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Ars Technica·

🚗Bentley's New Supersports: 85 Years of Lightness

The lightest Bentley in 85 years is a rear-wheel drive marvel

TL;DR

Bentley's new Supersports is the lightest car the brand has made in 85 years, boasting a rear-wheel drive setup and a 3.0L engine. The original Super Sports from 1926 had a 3.0L engine and could exceed 100 mph, setting a benchmark for performance.

Bentley's latest Supersports is a rear-wheel drive marvel that's the lightest car the brand has produced in 85 years. This new model is a throwback to the original Super Sports built between 1925 and 1927, which were shortened versions of the standard 3 Litre model. The original Super Sports had a 3.0L engine with new pistons, a lighter flywheel, more compression, and different carburetors, allowing it to exceed 100 mph. Why does this matter? It's a nod to the brand's heritage while pushing the boundaries of modern engineering. The original Super Sports had a wheelbase shortened by 9.5 inches and a radiator more tapered for better airflow. This new Supersports is a testament to Bentley's commitment to performance and innovation.

Bentley's New Supersports: 85 Years of Lightness — Ars Technica

Key Points

1

The new Supersports is the lightest Bentley in 85 years, weighing less than any previous model.

2

The original Super Sports had a 3.0L engine with new pistons, a lighter flywheel, and different carburetors.

3

The original Super Sports could exceed 100 mph, setting a performance benchmark in the 1920s.

4

The wheelbase of the original Super Sports was shortened by 9.5 inches (241 mm) compared to the standard 3 Litre model.

5

The radiator of the original Super Sports was more tapered, presenting less resistance to airflow.

Why It Matters

The new Supersports is a nod to Bentley's heritage while pushing modern engineering boundaries. The original Super Sports from 1926 set a performance benchmark with a 3.0L engine that could exceed 100 mph. This new model honors that legacy while offering contemporary advancements.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does this matter?

The new Supersports is a nod to Bentley's heritage while pushing modern engineering boundaries. The original Super Sports from 1926 set a performance benchmark with a 3.0L engine that could exceed 100 mph. This new model honors that legacy while offering contemporary advancements.

What happened?

Bentley's new Supersports is the lightest car the brand has made in 85 years, boasting a rear-wheel drive setup and a 3.0L engine. The original Super Sports from 1926 had a 3.0L engine and could exceed 100 mph, setting a benchmark for performance.

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