The first time I set eyes on the Bentley Continental GT3 was during its official running debut on the famous hill climb at Goodwood Festival of Speed 2013. It was barely visible at first due to the hordes of people gathered around the car. This didn’t surprise me, a car of the Continental GT3’s stature and rarity is obviously going to attract a lot of attention.
Image Credit: The Car Spotter. Bentley Continental GT3 debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed 2013
In person, the GT3 appeared to be completely different from the luxurious, refined road cars that Bentley have crafted since 1919. It looked brutish and aggressive due to a combination of its lowered stance, extended carbon fibre body kit, sizeable spoiler and racing colours. The V8 from the GT3 burbled and was very loud, with a mechanical whine. The black and green colour scheme really accentuated the lines of the GT3, particularly in the bonnet vent inlets. Black motorsport alloys with Michelin tyres added to the overall racing look of the vehicle. A very impressive car overall.
The car was unveiled by Bentley in September 2012, still in a concept phase. It is the first Bentley racing car for a decade.
Specification
The Bentley Continental GT3 is powered by a 4.0 litre V8 engine with a reduced weight of over 1000kg from the standard Bentley Continental GT. It is claimed to have a maximum power of up to 600bhp unrestricted. All the luxuries from the Continental GT have been removed including leather and veneer trim, double glazing, many electrical systems and over 50 ECUs. This is all in the pursuit of speed.
New additions to the Bentley Continental GT3 include:
- A modified version of Bentley’s 4.0 litre twin-turbo V8 engine
- 6-speed sequential racing gearbox
- Double wishbone suspension front and rear
- Four-way adjustable dampers
- More efficient, competition brakes
- Side exit exhaust system
Although the Bentley Continental GT3 still maintains the Continental GT body shape, the cars differ quite substantially. Many panels including the doors, boot lid and bonnet are now carbon fibre and inside the car a FIA-specification roll cage is present.
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