Bentley Continental GT3 Makes North American Debut: 2012 LA Auto Show

Jason Siu
by Jason Siu

On the eve of the 2012 LA Auto Show‘s kickoff, Bentley unveiled its Continental GT3 Concept Racer in America for the first time.

The race car signals the British automaker’s return to the race track since its historic sixth Le Mans victory in 2003. Based on Bentley’s fastest road car ever, the Continental GT3 racer is an FIA-approved concept and the automaker will begin track testing next year.

The Continental GT3 is built to perform at endurance races as well as outright speed and will be eligible to compete in a various range of motorsport events including 24-hour endurance races.

SEE ALSO: Bentley Continental GT3 is One Wicked Race Car: 2012 Paris Motor Show Preview

Boasting a gorgeous widebody that looks right at home on the GT Speed-based race car, the centerlocking wheels and subdued livery (for now) certainly looks as luxurious as it does menacing. The British automaker did a fantastic job contrasting the white body with carbon fiber accents on the mirrors, front bumper, side skirts, and rear diffuser.

“The clear message from our customers is that Bentley belongs on the racetrack, and the Continental GT3 is the realisation of a dream we’ve had ever since the launch of the Continental GT,” said Dr. Wolfgang Schreiber, Bentley’s Chairman and Chief Executive. “The new GT Speed is the perfect car for us to develop into a racer, and our work so far has shown huge potential. The Continental GT3 is set to show the world what the Continental GT is capable of in its most extreme form, and establishes a solid foundation for Bentley’s long-term motorsport plans.”

GALLERY: Bentley Continental GT3

Jason Siu
Jason Siu

Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.

More by Jason Siu

Comments
Join the conversation
Next