The Bentley GT3-R makes its debut appearance in the UAE

The new race car inspired GT3-R made its first appearance in the UAE this week, during an exclusive track event at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. Just 300 examples of the rarest and most dynamic member of the esteemed Bentley Continental family of Grand Tourers have been hand built in Crewe, UK and finished by Bentley Motorsport, guaranteeing customers a high level of exclusivity.

Inspired by the new Bentley GT3 race car that stormed to victory at the second round of the Blancpain Endurance Series at Silverstone, the first UK race for Bentley for 84 years, as well as at the Paul Ricard circuit in France, the GT3-R is highly anticipated by car fans in the Middle East.

Under the bonnet, Bentley engineers developed a retuned version of the company’s race-proven, high performance 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 for the new two-seater GT. Developing 580 PS (572 bhp / 426 kW) and 700 Nm of torque, together with a 100 kg weight reduction and shorter gearing, the Continental GT3-R is the fastest-accelerating road going Bentley ever. Capable of reaching 60 mph from a standstill in just 3.6 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.8 secs), the GT3-R is a Grand Tourer with the performance of a race car.

Robin Peel, Head of Marketing and Communications, MEAI and Asia Pacific, commented: “Bentley has always been about the unique combination of luxury and performance, and the Continental GT3-R takes that to yet another level for the company. The awe-inspiring performance and dynamic abilities continue our passion for building outstanding drivers’ cars. In the GCC our customers tend to know exactly what they want and this ultimate offering from the Continental range will certainly appeal to those wanting to experience race car performance, but without compromising the luxury they have come to expect from Bentley.”

Complementing the revised powertrain is a further development of Bentley’s renowned all-wheel drive system, which now features torque vectoring for the first time. Together with modified Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and a chassis tune optimised for outright cornering ability, the Continental GT3‑R is the most dynamic, responsive and involving Bentley road car ever.

The GT3-R has also been fitted with precision-honed high-boost turbochargers and new engine control software. The GT3-R’s increased power is fed through the Continental’s eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox, now with shorter output gearing to enhance acceleration and recalibrated paddle shift functionality.

Buyers will also notice an all-new, lightweight titanium exhaust, which gives a unique baritone roar. Braking comes via Bentley’s record-holding Carbon Silicon Carbide (CSiC) braking system

All Bentleys are a unique combination of luxury and performance, and the Continental GT3-R is no exception. Featuring a unique pair of bespoke sports seats, handcrafted from carbon fibre, Alcantara® and the finest leather, the GT3-R is as breathtaking in its approach to interior design as to its dynamic ability.

Offset against the Beluga leather, a vivid accent green is used as a hide colour on the seats, instrument panel and door panels and in contrast stitching throughout the seats and diamond-quilted areas, along with GT3-R badging.

Externally the GT3-R has a new front splitter, balanced by a new fixed rear wing fitted to the boot lid – both finished in exquisite carbon fibre. The bonnet incorporates two vents to improve the cooling, whilst the Glacier White paint, which all 300 cars will be finished in, is highlighted by the use of two-tone green graphics.

The visual appeal of the Continental GT3-R is completed by an all-new lightweight 21” wheel, machine-forged from high-strength alloy and finished in gloss black.