The Supersports’ mid-range is an awesome place to hang around in, as you’d expect with 750 torques on tap.

This is a bit more complicated, but yes, it absolutely does. Let’s call it vibrationary self-satisfaction. So to answer your question, whatever frequency smug operates at is the sound the driver will make. Its ride, even on 21in diamond cut wheels, is terrific, and it’s a peerless companion on the motorway. Nevertheless, this is a deeply impressive piece of engineering, and despite its name the Supersports will do maximum waft in a way that is all but irresistible. If your idea of high performance involves donning waterproof underpants and blatting up a B-road in a Caterham Seven, then even 700bhp won’t get you past the Bentley’s structural profligacy. Given that it weighs 2,280kg (40 less than the GT Speed), these are strong numbers. Compared to its immediate predecessor, the new Supersports has an extra 79bhp and 160 torques, which translates to zero to 60mph in 3.4 seconds, 0-100mph in 7.4, and a top speed of 209mph. Even more arresting is the torque figure – 750lb ft from 2,050rpm – while the torque curve itself isn’t a curve at all so much as a mountain peak and plateau. Visual differences run to gloss-black bonnet vents, new front and rear bumpers with carbon fibre splitter and diffuser, a rifled exhaust tail-pipe, and a rear spoiler (though not on the convertible). It’s also the new fastest and most powerful Bentley ever, and will be limited to 710 units: coincidentally, this is its power output in PS (that’s 700bhp in Brexit Britain terminology). Well, no-one at Bentley would use a phrase as gauche as ‘run-out’ special, but an all-new Continental is due this autumn, so the return of the Supersports badge is a stout last huzzah and hurrah for the company’s imperious coupe.

2018 bentley continental gt supersports