2012 Bentley Continental Supersports Overview

The Continental Supersports supercar sits at the top of the Continental line. It features a more muscular look than other Continentals thanks to a revised front bumper with large lower air intakes, special hood vents, a unique rear bumper and rear quarter panels and special smoked grille as well as other exterior trim. The coupe, like many of its supercar competition, comes in 2-seat configuration. In the rear, in place of where the rear seats would go in any other Continental, the Supersports coupe features a storage area with a carbon fiber luggage retaining beam. Rear seats are available as an extra option. Convertibles are outfitted with four seats as standard equipment.

The Supersports is capable of running on gasoline, biofuel or any combination thereof. Its 6.0L W12 engine is turbocharged and makes 621 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. That power runs through a 6-speed "Quickshift" automatic transmission that allows double downshifts and finally makes its way to the ground via Bentley's all-wheel drive system.

The Supersports also features a lower, sportier front suspension, continuous damping control, 20-inch Pirelli tires and the largest carbon ceramic brakes ever fitted to a production car. Even its central computer is programmed to make the most of the engine and driving assistance systems for the highest performance.

The Supersports comes with lightweight sport seats with carbon fiber rear panels as standard equipment. The upholstery is still leather, with Alcantara for further weight reduction, but the wood veneers seen in other versions of the Continental have been replaced in this model with carbon fiber panels. The Supersports also has four exclusive paint colors: two pearlescent whites and two matte grays. Other standard equipment includes Bluetooth audio, satellite radio and climate control.

Optional equipment includes a rearview camera, satin paint and audiophile Naim-branded audio. The Comfort Seat option includes rear seats on coupe models.

2012 Bentley Continental Supersports Model Changes

In 2011, the Continental Supersports model was given a new convertible variant. No changes were made to the performance model for 2012, which still features a special front bumper, hood vents and more. A limited edition ISR convertible trim level has been added this year, which features red piping on the seats and doors, red contrast stitching on the seats and dash, and a carbon fiber dash treatment. Only 100 units will be sold.

2012 Bentley Continental Supersports Value

With the finest hides used in the interior, a powerful W12 engine and performance-minded visual upgrades to the already stunning design of the Continental, the Supersports is one of the finest driving machines on the road today. Where other ultra-luxury automakers assume the owner will have a driver, Bentley assumes the owner will want to take the wheel himself, and he will be rewarded with unmatched performance and the luxury feel of high-end materials used throughout the car. Standard features for the Continental Supersports are impressive enough to be available only as expensive options on other luxury sedans.

2012 Bentley Continental Supersports Strengths

Great performance and handling; unmistakable curb appeal; ultimate performance and luxury