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Luxurious Interior Filled with Advanced Technology
The dramatic
character of the four-seat Supersports 'Ice Speed Record' continues in the
cockpit in which traditional Bentley craftsmanship and fine detailing are given
an even more extrovert interpretation.
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 'soft-grip' leather on the steering wheel and gear lever.
Unique to the 'Ice Speed Record' model, the high-gloss carbon fiber 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.
The front seats and floor mats also feature embroidered 'Supersports'
legends while the signature Breitling dashboard clock also has a red accent.
The Supersports 'Ice Speed Record', despite its ice racing pedigree, is
clearly no 'stripped out' 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.
An 8-inch
screen displays the car's 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 utilizes 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.
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.
Bentley's Most Powerful 6-Liter W12 Engine
The 6-liter, twin turbo-charged W12 engine, produces 631 hp - the most
powerful Bentley ever - and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque. Paired with a
Quickshift six-speed automatic transmission, it launches the convertible 'Ice
Speed Record' model from 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.0s) and
reaches 100 mph from a standing start in only 9.5 seconds (0-160 km/h in 9.4s).
The additional engine power of the new convertible is the result of fine
tuning of the engine to optimize the benefits of the new free-breathing air
intake ducts, intercooler system and the exhaust system.
And true to the
Bentley tradition of delivering instantly available and exhilarating performance
in real world driving conditions, the 'Ice Speed Record' convertible will sprint
from 50-75 mph (80-120 km/h) in just 2.5 seconds.
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's 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.
All-Wheel-Drive, Exhaust System and Wheels
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 'throttle steering' for more
enthusiastic drivers.
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.
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 'Ice Speed Record' is fitted as standard with Pirelli
275/35 ZR20 ultra high performance tires.
Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible Ice Speed Record Edition: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications