Supersports is back, and with the brand’s heavy emphasis on electrification and its withdrawal from GT3 motorsport, it’s a welcome return to the top step of sports cars. This is only the fourth Bentley to carry this prestigious, performance-backed badge, and with it comes a whole host of expectations. On paper at least, it meets them all.

Rear-wheel drive, no hybrid assistance, Akrapovič titanium exhaust, Manthey Racing developed forged wheels, 10-piston brake calipers (and we thought the Range Rover SV’s eight-pistons were huge), and a limited run of only 500 units – this is a recipe for something special. The 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged, cross-plane V8 is carried over from the standard Continental but without any electric motors, and generates a healthy 657 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque through a ZF 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox. That’s enough for it to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds.

This is the first rear-wheel drive Continental to date (not counting the GT3 race car), meaning Bentley had to ensure the chassis could handle it. They’ve beefed up the electronic limited-slip differential, which is assisted by brake-based torque vectoring, rear-wheel steering, and a 16 mm increase in rear track width. Air springs and a new twin-chamber damper system keep the ride level, and the gearbox has been recalibrated for sharper, more responsive shifts. To increase lateral load capabilities, Bentley offers two tire choices: a standard Pirelli P-Zero and a Trofeo RS for street or track use. And to enhance the motorsport aesthetic, the front grille is adorned with the 8 logo, a nod to its racing heritage.

The new Supersports is also one of the lightest models in its range, weighing around 400 kg less than the GT. Those weight savings come from liberal use of carbon fibre, a crazy new aerokit with a fixed rear spoiler, a rear-seat delete, a cabin insulation delete, and a reduction of excess cabin and safety-assistance features.

It’s been 100 years since the first Bentley Super Sports model, and we’re sanguine that this won’t be the last. But in terms of pure combustion, racing pedigree, and motorsport DNA baked into its ingredients, it may just be one of the best. No Canadian pricing has been announced, but orders start in March 2026, with production beginning at the end of next year.