Just Unveiled: Bentley Continental GT3-R

Bentley GT3-R (Image courtesy of Bentley Motors)

On the heels of their first entry to UK motorsports in 84 years and a second round win at Blancpain Endurance Series at Silverstone in their GT3 race car; Bentley just announced a limited edition run of 300 Continental GT3-R grand touring luxury cars.

Bentley GT3-R (Image courtesy of Bentley Motors)

Performance is seriously impressive. Bentley engineers shaved 220 pounds off a regular Continental, giving the GT3-R a (still hefty) curb weight of 4,839 pounds. However, the 4.0L twin turbo V8 has been revised to pump out 572 horsepower at 6,000 rpms and 516 lb-ft of torque at 1,700 rpms. This rockets the all-wheel drive equipped sedan to a 0-60 time of 3.6 seconds! That's as fast as a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG or a Porsche Panamera Turbo S. Top speed is 170 mph. Power is still sent through a ZF 8-speed gearbox.

In the handling department a revised chassis tune with air springs, dampers, revised stability control, lightweight 21" wheels and Pirelli tires keep the chassis glued. Also unveiled for the first time in a Bentley is a torque vectoring system for the all-wheel drive system. To slow all this down Bentley fitted carbon silicon carbide 8-piston 16.5" disc brakes on the front and 14" disc brakes to the rear.

Bentley GT3-R (Image courtesy of Bentley Motors)

The two seat interior is upfitted with bespoke leather and alcantara sport seats with additional side bolstering. The leather and alcantara is found throughout the rest of the car along with carbon fiber trim on the center console, fascia panels, door casings, and rear cabin. Green accents on the panels and stitching offer a contrast to the beluga leather, alcantara, and carbon fiber.

Bentley GT3-R (Image courtesy of Bentley Motors)

The exterior on all 300 units will receive a glacier white paint with two-tone graphics, and gloss carbon fiber trim pieces. A front splitter and rear wing are added as well. Finally, functional vents on the hood assist in removing heat from the engine compartment.

We reached out to Bentley for a MSRP for the GT3-R but at the time of this writing we haven't heard back. However, it does include standard services for four years. [Edit] We just heard back from Bentley. Pricing will be announced at the end of June.

Bentley is currently accepting orders with deliveries to start toward the end of 2014.

Bentley GT3-R (Image courtesy of Bentley Motors)

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