3.6s 2015 Bentley GT3-R Street Car Has Arrived! Exclusive V8TT With 40:60 AWD and Rear Torque Vectoring



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The day has come for the Bentley Continental GT3 racecar to hit dealerships!

We have all been relatively amused by the sight of the big Conti GT on racetracks, but the knowledge of this prototype racer’s rear-drive chassis makes it clear right away that it shares very little with the road-going Continental GT – even the new V8 S and the W12 Speed models.

The current-gen road car is fairly locked into the AWD layout ahead of the next-gen car receiving a Panamera-based platform for true rear-drive offerings for 2017, we estimate.

But even with the AWD layout, there is much tweaking to be done to make the car more playful and tail-happy in corners.

Evidence? Just look at the Audi RS models – with the rear torque-vectoring system they feel much more alive in your hands versus their understeer-prone siblings without this option.

Bentley embraces this torque-vectoring to great effect – pairing it with an overall weight-stripping and exterior makeover that confirms how hardcore the Continental GT3-R is.

300 models will be made in total, and the rumor is that it is pre-sold-out.

But by past estimates, as many as 150 cars should be coming to North America in the GT3-R specification, with tech details in full below from Bentley.

 

Bentley GT3-R

2015 Bentley GT3-R Street Car

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 2015 Bentley GT3-R Street Car

BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT3-R DEFINES A NEW CHAPTER IN PERFORMANCE-FOCUSSED LUXURY

  • Inspired by the Continental GT3, the ultimate GT: Two seats, 580 PS, 700 Nm and 100 kg lighter than a GT V8 S
  • Limited to just 300 examples for guaranteed exclusivity
  • Torque vectoring combines with shorter gearing for the most dynamic Bentley road car in history
  • Hand built in Crewe and finished by Bentley Motorsport

(Crewe, 17th June 2014) Bentley announces the rarest and most dynamic member of the esteemed Continental family of Grand Tourers with the arrival of the new Continental GT3-R. It is inspired by the new Continental GT3 race car that stormed to victory at the second round of the Blancpain Endurance Series at Silverstone, the first UK race for Bentley for 84 years.

Blending proven track and road credentials, the Continental GT3-R is a highly exclusive and unique interpretation of performance-focussed luxury, limited to just 300 examples.

All 300 examples of the Continental GT3-R will be hand-built in Crewe and finished in Bentley’s Motorsport division.

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Bentley engineers have developed a retuned version of Bentley’s race-proven, high performance 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 for this new two-seater GT. Developing 580 PS (572 bhp / 426 kW) and 700 Nm of torque, together with a 100 kg weight reduction and shorter gearing, the Continental GT3-R is the fastest-accelerating Bentley ever. Capable of reaching 60 mph from a standstill in just 3.6 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.8 secs), the GT3-R is a Grand Tourer with the performance of a racer.

Complementing the revised powertrain is a further development of Bentley’s renowned all-wheel drive system, which now features torque vectoring for the first time. Together with modified Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and a chassis tune optimised for outright cornering ability, the Continental GT3‑R is the most dynamic, responsive and involving Bentley road car ever.

Wolfgang Dürheimer, Chairman and Chief Executive of Bentley Motors, comments:

“The experience of driving a Continental GT3-R is awe-inspiring, and takes the dynamic abilities of our Grand Tourer to new heights. We were inspired to create something extremely special for the road by the performance of our Continental GT3.

It is a celebration of the Bentley passion for building outstanding drivers’ cars. To be a true Bentley, the GT3-R had to be the most luxurious track-inspired Grand Tourer ever, and this car pushes our trademark combination of luxury and performance to a new level.”

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A Revised Powertrain Developed For Acceleration

For the GT3-R, Bentley’s powertrain division set about developing a special combination of engine, driveline and exhaust to create an evocative, powerful yet efficient system. Bentley’s popular and widely acclaimed 4.0-litre twin‑turbo V8 engine, now race proven by the Continental GT3, has been fitted with precision-honed high-boost turbochargers and developed with new engine control software to liberate 580 PS at 6,000 rpm and 700 Nm of torque from 1,700 rpm.

This increased power is fed through the Continental’s eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox, now with shorter output gearing to enhance acceleration, to Bentley’s renowned all-wheel drive system. For the first time for a Bentley, the drivetrain has the ability to control the torque at each of the rear wheels through the use of torque vectoring. Recalibrated control software means that Drive and Sport modes are moved further apart, each with different characteristics and with Sport mode designed for more spirited driving. Maximum driver control is provided by completely recalibrated paddle shift functionality.

A soundtrack appropriate to the new levels of performance is provided by an all-new titanium exhaust, which not only provides a weight saving of 7 kg but also has allowed Bentley’s acoustic engineers to give the GT3-R a unique baritone roar.

A Chassis System For Ultimate Driver Engagement

To provide a dynamic capability unmatched in the Grand Touring sector, the GT3-R receives a chassis system focussed on performance whilst retaining a cossetting level of refinement for everyday use. Air springs and dampers use a development of the sports-tuned setup from the Continental V8 S, already recognised as the best-handling Bentley ever, while lightweight forged 21” wheels and high-grip Pirelli tyres deploy the torque-vectored power output of the engine.

This combination, together with a sport-focussed Electronic Stability Control programme, offers a Continental with a new level of handling dynamics and turn-in agility, while both the chassis and powertrain respond immediately to throttle inputs.

Deceleration is via Bentley’s record-holding Carbon Silicon Carbide (CSiC) braking system. 420 mm front discs are slowed by 8-piston calipers finished in eye-catching green paint, while 356 mm discs are fitted to the rear axle. With the ability to absorb up to 10 megajoules of energy (enough to power a family home for six hours) in a single stop yet remain fade resistant, Bentley’s CSiC brakes are an engineering masterpiece in their own right.

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Commenting on the performance of the new Continental GT3-R, Bentley’s Member of the Board for Engineering, Rolf Frech, comments:

“We wanted to develop our powertrain and chassis systems further than ever before for the GT3-R project. The result is a Continental GT that is more dynamic than ever, with a torque vectoring system that neutralises understeer and a chassis tune that is both direct and forgiving. We’ve differentiated the Drive and Sport modes further to give the driver a choice between a relaxed and refined Grand Tourer and a sharp supercar with instant responses. The reflexes of the car are matched by the throttle response from our redeveloped V8 engine, and the new turbochargers eliminate turbo lag. Bentleys are rewarding drivers’ cars – but dynamically, the GT3-R is our finest hour yet.”

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Delivering Luxury Together With Extreme Performance

All Bentleys are a combination of luxury and performance, and the Continental GT3-R is no exception. Featuring a unique two-seat cabin handcrafted from carbon fibre, Alcantara® and the finest leather, the GT3-R is as breathtaking in its approach to interior design as to its dynamic ability.

The two-seat configuration includes a pair of new bespoke sporting seats with additional side support through deeper bolsters, including newly designed foam layers for comfort and finished in Beluga black leather with diamond-quilted Alcantara®. This exquisite material is also hand-trimmed to the steering wheel and gear shifter, while the centre console and fascia panels are handcrafted in carbon fibre. Carbon fibre is also used to create beautifully sculpted door casings that also include diamond-quilted Alcantara® inner panels. In place of the rear seats is a new uniquely trimmed rear cabin, complete with a carbon fibre surround and finished in leather and Alcantara®.

Contrasting the Beluga leather and motorsport-inspired materials is a vivid accent green, used as a hide colour on the seats, instrument panel and door panels and in contrast stitching throughout the seats and diamond-quilted areas. GT3-R badging adorns the centre console, passenger-side fascia panel and sill treadplates, while the seats receive GT3-R stitching to the headrests in contrast-green thread.

Dramatic and Purposeful Exterior Style Statements

For the exterior of the GT3-R, Bentley’s Design team was tasked with creating a more purposeful stance than ever before. A new front splitter provides an assertive look to the front of the car, balanced by a new fixed rear wing fitted to the boot lid – both finished in exquisite carbon fibre. The bonnet incorporates two vents to improve the cooling capacity of the powertrain system for repeated accelerations while also invoking the shape of the Continental GT3 racer in a styling element where form follows function.

The gloss carbon fibre contrasts with the Glacier White paint that all 300 cars will be finished in, and the inspiration of the Continental GT3 race car is highlighted by the use of two-tone green graphics that trace the two power lines to the side profile of the car – one leading backwards from the front wheel, the other tracing the shape of the Continental GT’s iconic rear haunch.

Further inspiration from the Continental GT3 is reflected in the finishing touches to the exterior – the headlamp bezels, matrix grille, window surrounds and bumper strips – all finished in stylish gloss black.

The visual appeal of the Continental GT3-R is completed by an all-new lightweight 21” wheel, machine-forged from high-strength alloy and finished in gloss black.

Purchase of the car also includes free standard servicing for four years (at the 10,000, 20,000 and 30,000 mile marks). Order books for the Continental GT3-R are open now, with deliveries to start late in 2014.

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Bentley Continental GT3-R

Engine

Type

4.0-litre twin-turbo V8

Max Power

580 PS / 572 bhp / 426 kW @ 6,000 rpm

Max Torque

700 Nm / 516 lb.ft @1,700 rpm

Transmission

Type

ZF 8-speed automatic with Quickshift, Block Shifting and separate Drive, Sport and Tiptronic modes. Steering-column-mounted paddle shift.

Driveline

Continuous all-wheel drive (40:60 rear bias) with torque vectoring

Ratios

1st : 4.71; 2nd: 3.14; 3rd: 2.1; 4th: 1.67; 5th: 1.29; 6th: 1.00; 7th: 0.839; 8th: 0.667

Final Drive

3.50

Brakes

Front

420 mm Carbon Silicon Carbide, cross-drilled

Rear

356 mm, Carbon Silicon Carbide, cross-drilled

Wheels and Tyres

Wheels

9.5J x 21”

Tyres

275/35 ZR21

Steering

Type

Rack & pinion, power assisted, speed-sensitive ZF Servotronic

Turns lock-to-lock

2.6 turns

Turning circle

11.3 m / 37.1 feet

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

2,746 mm / 108.1 in

Overall length

4,806 mm / 189.2 in

Width (across body)

1,944 mm / 76.5 in

Width (inc. mirrors)

2,227 mm / 87.7 in

Overall height

1,394 mm / 54.9 in

Fuel tank

90 litres / 20 gallons / 24 US gallons

Boot volume

358 litres / 12.6 cu. ft

Kerb weight (EU)

2,195 kg / 4839 lb

Gross vehicle weight

2,750 kg / 6063 lb

Performance

Top speed

170 mph / 273 km/h TBC

0-60 mph

3.6 secs

0-100 km/h

3.8 secs

Fuel Consumption (EU cycle)*

Urban

15.3 mpg / 18.5 litres/100 km

Extra Urban

30.6 mpg / 9.2 litres/100 km

Combined

22.3 mpg / 12.7 litres/100 km

CO2 emissions

295 g/km

Fuel Consumption (EPA cycle)**

City (US mpg)

13

Highway (US mpg)

20

Combined (US mpg)

15

Emissions Controls

EU 6 and US LEV II

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

  • Bentley Motors is the most sought after luxury car brand in the world. In 2013 one in every four luxury cars delivered to customers worldwide was a Bentley. 2013 was Bentley’s record year in the company’s 95-year history. Global customer deliveries grew by 19% over 2012 to 10,120 cars. The Americas remained Bentley’s largest sales region, with 3,140 cars delivered. China continued its position as the second biggest market with 2,191 cars, while in Europe, deliveries reached 1,480 cars. Sales in Bentley’s home market, the UK, were 1,381 and in the Middle East, Bentley delivered 1,185 cars. By the end of 2013 Bentley had nearly 200 dealerships in 54 countries.

  • Bentley Motors’ headquarters in Crewe is home to all of its operations including design, R&D, engineering and production of the company’s three model lines, Continental, Flying Spur and Mulsanne. The combination of fine craftsmanship, using skills that have been handed down through generations, alongside engineering expertise and cutting-edge technology is unique to UK luxury car brands such as Bentley. It is also an example of high-value British manufacturing at its best. Bentley employs around 3,700 people at Crewe.

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