Bentley is launching particular editions of the Continental GT coupe and Continental GTC convertible to mark the twentieth anniversary of its final 24 Hours of Le Mans win.
The Bentley Le Mans Collection might be restricted to 48 items globally, the automaker introduced final week. The particular editions will sport distinctive exterior styling components impressed by the Bentley Speed 8 Le Mans quantity 7 prototype, which took general victory in 2003.
The Le Mans Collection automobiles reference the Speed 8’s livery with Verdant Green paint and a centered Moonbeam racing stripe. The quantity 7 can be painted onto the mesh grille, a throwback contact to a a lot earlier period of racing. The grille itself is black, as is the decrease entrance bumper, mirror caps, the decrease floor of the trunk lid, and the 22-inch wheels. Red brake calipers and a smattering of carbon fiber full the look.
The Bentley Rotating Display, which permits the central touchscreen to rotate out of view when not wanted, is customary. When the touchscreen flips out of view, the panel homes a valve from the Le Mans-winning Speed 8’s engine. Wreaths symbolizing Bentley’s six Le Mans wins are inscribed on the dashboard and door-sill plates. Upholstery and steering-wheel trim are a mixture of leather-based and suede-like Dynamica material, with piano black and high-gloss carbon fiber trim.
Le Mans Collection automobiles get Bentley’s soon-to-be-discontinued twin-turbo 6.0-liter W-12 engine, producing 650 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque, which propels the tribute automobiles from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds and on to a high pace of 208 mph. An air suspension, four-wheel steering, and carbon-ceramic brakes are included as nicely.
The six Le Mans victories are a key a part of the Bentley mythos, however the model hasn’t had a constant presence on the legendary endurance race. Bentley dominated with 5 wins in 1924, 1927, 1928, 1929, and 1930, however didn’t return to Le Mans till 2001. It hasn’t returned for the reason that 2003 win, however has raced the Continental GT within the lower-level GT3 class, even taking victory at Australia’s Bathurst 12 Hour race in 2020. Bentley exited GT3 after the 2021 race season.
HIGH-RES GALLERY: Bentley Le Mans Collection
This article was initially printed by Motor Authority, an editorial accomplice of ClassicCars.com
