Latest Updates

Bentley GT3 expected in Highlands 101 field

Bentley GT3 expected at Highlands 101

A 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 Bentley Continental GT3 race car is expected to contest the final round of the Australian GT Championship, presented by Pirelli, at Highlands Motorsport Park this November.

Arguably the most anticipated FIA GT3 car in the world, the first Bentley Continental GT3 to head down-under has been ordered by Australian GT Championship front-runner Peter Edwards and will be run by his regular team Maranello Motorsport.

Mark Coffey of Maranello Motorsport, known for its strong links with Ferrari, confirms: “Peter Edwards has been a long-time fan of the Bentley GT3 car, and in fact drives a Bentley Continental GT every day. Over the years a number of our clients have campaigned cars outside of the Ferrari stable – Porsches, Lamborghinis, etc. – so when Peter decided he really wanted to campaign the Bentley, we were his first choice to prepare and maintain the car, and we’re really looking forward to it.”

The ‘big’ Bentley – built by British motorsport icons M-Sport [responsible for the Ford Fiesta WRC programme] – is in the final stages of preparation, and will be delivered to Australia ahead of its proposed debut at Highlands Motorsport Park in early November where it is expected to contest the final two races of the 2014 AGT Championship and the Highlands 101 endurance race.

“It was everything I’d hoped it would be,” said Edwards after testing the Bentley in the UK. “It’s certainly different to the Ferrari 458 I’ve been driving over recent years, and physically it has a great presence – it’s both longer and wider than a 458. We tested at a little known circuit close by to M-Sport with plenty of elevation changes and it was interesting to say the least – especially with that long nose, but it was certainly a delight to drive.

“M-Sport is a fantastic operation – not too dissimilar to AF Corse in their professionalism – and they had a full crew on deck to support the test and ensure I was comfortable in the car. I can’t wait to take it to Highlands!”

Since it was launched in late 2012 the Bentley Continental GT3 has had the electronic media world abuzz, with fans and enthusiasts alike lauding its style and beauty, but it doesn’t just look good, having won two rounds of the hotly-contested Blancpain Endurance Series this season, arguably the most competitive GT3 series in the world.

Bentley Continental GT3 specifications

Make: Bentley
Model: Continental GT3
Race manufacturer: M-Sport (UK)
Engine: 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8
Displacement: 4000ccm

Bore/Stroke: 84.5mm/89mm
Horsepower: 600bhp (restricted)
Torque: 660Nm
Inlet restrictor: 2x 38mm (2014 FIA GT3 BOP)

Gearbox: Xtrac six-speed sequential transaxle, paddle mounted pneumatic shift

Brakes: ventilated iron discs (Brembo), 6-piston front calipers, 4-piston rear calipers

Wheels: 18”x13” OZ Racing
Tyres: Pirelli 325/705-18
ABS: yes
Traction control: yes
Suspension: double wishbone front and rear

Dampers: four-way adjustable
Weight: 1310kg (2014 FIA GT3 BOP)
Length: 4950mm
With: 2030mm
Height: 1350mm
Wheelbase: 2746mm
Weight distribution (front/rear): 52:48