‘Bentley rewrites the rules of speed again’ is a headline we all have been getting used to for quite a while. But only a few can conquer speed on unforgiving surfaces, such as ice. Enter, the 2013 Bentley Continental Supersports ISR. With a 6-liter W12 for its heart, the ISR pumps a furious 631 horsepower – the most by any Bentley at its time – to propel the land-yacht to a ludicrous top speed of 205 mph, on a frozen expanse. Still, a 0 to 60 mph run is 3.8 seconds away, achieved in a world of handstitched leather, polished wood, and open-top opulence. That's not all, though. The Supersports ISR pairs a loud yet understated exterior, turning heads with bespoke paint options and 'stand out' accents and graphics hinting at the car's unrelenting power. While production was limited to 100 units, the Supersports ISR brought alongside a soaring price tag, with (launch) prices beginning just shy of $300,000 – at $291,900!
The first-generation Bentley Continental (2003 – 2011) debuted at the 73rd edition of the Geneva Motor Show in 2003. To the eyes, the GT struck as a sleekly styled, high-performance grand tourer representing Britain’s finest craftsmanship and Bentley’s first-ever foray into the mass-production market under the guidance of the VW AG management. By 2006, a soft-top convertible GT – acronymed the GTC – made its way into the Continental GT lineup, adding a touch of open-air elegance to the Bentley experience. Eventually, the following year, Bentley announced the performance-focused 'Speed' variants that packed a few extra horses and tweaks under the hood, upping the ante on the performance by 7 – minus the neck fractures. However, the GT lineup’s peak arrived in 2010 with the Continental Supersports, a limited edition, track-focused version of the Conti GT for those who craved their Bentley with a dose of adrenaline. While Bentley was at it, they announced the Continental GT Supersports ISR (Ice Speed Record), a riled-up 631-hp Supersports that set the speed record – a glacier-melting 205 mph – at a vast frozen expanse in the hands of the four-time rally champion Juha Kankkunen. Still, only a hundred Supersports ISR ever came off the Bentley lot at Crewe, England, making it a highly coveted machine among collectors.
The Supersports ISR draws its courage from an ethanol-fed 6-liter twin-turbocharged W12 engine, outputting a screaming 631 horsepower – an additional ten over the 'standard' Supersports – and a face-slapping 800 Nm of torque. Of course, the extra punch comes from larger air intakes, a tweaked intercooler system, and other performance upgrades meant to turn up its roar. Regardless, the power is unleashed on all four wheels via a Quickshift six-speed automatic transmission, launching the 2.2-ton steroid-on-wheels from a standstill to 60 mph in a hair-ruffling 3.8 seconds before a top-speed of an utterly ludicrous 205 mph. Of course, with great power, comes great responsibility, and the Supersports ISR is responsible enough. It couples massive fade-resistant carbon-ceramic brakes gripped by eight-piston calipers, bringing it to a halt in no time.
Eventually, the exclusivity extends towards the inside, wrapping the cabin in a symphony of supple two-tone leather, showcasing intricate weaves handstitched to perfection. From elegant-looking, classy analog dials and chrome knurled knobs and switches to diamond-quilted Alcántara, the Supersports ISR’s cabin exudes typical Bentley craftsmanship. The exquisiteness extends further, now featuring glossy Piano Black, or otherwise grain-rich Burr Walnut, wood veneers that stud the center stack, dashboard, and upper door trims in a complementary embrace. Regardless, subtle signs of cutting-edge technology peek through, like a touch-capacitive infotainment system displaying sat-nav, Bluetooth connectivity, iPod integration, and access to the premium NAIM sound system. Luckily, the cabin exudes modern conveniences in the form of massaging front seats, which also feature heated and ventilated functionalities for an all-sensory cocoon.
Outside, the Supersports ISR wears a cloak that is both aggressive and purposeful. Towards the front, it flaunts a sleek, redesigned bumper featuring lower and wider grille intakes for a more ‘extrovert’ aesthetic. Meanwhile, the classic Bentley matrix grille – finished in dark, smoked accents – sits proud up front, flanked by crystal-like LED headlamps featuring bi-xenon and DRL technology. The Supersports ISR also couples bright red accents and ISR graphics, encompassing the body and wheels for those who crave attention. Speaking of exclusivity, the Supersports ISR offers three bespoke color schemes, ranging from Beluga and Quartzite to glacier-forged Arctic White, each hue telling its own story. However, there’s no mistaking the soft-top roof and the dark-tinted 20-inch 10-spoke alloys that decorate the side profile with menacing elegance. Finally, at the back, find a sleekly restyled bumper featuring oval-shaped exhaust surrounds that couple with a brief boot lip spoiler to add a distinctive touch of muscular sophistication.
Tech-wise, the Supersports ISR is a marvel. With modern convenience features ranging from massaging seats (with heated/ventilated options) and a premium NAIM sound system to a state-of-the-art touchscreen infotainment system allowing controls to sat-nav (Google Maps), multimedia controls, FM, AM, Bluetooth connectivity, and iPod integration, the Supersports ISR ensures every journey (or perhaps, speed record) remains an epitome of comfort. Additionally, the Supersports ISR comes equipped with loads of cutting-edge safety features, ranging from electronic cruise control, parking sensors, rear-view camera, ABS, airbags, and Traction Control, offering a confidence-inspiring cocoon whether you’re blasting down the Autobahn or cruising sunbathed coastlines.
Of course, with a grand tourer this exclusive (and limited), prices soar soar into the stratosphere. When new, the 2013 Bentley Continental Supersports ISR fetched a cool $291,900 – a $77k premium over its already-bonkers Continental Speed sibling. Looking forward to seeing a Continental Supersports ISR in your garage? Well, Exotic Car Trader has got you covered. Explore our comprehensive list of curated Bentley vehicles to ignite your exotic car dreams.
The 2013 Bentley Continental Supersports ISR rewrites the rulebooks on luxury open-air motoring, carving its name in the books of automotive history as the world's fastest-production ice-speed record holder. Discover an impressive portfolio of exotic cars at Exotic Car Trader, passionately awaiting their new homes (or, in this case, garages). At Exotic Car Trader, we outline a straightforward buying process that rids dauntless private-buyer haggling to promise a smooth and effortless car-buying experience. Likewise, it also offers comprehensive trade-in and car-selling services, which are up-to-date with the latest trends and industry standards to guarantee a safe and secure deal.
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