHP 275/35 tires
• New ‘Dynamic’ mode for ESP 8.1 system with progressive intervention

Exterior
• Dark-tinted matrix grilles to upper and lower air intakes
• Bright chrome matrix grilles available as a no cost option
• Dark tint finish to alloy wheels available as an option
• Wider rifled sports exhaust tail pipes
• New aerodynamic rear spoiler
• Black lower bumper valance

Interior
• ‘Speed’ treadplates to both doors
• 3-spoke Sport leather steering wheel
• Drilled alloy sport foot-pedals
• Knurled chrome and hide gear lever
• Diamond quilted hide to seat facings, door pads and rear quarter panels
• Optional turned aluminum inserts to fascia, centre console and door pad inserts.

Continental GTC
• Power output of the standard W12 engine remains at 552bhp (560PS)
• Top speed is unchanged at 195mph (312km/h) with a 0–60mph time of 4.8 secs (0–100 km/h in 5.1 secs)
• Improved ride comfort with new low-friction dampers
• Bentley ‘B’ brake pedal

Enhanced powertrain delivers more power and torque

Both Continental GTC models are powered by Bentley’s 6-litre, twin-turbocharged W12 engine which is produced exclusively at the company’s Crewe engine plant. The Bentley W12 is the most compact 12-cylinder engine in production with 48 valves and 4 camshafts with continually variable valve timing. Power is transmitted via a ZF six-speed automatic transmission.

The new Continental GTC Speed is powered by Bentley’s W12 engine in its most powerful, 600 bhp (610PS) form. It develops 15 per cent more torque and 9 per cent more power than the 552bhp (560PS) standard GTC.

Engine efficiency improvements result from the use of lower friction, lighter-weight components and a new engine management system, while twin, low inertia turbochargers with minimal turbo lag contribute to the W12 engine’s flat torque curve. In 600 bhp (610PS) form, the W12 develops a maximum torque of 750 Nm (553 lb ft) from 1700 rev/min all the way up to 5600 rev/min. The GTC Speed engine is visually differentiated by the ‘crackle black’ finish to the intake manifold.

This endows the GTC Speed with a top speed of 200mph (322 km/h) with the roof-up and a 0-60mph sprint time of just 4.5 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.8 secs). It also accelerates from 0-100 mph in just 10.6 seconds (0-160 km/h in 10.5 seconds).

The six-speed transmission can be left in two fully automatic modes (Drive and Sport) or used as a clutchless manual where the driver can change gears sequentially, via either the gearlever or paddles mounted behind the steering wheel.

The advanced continuous all-wheel drive system of both GTC models provides exceptional traction in all weathers. The drive is transferred between the front and rear axles via a highly sensitive centre Torsen differential. If the differential detects a deviation in torque demand between the two axles it automatically sends more power to the wheels with greater grip.

Both the GTC and GTC Speed also feature an advanced electronic stability program (ESP 8.1). The ‘Sport Traction’ mode for the GTC moderates ESP intervention at low speeds, benefiting driver interaction and control, particularly on low traction surfaces. The ‘Dynamic Mode’ of the GTC Speed allows increased wheel slip at higher speeds compared to the standard chassis. This ensures that torque is reinstated more quickly, allowing the driver to exploit the full potential of the engine.

Brian Gush, Director, Chassis and Powertrain Engineering, comments:

“The new GTC Speed exemplifies our passion for creating cars that deliver exceptional performance and driving enjoyment. It is a driver’s car which will redefine people’s expectations of what a luxury convertible can achieve.”


A luxury convertible with outstanding ride and handling

The Continental GTC’s steel body has an exceptionally rigid torsional stiffness of around 30Hz that not only minimizes ‘scuttle shake’ but provides a very stable platform for the aluminum-intensive suspension system, optimizing its performance. Despite the boost in power and torque for the GTC Speed model, no changes to the body structure were required.

For the 552bhp (560PS) GTC, new low-friction dampers provide improved secondary ride (the response of the car to poor road surfaces) and even greater levels of comfort.

The GTC Speed has a range of dynamic enhancements that deliver a more sporting, open-top Bentley driving experience. The retuned Continuous Damping Control (CDC) system ensures that the body response matches the inputs from the new sports wheels and tires, while improved body control reduces pitch and roll when cornering enthusiastically. In addition, stiffer rear axle bushes deliver better axle control and turn-in response.

The GTC Speed’s suspension is lowered by 10 mm at the front and 15 mm at the rear for improved handling, while the retuned speed-sensitive steering system and solid-mounted front subframe, shared with the standard GTC, benefit steering response.

The wider 9.5J x 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, unique to the GTC Speed, are fitted with bespoke 275/35 ZR20 Pirelli PZero ultra-high performance tires that provide the car with superior grip as well as sharper steering response and feel.

To ensure optimum aerodynamic balance at speeds up to 200 mph (322 km/h) the new GTC Speed is fitted with a discreet spoiler on the trailing edge of the bootlid. This provides additional downforce and increases the top speed.

For both models, Bentley’s carbon-ceramic brakes (CCB) are offered as a cost option. Larger diameter (420 mm front, 356 mm rear), lightweight discs and eight-piston calipers offer fade-resistant braking performance with minimal disc distortion under high thermal conditions. A 20kg weight saving reduces unsprung mass and benefits steering response and handling. This braking system may only be specified with 20-inch diameter wheels and are the largest and most powerful brakes ever fitted to a production car.

The standard-fit tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS) allows drivers to select tire 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.

Commenting on the GTC Speed’s character, Dr. Ulrich Eichhorn, Member of the Board, Engineering, said:

“The GTC Speed offers supercar performance, superb refinement, comfort and unrivalled craftsmanship all in one car. It perfectly evokes the spirit of the original Bentley ‘Speed Model’ of the 1920s.”

Subtle evolution of the GTC’s distinctive style

Both the GTC and GTC Speed benefit from subtle revisions to their frontal appearance.

The matrix grille is now more vertical and has a more pronounced square edge that accentuates the distinctive Bentley profile. A new lower bumper design with a widened air intake reinforces the sporting stance of both GTC convertibles, complemented by new chrome headlamp bezels. The new design also provides a practical benefit by improving airflow to the more powerful Speed engine by 14 per cent.

The GTC Speed has a unique set of design cues, notably a dark-tinted matrix grille to the upper and lower air intakes, a black lower bumper valance, wider, rifled exhaust tailpipes and 20-inch, silver-painted, multi-spoke alloy wheels. The wheels are available as an option with a special dark tint finish.

GTC and GTC Speed customers have a choice of 17 ‘standard’ paint colors including two new colors (Aquamarine and Blue Crystal).

Luxurious hand-crafted cabin

The cabins of both GTC and GTC Speed are available with a choice of 6 natural, unbleached, laser-cut wood veneers and 17 premium grade leather hides, including the new option, Aquamarine.

The GTC Speed’s cabin is based on that of the Mulliner Driving Specification (a cost option on the standard GTC). It features diamond quilted hide seats with embroidered Bentley emblems, knurled chrome and hide gearlever and a three-spoke multi-function steering wheel with brushed aluminum switch surround. These are complemented by drilled alloy foot-pedals and ‘Speed’ logos to the polished treadplates. The standard GTC also receives a new Bentley ‘B’ brake pedal.

A range of options give further opportunities for personalization, including fascia panels, centre console, door pads and rear quarters in bright aluminum. Uniquely, the GTC Speed is also available with a dark tint aluminum option.


New adaptive cruise control system

A sophisticated follow-to-stop, radar-based Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system is now available on both GTC and GTC Speed. It uses a long-range radar sensor, mounted in the lower front grille, to monitor the road ahead for other vehicles. When a slower moving vehicle is detected, the system automatically adjusts the throttle or brakes to maintain a ‘time gap’, as selected by the driver.


GTC and GTC Speed interior key features:

• Electronically powered, insulated three-layer fabric roof folds flat in 25 seconds
• True 2+2 configuration
• Fully adjustable electric front seats incorporating three-position memory (seats, steering column, exterior mirrors) and electric lumbar control with optional massage facility
• Rear seat panel removable to reveal lockable ski hatch
• Electronic climate control system
• Comprehensive infotainment system includes:
▬ DVD satellite navigation system with route guidance and post-code entry
▬ Optional television tuner (except for US market)
▬ Climate control operation
▬ Computerized suspension control operation (damper and ride height settings)
▬ 6-CD auto changer in glove compartment
▬ Optional Naim for Bentley premium audio system featuring 1100 Watt amplifier and 14 speakers
• BluetoothTM remote SIM access profile telephone system with wireless connectivity for rSAP-enabled telephones, most BluetoothTM-enabled telephones and onboard SIM-card reader
• Telephone voice dialing (n/a Japan)
• Keyless entry and keyless ignition system
• Power latching of doors for easy exit and entry
• Console-mounted start/stop button
• Electronic park brake with move-off assist (move-off assist n/a for USA)
• Column-mounted gearshift paddles for sequential gear shifting
• Stainless steel-faced foot pedals and driver’s footrest
• Comprehensive anti-theft and immobilizer systems
• An advanced rollover protection system is installed beneath the rear headrests - two reinforced steel hoops deploy in a split second when a potential roll-over situation is detected