A 4.0-liter V8 Engine Powers This 1,300kg Racer

Anticipation has been high for the "Continental GT3," marking Bentley's return to racing. Finally, information about the car has been released.

First, the engine: it's a 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo. While based on the engine found in theContinental GT V8, it has been modified for racing. The oil circulation system is now a dry-sump type, and while the road car's maximum output was 500 bhp (507 ps), the "GT3" boasts 600 bhp.

The weight has been significantly reduced to approximately 1,300 kg, a saving of nearly 1,000 kg compared to the "Continental GT V8."

While the Continental family is typically 4WD for road use, the "GT3" channels its engine power to the rear wheels via a carbon fiber propeller shaft, driving a 6-speed sequential gearbox with an LSD mounted above the rear axle. This traditional racing car layout, with the gearbox positioned at the rear, results in a front-to-rear weight distribution of 52:48.

The suspension features double wishbones at both the front and rear. Instead of the road car's air springs, it is equipped with 4-way adjustable dampers. The power steering is hydraulic. The iron ventilated brake discs are gripped by 6-piston brake calipers at the front and 4-piston at the rear.

The wheels are 18-inch OZ Racing units.

The imposing dimensions of 4,950mm (length) x 2,030mm (width) x 1,350mm (height) are complemented by aerodynamic enhancements and revised shaping to maximize downforce while minimizing drag. It features a carbon fiber wing at the rear and a splitter at the front. The bonnet, bumper, fenders, and sills have also been reshaped.


At the Goodwood Festival, this car will be driven byGuy Smith, who won Le Mans in 2003 as part of the new Bentley Boys.