Bentley Remembers Historic Victories at Le Mans With Limited Edition Continental GT and GTC
Inspired by the cars that originally competed in the 24-hour-long race.
Bentley is commemorating 20 years since its historic sixth victory at Le Mans, the world’s oldest active endurance race, held in its namesake town in France.
Rather than the typical race, which is won by minimum time, the 24 Hours of Le Mans is won by the car that covers the most distance over a period of 24 hours. Cars competing can go up to 227 mph, so not only does the driver have to be able to control their vehicle but racing teams must be equipped to address mechanics and the potential for damage to the vehicle over the course of the race.
To mark the occasion, Bentley is creating limited editions of the Continental GT Coupés and Continental GTC. Both cars will be powered by the 6-liter twin-turbo W12, which Bentley lauds as the most powerful 12-cylinder engine on the market.
Bentley’s Le Mans Collection incorporates unique design details paying homage to its relationship with the race. The Continental GT and GTC are finished in Verdant green, with a Moonbeam-colored racing stripe. Body components such as the front bumper and wing mirror caps come in a sleek black. Carbon ceramic and red brake calipers are incorporated into 22-inch, ten-spoke wheels, while a No. 7 on the grill nods to the Bentley Speed 8 #7 that won Le Mans in 2003.
As for the interior, a standard 12-hour analog clock has been replaced with a 24-hour version. Seats are fashioned out of clean black leather, with contrast stitching throughout.
The anniversary of Bentley’s sixth victory also happens to coincide with the 100-year anniversary since the first ever Le Mans, where Bentley also made history with the fastest lap to date.
As such, the Continental GT and GTC boast top speeds of 208 mph and the power to go from 0 mph to 60 mph in less than four seconds.
In other automotive news, Rolls-Royce paid homage to the city of Manchester with this one-off Ghost commission.
