Bentley is headed to the GP Ice Race in
Zell am See, Austria with a modded W12-powered Continental GT, featuring a
livery inspired by the 2019 Pikes Peak car. Power comes from the
previously-mentioned 6.0-liter twin turbo W12 unit, delivering 626 HP and 900 Nm of torque to the road. In dry conditions, it can
accelerate to 96 km/h in 3.6 seconds and max out at 333
km/h.
The British carmaker will rely on the
Conti GT’s three chamber air springs, 48V active anti-roll control system and
iron brakes to handle the purpose-built Austrian ice track. Tasked with driving
this car is junior World Rally Championship driver Catie Munnings, said to be
the first female driver of the modern era to competitively race for Bentley
Motorsport.
Meanwhile, Bentley’s own director of
motorsport, Paul Williams, had this to say: “I first drove the prototype
Continental GTs on snow during winter testing before the launch of the car. The
stability and control this car has on these surfaces is unbelievable and I look
forward to seeing it race in those conditions.”
The automaker says that the car was kept
as close to production standard as possible, with most changes made only to
ensure safety compliance (rear roll cage, on-board fire suppression system,
racing seats and harnesses).
Still, other mods include an increase in
ride height, arch extensions for the 15 mm increase in track width,
studded Pirelli Scorpion tires, Lazer high performance lights, a custom
Akrapovic exhaust system, and a bespoke roof rack fitted with a pair of Bomber
for Bentley Centenary Edition skis.
The GP Ice Race in Zell am See will take
place this upcoming weekend.
