- 14
- GarfieldLeChat
11 years ago this year Bentley returned to Le-Mans in a RTN designed and built racer, the EXP Speed 8.
The EXP Speed 8 was in reality a development of the Audi R8C a still born project which initially appears to have been for nought until it was taken up by the groups Bentley brand and given new life.
For the first 2 years due to mechanical failings and other issues it didnt do so well in the LMGTP in spite of being the only entrants at that point in the series. An overall third for car number 8 and a retirement for car number 7, driven by Guy Smith, due to an electrical fire caused by wet electrics.
In 2002 only a 4th could be achieved as the R8 LMPs were showing their dominance, again only one car finished the other retiring through mechanical issues.
For 2003 development of which is the one found within the game, the Speed 8. Personally, Ive always preferred the EXP Speed 8 its a prettier car.
The Cars were built at the RTN in Norfolk factory for those of you who are in the know this is the old Toms UK headquarters and are now of course Caterham F1.
The project was only scheduled to run for 3 years and was a lot of fun but ultimately despite rumours of a possible return or change of chassis to the GT in eventually came to nought and it was scrapped. Sadly it appears VWs bean counters had gotten hold of the project and decided there was no future in Bentleys within motorsport. It was a sad end to the heritage of the GT Bentley legacy if ever there was one; the brutish British cars once described as the worlds fastest trucks by Ettore Bugatti laid fallow by ruthless German efficiency.
We do we need a racing Bentley was the question VW asked. Why indeed?
This philosophy remained for the best part of the last decade until todays surprise announcement Bentley are to produce a Continental-based GT3 race car currently being developed by a dedicated motorsport team at the companys factory in Crewe.
Finally it appears VW have taken the boot off the neck of Bentley and are listening to their customers. Signalling Bentleys return to the racetrack for the first time since its historic sixth Le Mans victory in 2003, Continental GT3 remains faithful to the companys founding motorsport philosophy of developing racing cars from their road-going counterparts.
Dr Wolfgang Schreiber, Bentleys Chairman and Chief Executive, comments: The clear message from our customers is that Bentley belongs on the racetrack, and the Continental GT3 is the realisation of a dream weve had ever since the launch of the Continental GT. 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 Bentleys long-term motorsport plans.
The Continental GT3 concept capitalises on the prodigious performance, outstanding high-speed stability and renowned durability of Bentleys iconic coupe, while tailoring its specification for the track with the adoption of a rear-wheel drive chassis in accordance with the regulations, state-of-the-art motorsport hardware and a comprehensive aerodynamic package. The dramatic livery of the car enhances the muscular, sculpted form of the Continental GT Speed while remaining proudly patriotic with the inclusion of Union flags.
With the Continental GT3 concept receiving the full support of the FIA, Bentley is returning to the motorsport arena towards the end of 2013 with a GT race car capable of competing with the very best, in the true Bentley tradition.
Equipped for endurance as well as outright speed, the new Bentley competitor will be eligible to race in a range of race series and events, up to and including 24-hour marathons.
Heading the development of the Continental GT3 is Bentleys Director of Chassis, Powertrain and Motorsport, Brian Gush. Having led the programme that famously saw a brace of Bentley Speed 8 prototype racers take a dominant and dramatic one/two at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2003, Brian is well placed to lead Bentleys return to competitive racing.
Development of the Continental GT3 will continue over the coming months in the build-up to the start of a test programme in 2013. More information and details about Bentleys return to motorsport will be released in the near future.
So after the recent and disappointingly badly implemented GT-R N24 2012, who wants to see a real new 2012 GT car in the game? Come on PD you know you want to...
Bentley Speed 8 project images taken by me on the day the cancelation notice and closure was announced.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucidlondon/sets/72157627637258806/
Audi R8C image courtesy of Wikipedia released under creative commons licence.
Bentley EXP speed 8 images authors own.
Continental GT3 images courtesy of Bentley media under licence to author.
ps I no longer work for Bentley, sniff, but I'm beginning to wish I did again... hmmm Job change time maybes...
The EXP Speed 8 was in reality a development of the Audi R8C a still born project which initially appears to have been for nought until it was taken up by the groups Bentley brand and given new life.
For the first 2 years due to mechanical failings and other issues it didnt do so well in the LMGTP in spite of being the only entrants at that point in the series. An overall third for car number 8 and a retirement for car number 7, driven by Guy Smith, due to an electrical fire caused by wet electrics.
In 2002 only a 4th could be achieved as the R8 LMPs were showing their dominance, again only one car finished the other retiring through mechanical issues.
For 2003 development of which is the one found within the game, the Speed 8. Personally, Ive always preferred the EXP Speed 8 its a prettier car.
The Cars were built at the RTN in Norfolk factory for those of you who are in the know this is the old Toms UK headquarters and are now of course Caterham F1.
The project was only scheduled to run for 3 years and was a lot of fun but ultimately despite rumours of a possible return or change of chassis to the GT in eventually came to nought and it was scrapped. Sadly it appears VWs bean counters had gotten hold of the project and decided there was no future in Bentleys within motorsport. It was a sad end to the heritage of the GT Bentley legacy if ever there was one; the brutish British cars once described as the worlds fastest trucks by Ettore Bugatti laid fallow by ruthless German efficiency.
We do we need a racing Bentley was the question VW asked. Why indeed?
This philosophy remained for the best part of the last decade until todays surprise announcement Bentley are to produce a Continental-based GT3 race car currently being developed by a dedicated motorsport team at the companys factory in Crewe.
Finally it appears VW have taken the boot off the neck of Bentley and are listening to their customers. Signalling Bentleys return to the racetrack for the first time since its historic sixth Le Mans victory in 2003, Continental GT3 remains faithful to the companys founding motorsport philosophy of developing racing cars from their road-going counterparts.
Dr Wolfgang Schreiber, Bentleys Chairman and Chief Executive, comments: The clear message from our customers is that Bentley belongs on the racetrack, and the Continental GT3 is the realisation of a dream weve had ever since the launch of the Continental GT. 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 Bentleys long-term motorsport plans.
The Continental GT3 concept capitalises on the prodigious performance, outstanding high-speed stability and renowned durability of Bentleys iconic coupe, while tailoring its specification for the track with the adoption of a rear-wheel drive chassis in accordance with the regulations, state-of-the-art motorsport hardware and a comprehensive aerodynamic package. The dramatic livery of the car enhances the muscular, sculpted form of the Continental GT Speed while remaining proudly patriotic with the inclusion of Union flags.
With the Continental GT3 concept receiving the full support of the FIA, Bentley is returning to the motorsport arena towards the end of 2013 with a GT race car capable of competing with the very best, in the true Bentley tradition.
Equipped for endurance as well as outright speed, the new Bentley competitor will be eligible to race in a range of race series and events, up to and including 24-hour marathons.
Heading the development of the Continental GT3 is Bentleys Director of Chassis, Powertrain and Motorsport, Brian Gush. Having led the programme that famously saw a brace of Bentley Speed 8 prototype racers take a dominant and dramatic one/two at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2003, Brian is well placed to lead Bentleys return to competitive racing.
Development of the Continental GT3 will continue over the coming months in the build-up to the start of a test programme in 2013. More information and details about Bentleys return to motorsport will be released in the near future.
So after the recent and disappointingly badly implemented GT-R N24 2012, who wants to see a real new 2012 GT car in the game? Come on PD you know you want to...
Bentley Speed 8 project images taken by me on the day the cancelation notice and closure was announced.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucidlondon/sets/72157627637258806/
Audi R8C image courtesy of Wikipedia released under creative commons licence.
Bentley EXP speed 8 images authors own.
Continental GT3 images courtesy of Bentley media under licence to author.
ps I no longer work for Bentley, sniff, but I'm beginning to wish I did again... hmmm Job change time maybes...
