Bentley has unveiled a new Continental Supersports that abandons all-wheel drive in favor of rear-wheel drive, according to first-drive reports from Road & Track. The car is powered by a 657-horsepower V8 engine, as noted by Design News.
Road & Track describes the model as a more athletic version of the Continental, one that has effectively "hit the gym" compared with its predecessors. The publication's initial drive suggests the car represents a shift in focus for the marque, emphasizing sharper dynamics over sheer comfort.
The Supersports arrives without any hybrid assistance, a point highlighted by wallpaper.com. This makes it a notable outlier as Bentley moves toward an electrified lineup, with the publication framing the model as a benchmark for the brand's next chapter. Ars Technica similarly characterizes the car as a "stripped-out engineer's indulgence," suggesting it prioritizes driving purity over luxury extras.
The switch to rear-wheel drive marks a significant engineering change for the Supersports nameplate, which has historically leaned on all-wheel-drive traction to manage its power. With the V8 now sending torque solely to the rear axle, Road & Track's early assessment indicates the car demands more from the driver, rewarding precise inputs with a more engaging experience.
The new Supersports is expected to serve as a send-off for the current Continental generation, offering a last hurrah for internal combustion before Bentley's broader EV transition accelerates. Watch for official performance figures and pricing details to emerge closer to the car's arrival at dealerships.
