The Paris Motor Show has brought a plethora of new cars and concepts this year, as it has always done, plus an entire load of good news. This time we’ve focused on Bentley and their so-called return to the racetrack with the Continental GT3 Concept racer. This comes as quite a surprise, considering that they haven’t been participating to racing competitions since 9 years ago, when they’ve won their 6th Le Mans, back in 2003.
The racing model is reportedly based on the Bentley Continental GT Speed and it is currently under development in Crewe, in Bentley’s own factory. The model will reportedly start its racing career around the end of 2013. Bentley’s Chairman and CEO, Wolfgang Schreiber, declared that “the clear message from our customers is that Bentley belongs to the racetrack, and the Continental GT3 is the realization of a dream we’ve had ever since the launch of the Continental GT.”
He then added:”The new GT Speed is the perfect car for us to develop into a racer, and our work so far has shown huge potential. The Continental GT3 is set to show the world what the Continental GT is capable of in its most extreme form, and establishes a solid foundation for Bentley’s long-term motorsport plans.”
In terms of looks, the GT3 sports a huge, Bentley-themed wide body kit, stripped out interior and side exhaust pipes. Although it’s not for sure yet, the car will probably boast with the engine from the Continental GT Speed, a turbocharged W12 dressed in racing skirt. The GT3 is fitted with rear wheel drive, in accordance with racing regulations, unlike the GT Speed which comes with four wheel drive.
[CarScoop]
