2013 Bentley Continental Supersports

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Bentley is a brand typically associated with opulence and excess -- but their latest offering brings both of those qualities to the table, along with the title of being the "greenest" Bentley to date. Based on the last-generation Continental GT coupe, the Continental Supersports features a 6-liter W12 engine capable of running on both gasoline and E85.

The Continental Supersports features a new ZF-developed Quickshift transmission that, according to Bentley, halves shift times. This gearbox helps the car accelerate from zero-to-60 mpg in just 3.7 seconds -- eventually settling at a top speed of 204 mph. The 621 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque from the big Bentley's twelve-cylinder also play a big part in the accelerative heroics.

All-wheel-drive is standard, with a 40:60 front/rear split to reduce understeer. A wider track and lightweight 20 inch alloy wheels set it apart from standard Continentals, as well.

What began as an "under the radar" in-house project designed to reduce the standard Continental GT's weight, as well as add more power and torque, turned into a "greener" Continental GT due to the emphasis on renewable fuel.

Bentley says that adding E85 capability offers an emissions reduction of up to 70 percent wheel-to-wheel, a figure that "takes into account the fuel's net contribution to the atmosphere," not just its tailpipe emissions. In other words, the E85 capability does reduce tailpipe emissions, but the fuel is cleaner to produce.

Bentley reports that the Continental Supersports will return 13 mpg in the city and and 24 mpg on the highway, which are respectable numbers given the car's size and performance capabilities.

To help bring this massive luxury coupe to a stop, Bentley has equipped the Supersports with carbon ceramic brakes, as well as providing a 243 pound drop in vehicle weight compared to a traditional Continental GT Speed.

Inside, the cabin is uniquely trimmed and sports lightweight seats (a 99 lb. reduction). Alcantara trim is standard throughout.

In regards to stylized changes, Bentley says that the upgrades are of the "form follows function" variety -- evident by large air intakes festooned to the front fascia. Unique rear wheel arches, smoked-finish exterior trim and twin tailpipes further set the Continental Supersports apart.

Key Competitors
The Continental Supersports competes against other ultra-quick luxury coupes like the Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG, the Aston Martin DBS and the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano.

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