Following Bentley’s successful attempt at beating its own world speed record on ice two weeks ago, the Crewe-based manufacturer will launch a commemorative edition of the Continental GT Supersports convertible at the Geneva Motor Show.
Four-time world rally champion Juha Kankkunen piloted a Continental GT to a two-way average of 321,6 km/h on the frozen surface of the Baltic Sea in 2007 – eclipsing the previous 296 km/h by a Bugatti EB110 in 1995. This year he returned to a Bentley seat, this time a Supersports convertible, to eventually break the 2007 record run with a 330,695 km/h top speed.
“200mph came up after 5 km on sheet ice. Then it was just a question of getting everything right in the timing zone and hoping the snow kept away. There’s nothing to beat driving a Bentley at these speeds; the conditions may be perilous but the car responds so well to the slightest adjustment which gives you the confidence to push even harder,” the rally legend stated.
Of course, the car used for the attempt had been tweaked slightly to deal with the conditions and in the interest of safety – like the use of a heavy-duty roll cage, Pirelli winter tyre, rear parachute and revised front and rear spoilers.
Even though Bentley used a revised cooling system and exhaust for the actual record run, the standard Ice Speed Record models will be powered by the same twin-turbocharged W12 (capable of running on petrol and/or E85 bio-ethanol) that produces 470 kW and 800 N.m of torque.
What will really set the 100 or so limited-run of models apart is that only three unique colours will be available – Beluga, Quartzite and Arctica White – with dark finish 20-inch alloys and a “metallic-look” fabric roof. The interior features diamond-quilted Alcantara, high-gloss carbon fibre with a red weave and red piping.
