Bentley Continental GT3 due to make its competitive debut at this year’s Gulf 12 Hours.
The third instalment of the Gulf 12 Hours returns to Yas Marina Circuit on the 11-13 December, with one surprise addition: the Bentley Continental GT3. Team details have yet to be confirmed.
Debuted at last year’s Paris Motor Show, the GT3’s Abu Dhabi debut marks Bentley’s first competitive debut in ten years. Crewe’s final motorsport campaign ended with victory at the 2003 24 Hours of Le Mans with the Speed 8 and drivers Tom Kristensen, Guy Smith and Emanuele Pirro. Following a stringent development program focusing on performance, setup and endurance the GT3 made its first run at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 (mated to a six-speed trans-axle automatic), the GT3 kicks out 600bhp and has conducted more than 3000km of testing ahead of its UAE debut. Bentley has confirmed that the GT3 will compete in next year’s FIA Blancpain Endurance Series as Team M-Sport Bentley.
Though an entry list for the third Gulf 12 Hours has yet to be released, AF Corse has confirmed it will return to defend is crown, having entered six Ferrari 458 Italias. Victory in the inaugural event also went to AF Corse, with Matt Griffin, Marc Cioci and Piergiuseppe Perazzini taking the reigns. Fellow Ferrari runners Kessel Racing has three confirmed 458s for the December event, while Dubai 24 Hours winners Black Falcon racing will also enter two Mercedes-Benz SLS’.
| Bentley | Continental GT3 |
|---|---|
| Engine: | 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 / repositioned to the rear of the engine bay / cosworth engine management syste |
| Power: | Approx 600bhp derestricted |
| Torque: | TBC |
| Transmission: | Xtrac six-speed sequential transaxle gearbox / racing clutch / steering wheel mounted paddle operated pneumatic gear shift /carbon fibre propshaft / limited slip differential / rear wheel drive |
| Front suspension: | Double wishbone suspension front and rear / four-way adjustable racing damper |
| Rear suspension: | Double wishbone suspension front and rear / four-way adjustable racing damper |
| Brakes: | Ventilated iron disc brakes front and rear / Brembo six-piston front calipers / four-piston rear calipers / driver-adjustable brake bias |
| Wheels: | 18-in x 13-in front and rear / OZ Racing |
| Tyres: | 310 / 710 R18 front and rear |
| Weight (kerb) | 1300kg |
| 0-100kph: | TBC |
| Top speed: | TBC |
