Bentley Conti. Supersports

THE Bentley Continental GT is all about storming performance and refinement, but the mighty Supersports model has been built to a very different brief. It is currently the fastest and most powerful production model you can buy from a UK car manufacturer – and thanks to the extensive diet engineers put it on, it should be pretty handy around a track as well...

The weight loss regime has seen the rear seats replaced by a strut brace, while the thin carbon front seats adjust manually, rather than using heavy electric motors. Behind the gloss black wheels you can see the uprated brakes and suspension, and the W12 engine’s 621bhp is fed through a revised four-wheel-drive transmission and Quickshift automatic gearbox. There’s 69bhp more power than you get in a standard GT, and extra boost pressure releases 800Nm of torque in devastating fashion.

On the track, performance is blistering. The two-tonne Bentley does its best to defy the laws of physics, hurtling from 0-60mph in little over four seconds. The 6.0-litre engine delivers a mighty sound as the twin-turbochargers spool up, the rear squats down and the car speeds towards the horizon.

None of this would be possible without the four-wheel-drive chassis, but the Supersports isn’t as involving as lighter, more agile, rear-driven rivals. And while it generates huge grip, you’re always aware of the car’s incredible mass. After a couple of fast laps, the heat builds and the tyres and brakes lose some of their initial bite, although this is less of an issue on the road.

Regardless of its shortcomings, it’s hard not to be in awe of this amazing coupé. Devastating power, distinctive looks and a beautifully crafted finish help ensure that the Bentley really stands out from the supercar crowd.