Bentley introduces flex-fuel super sports convertible

The Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible (which we originally told you about here) offers the same 621bhp, twin-turbocharged W12 engine as the coupe version that was introduced in 2009 and is the fastest and most powerful drop-top the company has ever produced. Yet, remarkably, it can run on either petrol and E85 bioethanol, or even a combination of both.

Bentley has made an ongoing commitment to make its vehicles biofuel capable by 2012. E85 biofuel has a high octane rating of 105 but a lower energy content compared to petrol and requires a 30 per cent increase in the engine fuel flow rate. This meant that a complete review of the fuel system was required to identify, and replace as appropriate, any components deemed unsuitable.

A fuel quality sensor is used to detect the blend ratio of the fuel in real time and send a signal to the engine control unit. This keeps performance parameters consistent and with the flexfuel technology in full use, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions can be reduced by as much as 70 per cent.

All of these environmental improvements do not mean there has been a sacrifice in performance, however. The six litre W12 engine produces 621bhp at 6,000rpm and 800Nm of torque at 2,000-4,500rpm. The Continental Supersports Convertible can race from 0-60mph in just 3.9seconds, and boasts an impressive top speed of 202mph making it the fastest four-seat convertible in the world.