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Bentley says Conti Supersports 'isn't on the horizon'

For the longest time, Bentley made a name for itself making ever-faster versions of its core Continental range. These days, however, the British automaker has other things on which to focus. And that means there's little time to spend on developing a new high-performance Conti. After refreshing the Continental GT, GTC, and Flying Spur in 2011, Bentley came out with a new Continental GT Speed in 2012, boasting 616 horsepower. Last year it updated the range again, bumping the GT Speed up to 626 hp and releasing the GT3-R as a road-going version of the racing model, with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 pumping out 572 hp. (A further refresh was rolled out just months ago, but was more cosmetic in orientation.) It even slotted the Speed's engine into the Flying Spur, and did a Speed version of the Mulsanne as well. What it hasn't done, however, is develop a successor to the previous Supersports model. "...A future Supersports model isn't on the horizon at the moment." – Mike Sayer, Bentley The Supersports was the performance flagship of the previous Continental range, boasting 621 horsepower, a 0-62 time of 3.7 seconds, and a top speed in excess of 204 miles per hour. But the current GT Speed is even faster, quoted at 206 mph. And with 626 hp, it's marginally more powerful too. The question, then, is whether an even more potent Supersports is in the works. And the answer is: not just yet. "While we're always looking at ways of extending our unique combination of luxury and performance even further, we're currently focused on delivering the all-new Bentley Bentayga SUV," spokesman Mike Sayer revealed in correspondence with Autoblog. "The Continental family has just received a suite of styling and usability upgrades for 16MY, and a future Supersports model isn't on the horizon at the moment." So while a new Continental Supersports could arrive at some point down the line, it's apparently not a priority right now. And what about the prospect of an even more hardcore version of the Continental GT3-R? Rumors have been circulating of an even lighter version in the works, unburdened by the bulk of the Conti's all-wheel drive system – but we're told that's not in the cards at the moment, either. "The Continental GT3-R has been very well-received around the world. Some regions (including the UK) have sold-out their allocation. A very limited number of cars remain in a small number of overseas markets," says Sayer.

Bentley reveals Continental GT V8 S with a bit more of everything

A Bentley seldom lacks for power, but the entry-level, V8-powered Continental GT and GTC will be getting just a bit more when the doors open at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. The 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 in the new Continental GT V8 S and GTC V8 S has been upgraded by 21 horsepower and 15 pound-feet of torque to bring output up to 521 hp and 502 lb-ft. That's no earth-shattering boost, but when you're dealing with a car that weighs over 5,000 pounds, ever little bit helps.
In a rare best-of-both worlds scenario, Bentley has managed to squeeze the extra thrust out of the Audi-derived engine without sacrificing fuel economy, enabling the new V8 S models to cover the same 500 miles on a full tank as the existing Continental GT V8. But the crew from Crewe didn't stop there: they also lowered the suspension by ten millimeters (0.39 inches), stiffened the spring rates by 45% up front and 33% in the rear, tweaked the dampers, fitted a stiffer rear sway bar and recalibrated the stability control, all in the aim of providing a more assertive, engaging driving experience.
The revised models can be identified by their tweaked front and rear fascias, black grille and unique 20-inch wheels. As of right now, it's not clear how much the V8 S will cost over the standard eight-pot Conti, but then Bentleys don't come cheap in the first place. Deliveries are set to begin early in 2014, by which time we hope to have more specifics on price and availability.

2016 Bentley Bentayga in the buff [w/video]

Look, before you rush to the comments and start ranting about how ugly the Bentley Bentayga is, let's talk about how bad it could have been. Remember the EXP 9 F concept from Geneva a few years ago? You know, the one with the, as associate editor Jonathon Ramsey says, "cat anus headlights." Yeah. The production car doesn't look half bad now, does it? No matter, the Bentayga will probably be Bentley's best-selling model when it launches. And there's a lot to like, too – endless swaths of fine leather, super-luxurious seating for four or five, and a 600-horsepower, 12-cylinder engine. Plus, Bentley actually engineered the Bentayga to go off road, with various traction management modes to handle the rough stuff. Following the initial launch, Bentley will offer diesel, hybrid, and Speed versions of the Bentayga, as well as a seven-passenger version. We're also willing to bet the brand's 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V8 will find its way under the hood at some point, too. Get a load of the big gal in the gallery above, and scroll down for the press blast. It truly is the Bentley of SUVs. BENTLEY BENTAYGA: THE FASTEST, MOST POWERFUL, MOST LUXURIOUS AND MOST EXCLUSIVE SUV IN THE WORLD - A true Bentley, combining unparalleled luxury with sporting ability, off-road performance and everyday usability - Innovative and advanced technology – cutting-edge features with trademark exquisite luxury - Designed, engineered and built in Crewe, UK, sector-defining SUV takes Bentley luxury to new places - Sculptural design with elegant, timeless execution, balances athleticism with presence - Bentley workforce blend exceptional craft and skill with modern production techniques and materials - Intricate detailing and precision in wood, metal and leather creates a modern, luxurious handcrafted interior - Effortless Bentley performance, unrestrained by climate or terrain - A new highly advanced chassis for ultimate ride quality and comfort - All-new Crewe-built W12 offers unrivalled power and torque, efficiency and refinement, the most powerful and fastest SUV ever - Launch model is joined later by high performance, clean technology diesel and plug-in hybrid, as well as a seven seat option (Crewe, 9 September, 2015) Bentley Motors is today announcing full details of its pinnacle, sector-defining new model, the Bentayga. The Bentley Bentayga combines unparalleled luxury with effortless performance and everyday usability.