Bentley Ready to Begin Continental GT3 Testing Program

BentleyBentleyUnited Kingdom, 1919 > present37 models
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is moving ahead with its Continental GT3Bentley Continental GT3United Kingdom, 2013 > present5 photos
program and will begin track testing car soon. It will be the first factory-backed Bentley racecar since the Speed 8 in 2003. 

Bentley has partnered with M-Sport Limited, which previously ran Ford's World Rally Championship program, to develop the Continental into a GT3-class racer. It has been developing the car for the last six months. It is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 with a six-speed sequential transmission. It uses a double-wishbone suspension, fully adjustable dampers and racing brakes. Portions of the body have been replaced with carbon fiber. For example, the doors weigh 12% of the doors on the production car. All of the changes mean a total of 1,000kg (2,205lb) reduction in weight. 

“Motorsport is an integral part of Bentley, and the performance and endurance qualities of all of our road cars reflect this racing heritage. Not one single part of the GT3 has escaped our attention, and the result is a car that can compete with the field in terms of factors such as power, weight and aerodynamics," said Brian Gush, Bentley Director of Motorsport.

Bentley first showed the Continental GT3 as a concept at the Paris Auto Show in September 2012.