Calif Car Garage Kept on 2040-cars

Auto blog

The new Continental GT Supersports is the most powerful Bentley ever

The Bentley Continental GT Supersports has finally returned after a hiatus since the 2013 model year. And in that time, it became even meaner. The car packs a tweaked, twin-turbocharged W12 engine that now pumps out 700 horsepower and 750 lb-ft of torque. That's an extra 79 horsepower and 160 lb-ft of torque over the old model. With output like that, it's no surprise the new Supersports can demolish a 0-60 mph run in 3.4 seconds and has a top speed of 209 mph. The convertible also returns, although the soft top does cost a bit of outright speed. It's 0.3 seconds slower to 60 mph with a time of 3.7 seconds. It also has a slower top speed of 205 mph. But the headroom is amazing. View 13 Photos Fortunately, Bentley has equipped the new Supersports with handling and stopping upgrades, too. The suspension is lower and stiffer than normal a Continental GT. Power goes through a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system. That all-wheel-drive system also diverts 60 percent of the power to the rear by default, but can adjust the bias as needed. To bring all 5,000+ pounds of the Supersports to a stop, it has massive carbon ceramic brakes at each corner – 16.5 inches up front, and 14 inches in back. The Supersports sports plenty of style changes, too, although whether they're upgrades is up to the beholder. The car has sprouted a wide array of vents, gills, and wings. It also gets some huge 21-inch forged wheels and rifled exhaust tips. An "X Specification" package also gives buyers the option of eight two-tone color schemes along with carbon fiber mirrors and other trim pieces. It also includes a titanium exhaust that saves about 10 pounds of weight. Inside is plenty of leather and Alcantara, along with a new dash trim in a checkered carbon fiber finish. Of course other existing Bentley trims and veneers are also available. Bentley did not give details on pricing or availability of the Supersports. Related Video:

Tesla Model S Plaid takes first in class at Pikes Peak

Tesla celebrated a victory in the Exhibition class at the 2021 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Sunday, laying down a 6:57.220 pass on the famous uphill time attack – good enough for 10th place overall – in the hands of pro driver Randy Pobst.  Pobst documented the attempt in the above video and called the Unplugged Performance Model S race car "the most bad-to-the-bone electric car ever made," praising its performance. Note that the race car uses an old-fashioned, round steering wheel ... because it's better. Though this year's climb was held on a course that was shortened due to weather conditions farther up the mountain, Tesla's attempt paid off quite handsomely yet again.  Things were not so rosy for Bentley, which finished second to sister brand Porsche in the Time Attack 1 class. Bentley driver Rhys Millen was hoping to nail down the third and final course record to complete its triple crown with its bonkers Continental GT3 Pikes Peak racer, but Romain Dumas spoiled their fun in the 2019 Porsche 911 GT2RS Clubsport, knocking off the bigger Bentley with a few seconds to spare. Bentley's finish was still strong enough for 4th overall despite the disappointment. Related video:

Xcar asks why the W in the Bentley Continental GT

There aren't a lot of automakers producing V12 engines these days: There's BMW and Mercedes, of course, and the Rolls-Royces and Paganis they power. There's Ferrari, Lamborghini and Aston Martin. But the largest producer of twelve-cylinder engines doesn't make them in a V. That'd be Bentley, and it produces more dozen-piston engines than anyone else, but arranges them in a W configuration. It's a compelling story of innovation, one as interesting as the history of the marque itself. And Xcar tells the tale in its latest video installment, tracing it back to the development of the compact VR6 engine and the autocratic mastermind at the helm of the Volkswagen Group who made the W12 a reality. By this point it would be all too easy to consign the W12 to the dustbin of history as the smaller, more efficient and nearly as powerful V8 has slotted in below to push the W12 to the margins of relevance. But it's still the more refined option, and the more innovative one. Little wonder it's the only type of twelve-cylinder engine (the Aventador's notwithstanding) that the Volkswagen Group still makes.