To celebrate the 205.5mph (330.7km/h) world ice-speed record that was set two weeks ago by Finland’s four-time world rally champion Juha Kankkunen in a Continental Supersports convertible, Bentley has unveiled a new special edition version of its drop-top model that will be built in a limited run of 100 units. To be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show on March 1, the new Supersports ‘Ice Speed Record’ will be available in a choice of three bespoke paint colours - Beluga, Quartzite and Arctica White. Whatever color you choose, the soft-top is finished in a dark grey 'metallic look'. The special edition also gets new 20-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels with a dark tint finish that are wrapped in Pirelli 275/35ZR20 ultra high performance tires. Inside, unique features to the ‘Ice Speed Record’ model include the high-gloss carbon fibre in a red weave finish on the dashboard, centre console and roof panel. The same theme continues with the red piping on the seats and doors, and Pillar Box Red contrast stitching to seats, door casings, steering wheel and gearshift paddles.Furthermore, the front seats and floor mats feature embroidered ‘Supersports’ legends while the signature Breitling dashboard clock also has a red accent.The new Supersports ‘Ice Speed Record’ special comes fitted with Bentley's 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged bio-fuel W12 engine that runs on both petrol (gasoline) or E85 bio-ethanol or any combination of the two. It produces 640-horses and 800Nm (590lb ft) of torque. Paired with a Quickshift six-speed automatic transmission, it launches the all-wheel drive convertible from 0-60mph in 3.8 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.0s) and reaches 100mph from a standing start in only 9.5 seconds (0-160 km/h in 9.4s). photos
Here’s a scary admission for you: I actually don’t mind the first generation Chrysler Sebring. It was sort of “Mustang-lite” in the styling department and is still a lot better looking than the latest incarnation of America’s middle-age spread, the almost universally despised third generation Sebring. And, as you no doubt know by now, we love us some eBay-found Euro reskins of fifteen plus year old American cars.Today’s entrant is this, dare I say it, rather convincing replica of a 2009 Bentley Continental GT convertible or GTC based on a ’96 Chrysler Sebring Convertible. Fashioned in ghetto / Saudi Arabian sheik white with the typical, so-not-a-Bentley blinger rims that’d make even Lil’ Jon a lil ill, our wanna-B (you see what I did there?) comes complete with 175,000 miles on the clock and a full fibreglass body. Before it leaves the seller’s hands, he or she claims to be fitting new carpet, a new windscreen, new door mirrors and a custom dual exhaust with genuine Bentley tips. All the buyer needs to do, we are told, is reupholster the seats, install a Bentley dash and centre console and fit a new convertible top, a new sound system and a sat nav system. And et voilà, your very own Bentley - sort of.You have to admit, US$21,100 (€16,302) isn’t half bad for something that looks this good. You could get a ’96 Sebring for a lot less, but who wants one of those? You certainly can’t pick up a second-hand Bentley for this sort of money, that’s for sure. So, what’s the verdict? Would you or wouldn’t you? Let us know in the comments.photos
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