2010 Bentley Continental Supersports

Engineering Drive: 2010 Bentley Continental Supersports

Just weeks from now, Bentley will unveil its replacement for the Arnage, a rival to the Rolls-Royce Phantom. Yet at the other end of Bentley's spectrum, the new Continental Supersports is claimed to be a rival to the Ferrari 599.

Ferrari 599? That's a bold claim. The Supersports is, after all, a derivative of the Continental GT -- an overweight four-seat GT, not a lithe supercar. Well yes, but after an "engineering drive" of a late prototype, we can confirm the Continental Supersports has come a long way from your garden-variety Continental GT.

A rework of the twin-turbo engine sees peak power rise to 621 horsepower. The torque rises seven percent to 590 pound-feet, developed on a level line from 2500 rpm to 4000. And the engine doesn't have such a hard job: vehicle weight has fallen by 242 pounds.