Bentley has signalled its intent of going racing for the first time since Le Mans in 2003 with the unveiling of the Continental GT3 concept racer. Based on the GT Speed, the fastest car Bentley has ever produced, the GT3 is currently in development with a full testing programme scheduled for 2013.
Exterior
Bentley describes the Continental GT Speed, the car that forms the basis for the Continental GT3, as a 'refined luxury grand tourer, which, if the driver demands, has a distinctly hard-edged sporting character." With a comprehensive aerodynamic package and dramatic livery the Continental GT3 appears to be a hardcore rather than 'gentleman' racer that we doubt will be the last word in refinement.
Mechanicals
To meet with FIA approval, Bentley will have to make certain compromises. For example, the GT Speed's four-wheel drive layout has been binned for a rear-wheel drive configuration and the eight-speed automatic gearbox swapped for a racing sequential transmission.
No word either on whether the racer will use a development of the GT Speed's 6.0-litre W12 or another engine that will suit regulations, possibly a race version of Bentley's 4.0-litre V8.
Anything else?
The Continental GT3 is being worked on by a specialist team at Bentley's Crewe factory headed up by Brian Gush, the man who oversaw the Bentley Speed 8's historic 1-2 at Le Mans in 2003. However, while it is designed for endurance as well as shorter sprint events, the Continental GT3 will not be eligible to compete at Le Mans and will instead do battle with the McLaren MP4-12C GT3, Ferrari 458 Italia, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, Audi R8 LMS Ultra and Porsche 911 GT3 R in the GT3 category for cars based on road-going models.