Driving the all-wheel drive, biofuel-powered 6-litre, 12-cylinder Continental Supersports convertible on the perilous frozen Baltic Sea, off the coast of Finland, Kankkunen achieved a speed of 205.48 mph (330.695 km\/h) eclipsing his own ice speed record of 199.83 mph (321.6 km\/h) set in 2007 in the Continental GT.<\/p>\n
Both the new Supersports \u2018Ice Speed Record\u2019 convertible and Juha\u2019s record-breaking Supersports will be on display on the Bentley stand at the Geneva Show from 1st March.<\/p>\n
Wolfgang Duerheimer, Bentley\u2019s new Chairman and Chief Executive, said:<\/p>\n
\u201cJuha Kankkunen\u2019s drive was a remarkable achievement and worthy of a very special car. The Continental Supersports \u2018Ice Speed Record\u2019 is a true driver\u2019s car that captures that unique Bentley spirit. It offers extreme performance, agility and an extrovert personality, while retaining the refinement, handcrafted luxury and comfort our customers expect.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bentley\u2019s most powerful 6 litre W12 engine with FlexFuel technology<\/p>\n
The 6-litre, twin turbo-charged W12 engine, produces 640 PS (631 bhp \/ 471 kW) – the most powerful Bentley ever – and 800Nm (590lb ft) of torque. Paired with a Quickshift six-speed automatic transmission, it launches the convertible \u2018Ice Speed Record\u2019 model from 0-60mph in 3.8 seconds (0-100km\/h in 4.0s) and reaches 100mph from a standing start in only 9.5 seconds (0-160 km\/h in 9.4s).<\/p>\n
The additional engine power of the new convertible is the result of fine tuning of the engine to optimise the benefits of the new free-breathing air intake ducts, intercooler system and the exhaust system.<\/p>\n
And true to the Bentley tradition of delivering instantly available and exhilarating performance in real world driving conditions, the \u2018Ice Speed Record\u2019 convertible will sprint from 50-75mph (80-120 km\/h) in just 2.5 seconds.<\/p>\n
In common with its Continental stable mates, the new Supersports model runs on both petrol (gasoline) or E85 bio-ethanol or any combination of the two. Pioneered in the Supersports coupe, this FlexFuel technology offers a reduction of up to 70 per cent in CO2 emissions on a well-to-wheel basis, a measure of a fuel\u2019s net contribution to the atmosphere, not just tailpipe emissions. The on-board fuel supply system monitors the content of the fuel tank and ensures that power and torque remain constant regardless of the ratio of petrol to biofuel.<\/p>\n
The all-wheel drive system provides outstanding traction in all weather conditions. The drive is transferred between the front and rear axles automatically via a Torsen centre differential. The standard 40 front\/60 rear torque split provides optimum traction and modulation of line and attitude by \u2019throttle steering\u2019 for more enthusiastic drivers.<\/p>\n
The new exhaust system with reduced back pressure benefits gas flow while delivering a sporty baritone note under hard acceleration. On light throttle cruising, the new Supersports model remains impressively refined.<\/p>\n
Large diameter (420 mm front, 356 mm rear), carbon ceramic brake discs, with eight-piston calipers at the front provide fade-resistant stopping power. This lightweight system also reduces unsprung and rotating mass, benefiting steering response and handling. As with all Supersports models the \u2018Ice Speed Record\u2019 is fitted as standard with Pirelli 275\/35ZR20 ultra high performance tyres.<\/p>\n
Dramatically extrovert styling<\/h4>\n
Just 100 examples of this dramatically styled new model will be built at Bentley\u2019s Crewe factory. The Supersports \u2018Ice Speed Record\u2019 is distinguished by its vibrant and muscular styling cues that reinforce the uncompromising performance credentials of this extreme Bentley convertible.<\/p>\n
Bentley\u2019s designers have selected three \u2018stand-out\u2019 exterior paint colours for the new convertible: Beluga, Quartzite and, fittingly, Arctica White. These colours are complemented by a Dark Grey Metallic soft top with Bentley\u2019s refined three-ply composite construction.<\/p>\n
The unique appearance of the soft top is created in the outer layer by a ‘grey’ acrylic fibre with a semi-transparent ‘metallic look\u2019 in a twill weave construction. The car\u2019s potent performance is further accentuated by 20\u201d inch, 10-spoke Supersports wheels with a dark tint finish.<\/p>\n
Contemporary luxury craftsmanship and advanced technology<\/p>\n
The dramatic character of the four-seat Supersports \u2018Ice Speed Record\u2019 continues in the cockpit in which traditional Bentley craftsmanship and fine detailing are given an even more extrovert interpretation.<\/p>\n
Traditional leather hides sit alongside a range of contemporary materials for a distinctly sporting style. This includes diamond-quilted Alcantara to doors, quarter panels and seat facings, and \u2018soft-grip\u2019 leather on the steering wheel and gear lever.<\/p>\n
Unique to the \u2018Ice Speed Record\u2019 model, the high-gloss carbon fibre on the dashboard, centre console and roof panel, features a unique red weave. The theme continues with Pillar Box red piping to seats and doors, and Pillar Box Red contrast stitching to seats, door casings, steering wheel and gearshift paddles.<\/p>\n
The front seats and floor mats also feature embroidered \u2018Supersports\u2019 legends while the signature Breitling dashboard clock also has a red accent.<\/p>\n
The Supersports \u2018Ice Speed Record\u2019, despite its ice racing pedigree, is clearly no \u2018stripped out\u2019 racer. Its highly specified interior has the highly-advanced touchscreen infotainment system from the new Continental GT that provides rich map imagery and a 30GB on-board hard drive.<\/p>\n
An 8-inch screen displays the car\u2019s audio system, telephone, ride and comfort settings as well as the very latest navigation system, which uses both an in-car hard-disc drive and a DVD player to access route data. It also utilises dynamic navigation to avoid heavy traffic spots, locates destinations using geo-tagged photos from an SD memory card and is Google Maps-compatible for most markets.<\/p>\n
The infotainment system, with 7-digit postcode entry, combines touchscreen controls and classic Bentley knurled rotary switches to offer instant usability. It is complemented by a new driver information panel (DIP) located in the main instrument cluster. The new wide-screen DIP employs TFT technology and enhanced graphics provide the driver with clear and easily accessible information about a wide range of car systems.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 2011 Bentley Continental Supersports ISR Convertible Bentley announces today its most potent and radically styled convertible ever \u2013 the 202mph (325km\/h) Supersports \u2018Ice Speed Record\u2019 convertible. This new model, limited to just 100 cars worldwide, is a celebration of the Company\u2019s world ice speed record set two weeks ago byFinland\u2019s four-time world rally champion Juha Kankkunen in a Bentley Continental Supersports convertible. Driving the all-wheel drive, biofuel-powered 6-litre, 12-cylinder Continental Supersports convertible on the perilous frozen Baltic Sea, off the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":171556,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2191,464,9348,17105],"tags":[18323,6826,465,1568,6443,19638,19608,6860,13061,17106],"class_list":["post-171554","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-2010s","category-bentley","category-guides","category-model-guides-production-cars","tag-2010s-all","tag-2010s-cars","tag-bentley","tag-bentley-continental-gt","tag-bentley-model-in-depth","tag-bentley-model-guides-continental-gt","tag-bentley-model-guides-production-cars","tag-vw-era-bentley-in-depth","tag-car-profiles","tag-model-guides-production-cars"],"yoast_head":"\n
\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div><\/figure>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div><\/figure>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div><\/figure>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div><\/figure>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div><\/figure>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div><\/figure>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div><\/figure>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div><\/figure>\nIn Detail<\/h3>\n
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\n <\/td>\n <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n type<\/td>\n Series Production Car<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n released at<\/td>\n 2010 Geneva Motor Show<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n built at<\/td>\n Crewe, England<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n price $<\/td>\n $ 286,695<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n engine<\/td>\n VW Group W12<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n position<\/td>\n Front, Longitudinal<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n aspiration<\/td>\n Twin Turbochargers<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n ignition<\/td>\n Coil-On-Plug<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n block material<\/td>\n ALUSIL Aluminium-Silicon Alloy w\/Silicon Crystal Liners<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n valvetrain<\/td>\n Chain-Driven DOHC, 4 Valves per Cyl<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n fuel feed<\/td>\n Multi-point Electronic Sequential Indirect Injection<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n displacement<\/td>\n 5998 cc \/ 366.02 in\u00b3<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n bore<\/td>\n 84 mm \/ 3.3 in<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n stroke<\/td>\n 90.2 mm \/ 3.6 in<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n compression<\/td>\n 9:1<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n power<\/td>\n 471 kw \/ 631.6 bhp @ 6000 rpm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n specific output<\/td>\n 105.3 bhp per litre<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n bhp\/weight<\/td>\n 263.72 bhp per tonne<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n torque<\/td>\n 800 nm \/ 590 ft lbs @ 4500 rpm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n body \/ frame<\/td>\n Unitary Steel Monocoque<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n driven wheels<\/td>\n AWD w\/40\/60 Torsen Center Differential<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n wheel type<\/td>\n 10-spoke Smoked Chrome Alloy<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n front tires<\/td>\n 275\/35×20 Pirelli Ultra High Performance<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n rear tires<\/td>\n 275\/35×20 Pirelli Ultra High Performance<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n front brakes<\/td>\n Ventilated & Cross-Drilled Carbon Ceramic Discs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n rear brakes<\/td>\n Ventilated & Cross-Drilled Carbon Ceramic Discs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n front wheels<\/td>\n F 50.8 x 24.1 cm \/ 20 x 9.5 in<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n rear wheels<\/td>\n R 50.8 x 24.1 cm \/ 20 x 9.5 in<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n steering<\/td>\n Rack & Pinion w\/Power Assist<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n f suspension<\/td>\n Double Wishbones w\/Air Springs, Anri-Roll Bar<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n r suspension<\/td>\n Trapezoidal Multi-link w\/Air Springs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n curb weight<\/td>\n 2395 kg \/ 5280.98 lbs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n wheelbase<\/td>\n 1745 mm \/ 68.7 in<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n front track<\/td>\n 1623 mm \/ 63.9 in<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n rear track<\/td>\n 1657 mm \/ 65.2 in<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n length<\/td>\n 4804 mm \/ 189.1 in<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n width<\/td>\n 2194 mm \/ 86.4 in<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n height<\/td>\n 1388 mm \/ 54.6 in<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n transmission<\/td>\n ZF 6-speed \u2018Quickshift\u2019 Automatic<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n gear ratios<\/td>\n 4.172:1, 2.340:1, 1.521:1, 1.143:1, 0.867:1, 0.691:1<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n final drive<\/td>\n 3.52:1<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n top speed<\/td>\n ~325.01999 kph \/ 202 mph<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n 0 – 60 mph<\/td>\n ~3.8 seconds<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n 0 – 100 mph<\/td>\n ~6.5 seconds<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n 0 – 100 kph<\/td>\n ~4.0 seconds<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n urban fuel econ eu<\/td>\n 25.5 L\/100 km or 9.22 mpg-us<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n extra urban fuel econ eu<\/td>\n 11.6 L\/100 km or 20.28 mpg-us<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n combined fuel econ eu<\/td>\n 16.7 L\/100 km or 14.08 mpg-us<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n emission<\/td>\n 388 g\/km<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n fuel capacity<\/td>\n 90 litres or 23.76 gal.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n