Do you want opulent luxury, a racing pedigree and extreme performance? Dont just pick two, have all three with the Bentley Continental GT3-R. Paying homage to the companys recent victory at Britains Silverstone circuit, Bentley expects its run of 300 Continental GT3-Rs to sell out in short order.
Under the vast hood of the Continental is a retuned version of the 4.0-litre, twin-turbo V8. Bentley engineers were able to extract 51 more horsepower and 14 lb-ft of torque from the already quick GT V8 S. The net result is a 572 hp grand tourer with 516 lb-ft of torque pulsing through an AWD drivetrain with instantaneous response. Despite an all titanium exhaust, carbon brakes and no rear seats equaling a 220-pound weight reduction, the hefty GT3-R still weighs in at 4,839-pounds but looking at the performance data would be hard to guess. From a standstill, the GT3-R will rocket to 60 mph in only 3.6-seconds while tapping out due only to the limiter at 170 mph.
With power flowing through a paddle-shift 8-speed transmission, the GT3-R blasts off the line and bursts out of corners with immense exit speeds. The Bentley all-wheel drive system, electronics and suspension have all been redeveloped on the GT3-R to ensure superior handling from the big coupe.
Inside elegant sports seats are finished in black Beluga leather with black diamond patterned Alcantara inserts, green piping and GT3-R embroidered on the head rest. The standard door panels are swapped for carbon fiber. Theres also an 8-inch touch-screen infotainment system onboard complete with 30GB harddrive and 440W 8-speaker system; however, weight-conscious buyers can choose to opt out of these tech items.Â
Outside the limited edition car gains an exterior graphics package. A carbon fiber front splitter and a carbon fiber fixed rear wing compliment the GT3-Rs graphics. Extra hood vents, 21-inch wheels and exterior trim are all finished in a gloss black that contrasts with the Glacier White paint. Dark tinted bi-xenon headlights, optional two-tone racing stripes and GT3-R door sills which bear the One of 300 message complete the cars menacing look.
Most people say you cant have your cake and eat it too, but Bentleys Continental GT3-R is out to prove most people wrong by providing buyers with opulent luxury, a racing pedigree and extreme performance in one package.tal GT3-R is out to prove most people wrong by providing buyers with opulent luxury, a racing pedigree and extreme performance in one package.
Photos: Dave Pankew
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Image Credits: AutoNation
