Rally of Mallabhum 2025, 4-wheeler TSD Rally and Indian National TSD Rally Championship Qualifier, set the temperatures soaring at Bankura (previously known as Mallabhum) as hundreds gathered to witness the battle of man and machine during the weekend of 29th and 30th November, 2025. This was the first time that this event was being held in Bankura, West Bengal which saw neck-to-neck competition among the top TSD teams of the country.
The rally route was divided into two legs including a night leg adding an interesting twist to the event. The rally navigated through highways, dirt roads and river crossings making the route both challenging and engaging for the competitors.
The Rally of Mallabhum 2025 was promoted by India Motorsports and well supported by Vamcy Merla and JK Tyre. This year, there were six different categories in the championship making the competition as fair as possible. Alongside this, there also was a separate event planned for the local teams. A total of 32 entries were received for this year’s event.
Ramgarh lad Deep Dutta and Prakash Muthuswamy from Erode won the first prize in the National Championship qualifier followed by the experienced driver-navigator duo from Kolkata Jogendra Kumar Jaiswal and Chandan Sen in the second position, while the team of Subhankur Saha and Souvick De Sarkar (both of Kolkata) secured the third position in the competition.
Speaking on the occasion Saurav Chatterjee, the key organizer of the event and the chairman of FMSCI TSD Rally Commission, explained the aim of the event is to spread regulated motor sports in different part of the country and too woo the youth from road racing to regulated motorsports, where safety of the drivers is of paramount importance. Motor Sports Association of Eastern India, the organizing club, wants to be the guiding force of many raw talents in the future.
The Volkswagen Group is starting the next testing phase in Wolfsburg with its self-driving research vehicle Gen.Urban1. After intensive trials, the Gen.Urban can now drive autonomously in real urban traffic. The research project aims to explore how passengers experience riding in a self-driving vehicle without a traditional steering wheel or pedals – and what requirements this creates for future vehicle concepts.
An interdisciplinary team from Volkswagen Group Innovation, including designers, human factors specialists, software engineers, and materials experts, is gathering comprehensive data on user behaviour and interaction with the Gen.Urban. These findings will contribute to the development of future interior and user experience (UX) concepts across the Group’s brands.
Key questions include: How do people spend their time in a self-driving vehicle? Which digital features best support work, entertainment, or relaxation? How should interaction between the vehicle and passengers be designed, particularly for older people or children? Simply put: Do people feel comfortable?
Gen.Urban delivers a personalised driving experience even before the journey begins Even before departure, passengers can customise their preferences – via app or directly in the vehicle – from cabin temperature to ambient lighting. Upon entering, the Gen.Urban greets the passenger, and the seat automatically adjusts to the desired position. In addition, the vehicle’s digital interior can be tailored to individual preferences using artificial intelligence (AI). The wide front display with its information, light, and sound is then adapted to an individual theme.
Gen.Urban is designed without a traditional steering wheel or pedals. The test participant sits in the driver’s seat, while a trained safety driver monitors the vehicle from the passenger seat. If necessary, the safety driver can intervene at any time using a specially developed control panel with a joystick.
The current test phase initially involves Volkswagen Group employees and will last for a period of several weeks.
Dr. Nikolai Ardey, Head of Volkswagen Group Innovation, explains: “The technology for autonomous driving is making rapid progress. With our Gen.Urban research vehicle, we want to understand exactly how passengers experience autonomous driving. Why? Because the key to a positive customer experience is to build trust – through meaningful interaction, a relaxed atmosphere, and intelligent assistance systems that respond precisely to the needs of passengers. Ultimately, technology should fit people, not the other way around. We will benefit from these insights across the entire Group in the long term.”
Test route in Wolfsburg city area with typical traffic scenarios The starting point of the test route is the visitor parking lot at the HQ building. From there, the nearly ten-kilometre loop runs through Wolfsburg’s city area, passing the Sandkamp factory gate, Saar and Lessing streets, Brandenburger Platz, Breslauer Street, Grauhorststraße, and finally returning via Heinrich-Nordhoff-Street. Traffic light intersections, roundabouts, current construction sites, residential areas, industrial sections, and possibly congested traffic: the route is chosen to correspond to typical challenges of urban traffic. Each test drive lasts approximately 20 minutes.
The Flying Spur Speed has again demonstrated its exceptional performance in all conditions by setting a new ‘winter lap record’ at the world’s most northerly active race circuit.
The record was set at the Drivecenter Arena circuit in Fällfors, northern Sweden – just 100 miles from the Arctic Circle, and a former military airbase. Despite the entirety of the 2.05-mile track being covered in 12-inch of ice and snow, the Flying Spur Speed was able to complete laps in under three minutes, with the best time standing at 2:58 – the quickest any vehicle has lapped the facility in winter conditions, ever. The Flying Spur’s variable four-wheel drive system and rear-wheel steering combined to give the car outstanding agility in the conditions, and peak speed was 120 mph during the record run despite the longest straight being only 450 metres long and covered in sheet ice.
The record was inspired by a combination of previous events from Bentley’s history – the two Ice Speed Records captured by Bentley in 2007 and 2011, and the one-hour endurance record set by a Turbo R at Millbrook Proving Ground in the UK in 1986 where 140 mph was averaged around the banked bowl. While the conditions mirrored those of the Ice Speed Records, the car that was used – registration Y15 BML – has a specification matched to the Turbo R in Bentley’s Heritage Collection. Identical Brooklands Green paintwork, yellow fine lines, and an interior in Linen, Cumbrian Green and Open Pore Walnut were specified to mark the Turbo R’s 40th birthday this year.
The Flying Spur Speed is a car designed to deliver exceptional driving performance in all conditions, thanks to its Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain and advanced chassis systems. An advanced 600 PS 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 is combined with a 190 PS electric motor that is neatly integrated within the 8-speed dual clutch transmission. In Sport Mode this powertrain deploys a full 782 PS and 1,000 Nm, with the instant torque of the E-motor complementing the charismatic cross-plane beat of the V8.
In pure EV mode, the E-motor provides 190 PS and 450 Nm of torque, more than enough to keep up with the traffic in most situations, while the 25.9 kWh battery offers up to 47 miles (76 km) of usable electric-only range (on the EU drive cycle). Together, the V8 and E-motor provide the new Flying Spur with a total range of 515 miles (829 km). Full electric mode can be deployed at speeds of up to 87 mph / 140 kmph, with throttle applications of up to 75 per cent.
The Bentley Performance Active Chassis comes as standard with the Flying Spur Speed. Features of the sophisticated new setup include Bentley Dynamic Ride and All-Wheel Steering, along with an electronically controlled Limited Slip Differential, while a new generation of ESC software permits a range of driving styles to be accessed and provides reliable traction in all conditions – though the record was asset with the system completely switched off.
With the new car’s rear-biased weight distribution of 48.3 : 51.7, the chassis systems and ESC have a mechanically-optimised platform in which to provide the final refinement. The system uses active torque vectoring front to rear through a centre differential, and precision vectoring across each axle using the brakes, to provide exceptional traction in all conditions – vital for a fast lap on snow-covered sheet ice.
Caterham will unveil its first working prototype of Project V at the Tokyo Auto Salon on 9th January 2026.
Displayed alongside exhibits from development partners Yamaha Motor and XING Mobility, the prototype is being utilised for testing and evaluation as the brand works towards full scale production.
Following the assembly of the prototype at the TOKYO R&D facility in Japan, the development vehicle is now undertaking both the initial powertrain evaluation of its Yamaha Motor e-axle as well as chassis durability work.
This prototype also enables further testing of the CTP battery system, which features cells that are immersed in a dielectric liquid for optimum cooling through rapid and uniform heat dissipation. This innovative approach offers unmatched thermal stability for exceptional energy density, safety and performance.
Elsewhere, in partnership with XING Mobility, the original Caterham Project V EV sports coupé concept show car will make its US debut at the 2026 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas on 6th January 2026.
Kazuho Takahashi, CEO of Caterham Cars, said: “This is a significant milestone in the development of Project V, with our prototype making its public debut at the Tokyo Auto Salon. This next step enables us to begin a comprehensive vehicle testing program in collaboration with our technical partners. Our objective remains unchanged: to realise our vision of a pure electric sports car that embodies the unmistakable DNA of a Caterham.”
Celebrating its 46th year, the 60 judges of Japan Car of the Year convened at Bosch’s recently established Japan headquarters in Center Kita, Yokohama City to select the country’s best cars of 2025-2026. In addition to the jurors, some 41 representatives from the country’s most influential automotive and lifestyle publications, who run the Japan COTY organisation, and dozens of car industry executives gathered to witness the vote-counting and prize-giving ceremony.
In a major change to previous voting methods, the Japan COTY organization decided to employ a new Formula 1 style voting system for 2025-26 in which judges had to allocate their votes across all of the top 10 finalists. In the same way as F1 race winners receive 25 points, each juror was required to give their best car 25 votes, their second best 18 votes, their third best 15 votes, fourth 12, fifth 10, sixth 8, seventh 6, eighth 4, ninth 2 and tenth 1 vote. The VW ID. Buzz, which finished in fifth place and ranked the highest among imported vehicles, picked up the Import Car of the Year award as well as the Best Design award.
In early polling, the Forester jumped to an early lead with the Prelude holding a close second. When all votes were counted, the Forester came home with 1149 votes, the Prelude 1076 votes, Toyota Crown (Estate) 654, Nissan Leaf 622, VW ID.Buzz 578, Hyundai Inster 477, BMW 2-Series 416, Peugeot 3008 393, Suzuki eVitara 357 and the Daihatsu Move finishing with 338 votes. After receiving his COTY trophy, the Forester’s chief engineer Katsuro Tadaki commented, “In addition to creating the highly lauded new strong hybrid powertrain, we finely tuned the car’s safety systems, packaging, handling, comfort levels, ride quality and cost performance to make the Forester the best in class.”
In addition, Porsche Japan—in the midst of celebrating its 30th anniversary in the country, saw its 911 Carrera GTS capture the Technology Award of the Year for its powerful new T-Hybrid powertrain which combines a new 3.6-liter boxer engine with an integrated electric motor for enhanced performance and minimal turbo lag, while the Porsche Experience Center took home the Japan COTY’s organizing committee’s special award for its ‘coexistence with the local community’ as well as its efforts to revitalize the Kisarazu region of Chiba. A second special award was given to the Super Endurance Organization (STMO) for its work in prototype vehicles working towards the realization of a carbon-neutral society, in addition to its efforts to open up a new stage of international exchange, including a demo run of NASCAR in Japan, a symbol of American motorsports, and promote cultural exchange between Japan and the United States through motorsport.
A DB5 bought for less than £1,000 in the early 1970s has just completed a full restoration at Aston Martin Works – realising the dream of its long-time owner and representing one of the most remarkable pieces of automotive appreciation in the process.
Welshman John Williams – a welder and garage owner by trade – was just 18 when, in 1972, he set himself the target of buying his dream car: an Aston Martin DB5. Saving hard for upwards of a year as well as working overtime whenever he could, John conscientiously gathered together the £900 cash – the equivalent of around £15,000 in today’s money – and, in September 1973 aged just 19, made the hours-long train journey from his home in North Wales to London to view the 1965 DB5.
The Vantage-engined model, complete with Weber carburettors, wire wheels, Sundym electrically operated windows and, according to the advert in Motorsport magazine “many bills” proved to be the car for John and he acquired it for £900.
Returning in it to Wales and proudly using the DB5 as his daily drive for upwards of four years, John only mothballed the car on his driveway when he secured a job in the Middle East in 1977.
John explained: “Then… ‘life’ happened. I’d had offers to buy her, and times when I could have done with the money, but I resisted and, as Sue [John’s wife] said ‘you’ll never get another one’.”
Sue Williams added: “The neighbours’ kids used to come round to play, and they’d play on her. Bouncing on the bonnet. One balanced on the exhaust pipe and snapped it off!”
John said: “As time went on it became a goal of mine to get her restored; to be able to drive her again. Being a garage man, I was a bit ashamed that I’d let her get into that state. I worked hard to buy her, and we’ve worked hard to get her repaired.”
Naturally, the Williams’ elected to use Aston Martin Works in Newport Pagnell, the heritage home of the marque and the place where more than 13,000 of the most iconic Aston Martin sports cars were built over 50 years, to carry out the restoration which began in late 2022.
Now, around three years on from its arrival, the couple have returned to Buckinghamshire to view the completed DB5, having regularly visited the Works site to view the car’s progress through its bare metal restoration journey.
Universally acknowledged to be the most desired specification of all DB5s, the Williams car is a right-hand drive 1965 DB5 saloon with the sought-after Vantage engine. It was originally specified in what remains, today, the most desirable exterior colour – Silver Birch – and boasts an interesting provenance that includes an original owner from the St George’s Hill area of Surrey, a gated community that, at the time, was home to many celebrities including The Beatles’ John Lennon and Ringo Starr.
Of the 1,022 DB5 models built by Aston Martin between 1963 and 1965, fewer than 1,000 (887) were built in the saloon bodystyle and, of those, only 39 originally boasted the Silver Birch paintwork, higher output Vantage engine, and right-hand drive configuration of the Williams car, making this a particularly rare and desirable example of ‘the most famous car in the world’.
Back in 2023, seeing their car part way through its restoration in the Works’ Panel Shop where the chassis and Superleggera frame were restored, and where each aluminium body panel was being hand formed, Sue said: “Wow! She looks amazing, doesn’t she? You’ve done such a lot of work!”
John commented: “It looks like an Aston Martin now. I’m thrilled. It’s great to see all the old ways of building a car have been passed on, and younger people here are keeping up the tradition.”
Paul Spires, President of Aston Martin Works, said: “This really is a lovely story. We’re delighted that Mr and Mrs Williams brought the car back to the place where it was built for us to restore.
“Although the car was in a profoundly run-down condition when it arrived, we always relish a challenge and I knew we have the skills, dedication and expertise to return the car to a better-than-new condition.
“After more than 2,500 hours of dedicated work by our teams in the Panel, Paint, Trim and Heritage Workshops – along with vital support from our in-house Parts Department – the car is now finished and, to my eye at least, looks absolutely stunning.
“While it might be uncouth to speculate on values for the car I think it’s reasonable to suppose that if it ever were to be offered to the market once more, and bearing in mind its specification and provenance, a value of up to £1m would be in order.
“In this 70th anniversary year of Aston Martin’s presence here at Newport Pagnell it is inspiring to see the dedication, commitment and pride of owners such as the Williams family. I know it has been understandably emotional to see the car that they have owned for more than half a century restored so meticulously, and I know that every member of the team here hopes they can enjoy many years of happy motoring in their ‘new’ DB5.”
On seeing his fully restored DB5 for the first time just a few days ago, John Williams said: “Well, it’s been a long time coming, a long time saving, but it’s been worth every penny. It’s just amazing.
“It’s probably almost 50 years since I have driven this car, but the experience is phenomenal. It’s just… unbelievable. My girl’s back and up and running! Back to her former glory.”
BMW India’s premium electric Sports Activity Vehicle – the BMW iX1 Long Wheelbase – now features a new colour and additional choices for luxurious upholstery options.
The car is locally produced and can be booked at all BMW India dealerships in the country from today onwards.
The striking Night Dusk Blue metallic paint option joins the existing palette, adding a deep, sophisticated aesthetic to the iX1 Long Wheelbase’s commanding presence. In all, the model is now available in four colours – Night Dusk Blue, Carbon Black, Mineral White and Skyscraper Grey.
The interior receives a luxurious refresh with the introduction of high-quality Veganza Smoke White + Atlas Grey Dual Tone and Veganza Castanea upholstery choices, crafted from sustainably sourced vegan leather. Furthermore, the distinctive 3D stitching pattern on the upholstery elevates the premium feel inside the cabin. These new options imply a high level of craftsmanship and provide exceptional comfort, contributing to a sense of modern, eco-conscious luxury.
A defining ‘Cocooning Effect’ philosophy seamlessly extends the chosen upholstery colour beyond the seats to other key interior elements, creating a harmonious and immersive cabin environment. The effect wraps the interior, including the door panels, dashboard, and even the speaker mesh in upholstery color, providing a continuous and plush feel throughout the vehicle.
The BMW iX1 has achieved significant success in the Indian market, becoming the brand’s top-selling electric model and a key driver of BMW’s leadership in the luxury EV segment. BMW India has constantly focused on enhancing the value offered by BMW iX1 LWB to the customers by adapting the product to the market needs such as introducing features like Surround View Camera and now coming up with a refreshed paint and upholstery palette. In less than a year of its introduction, BMW iX1 LWB is already the highest sold electric vehicle in premium segment.
The BMW iX1 Long Wheelbase is a premium offering that offers practicality and sustainability, all in one package. With a length of 4,616 mm and wheelbase of 2,800 mm, it is not just the biggest car in its segment, but also one of the longest 5-seater SUVs offered in India. Its modern design and bold, dominant stance highlight the SUV character. In the interior, a large and open feeling of space meets modern design, superior craftsmanship and innovative functionality. At the heart of the iX1 LWB lies fifth‑generation BMW eDrive technology, with its compact, integrated drive unit engineered for maximum efficiency, agile driving dynamics, and dependable reliability. It produces an output of 204 hp and a maximum torque of 250 Nm. The compact high-voltage lithium-ion battery integrated in the floor has a gross capacity of 66.4 kWh providing an attractive driving range of up to 531 kms (MIDC). The adaptive recuperation and one-pedal driving enhance the driving convenience and recover kinetic energy and feed it into the high-voltage battery, resulting in even higher efficiency.
Modern Classic Car & Bike Owners (MCCB) is the latest addition in the growing list of automotive clubs in Kolkata. Formed in 2024 with the objective of preserving the modern classic cars and bikes, MCCB fills an important gap and provides the much needed impetus for enthusiasts, collectors and owners of modern classics to save their vehicles from extinction due to neglect and despair. Like a whip of fresh air, MCCB arrives in the automotive scene delivering both hope and reason to the owners to celebrate their modern classic cars and bikes which also form an important part of the Indian automotive history.
On Sunday, November 23, as the winter season tiptoed in the city, around 50 enthusiasts gathered outside the majestic Town Hall with their well restored modern classic cars and bikes to participate in the inaugural drive organised by MCCB. This line up of modern classics included Mubaraq Maseeh’s 1996 Maruti Suzuki Zen, P.S.Basha’s 1982 Rajdoot 175, Yamaha RD 350 owned by Terence Lobo, Amaan Alim’s 2006 Maruti Suzuki Baleno, 2005 Honda Accord owned by Ritesh Sharma, Debaprem Chatterjee’s 1993 Mercedes-Benz W124, Vikramjit Kumar’s Fiat 1100 Delight, the Hindustan Motor Contessa owned Subhajit Kumar, Chandan Basu Mallik’s 1986 Kawasaki, 2006 Maruti Suzuki Zen owned by Ayan Bagchi, Nafis Alam’s 2000 Honda City and Yudhajeet Dey’s 2001 Mitsubishi Lancer GLi among many others who participated in the event and made it a grand success.
After the flag off, the modern classic cars and bikes rolled out from Town Hall, heading straight to Eden Gardens where the convoy stopped for a quick photo shoot. From here, the convoy proceeded towards Strand Road, where the convoy made their second pit stop in front of St. George’s Ghat for another short video session.
Following this the convoy took the bridge towards Hastings, continued through PTS, and then onto the AJC Bose Flyover. After alighting from the AJC Bose Road Flyover the convoy turned right towards Quest Mall, proceeding straight past Ballygunge Phari and then onto the Gariahat Flyover alighting at Golpark, before finally culminating at the ILSS (Anderson Club) where the members bonded over a sumptuous breakfast and conversation.
The inaugural MCCB drive not only celebrated the timeless charm of modern classic cars and bikes but also paid homage to the enduring spirit of Indian motoring culture. As the participants navigated through the scenic route, they not only reminisced about the glory days of automotive design but also embraced the camaraderie that unites enthusiasts of all generations.
100 years after the birth of the first Bentley ‘Super Sports’, the nameplate returns to Bentley for only the fourth Supersports model in history. The new Bentley Supersports is the most driver-focused Continental GT ever, with rear-wheel drive, a two-seat cabin and a gross weight below two tonnes. A non-hybrid, pure internal combustion powertrain has a new 666 PS (657 bhp), 800 Nm twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 at its heart, with power fed through an eight-speed double clutch gearbox to the rear wheels only. Carbon ceramic brakes, new 22-inch lightweight forged wheels developed with Manthey Racing and an Akrapovič full-length titanium exhaust system are standard, while Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres are available.
The exterior represents the most purposeful Continental GT ever, with a series of form-following-function developments to maximise downforce and save weight. A new front bumper integrates the biggest front splitter ever fitted to a Bentley road car, and feeds cooling air to the engine and front brakes. Carbon fibre dive planes, side sills, fender blades and a rear diffuser and fixed rear wing combine to generate more than 300 kg more downforce than a Continental GT Speed. The weight saving regime extends to the roof, which is now a carbon fibre panel to also lower centre of gravity whilst maintaining structural stiffness.
Inside, the two-seat cabin features new, highly bolstered sports seats, positioned lower in the car, with the rear cabin environment replaced with a carbon fibre and leather shell. Monotone, duo-tone and tri-tone interiors are available, with extensive use of leather, Dinamica and carbon fibre for a performance-focused space.
Bentley’s Chairman and CEO, Dr Frank-Steffen Walliser, comments: “The new Supersports is more than just the most driver-focused Bentley yet. It signifies a return to Bentley making more extreme cars – ones that combine extraordinary breadth of ability with true driver engagement, while remaining pieces of automotive artwork unique and bespoke to each customer. Bentley has always thrived when revealing a more daring side, and the new Supersports is a statement of our intent while celebrating 100 years of the name. This is the first project developed from start-to-finish since I joined Bentley Motors, and I’m proud of our team and the speed at which we’ve created a car so different to the GT on which it’s based.”
Project Mildred The new Supersports is the product of an idea that was first proposed in September 2024, when a small engineering team theorised how a rear-wheel drive, sub-two-tonne Continental GT might behave dynamically. Approval was given for them to build one test mule, which took to the track only six weeks later, to prove their concept. The performance of this key demonstrator was convincing, and the project to create the new Supersports was born – albeit under close guard and with a small and focused engineering team.
It was immediately recognised that the project needed a codename to keep it secret. For this, the team turned to inspiration from Bentley’s past, and the story of Mildred Mary Petre. Born in 1895, she was a record breaker on land, and sea and in the air as a racing driver, a powerboat racer and a pilot. In 1929, she drove a Bentley 4½ Litre around the Montlhery circuit in France, solo, for 24 hours. In so doing, she averaged almost 90 mph and established a new endurance record – a phenomenal achievement by today’s standards but even more incredible in the 1920s. She pushed the boundaries of what was possible with a fearless spirit, and so in her honour, the development team christened their new project: Mildred.
A Lineage of Performance The word Supersports is a modern amalgamation of one of the most evocative names from Bentley history – “Super Sports” – first applied to a Bentley 100 years ago this year. The first Super Sports was launched in 1925 and based on the 3 Litre, with an uprated engine and shorter (and therefore lighter) chassis meaning it was the first Bentley capable of exceeding 100 mph. It also established the second aspect that defines “Super Sports” – rarity, with only 18 examples built.
Dormant for decades, the Supersports name – now one word – roared back to life in 2009 with a 204-mph revival, defining the pinnacle model of the first-generation Continental GT. This was the first two-seat variant of the Continental family, was 100 kg lighter than the standard car, and the most driver-focused Bentley of the day.
It was eclipsed in 2017 by an even faster, more thrilling successor, based on the second-generation Continental GT. Like the first generation Continental Supersports it was powered by a 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12, but now generating 710 PS – making it then the most powerful Bentley ever. 710 examples were produced, to match the power output.
The previous generations of Supersports all defined the ultimate performance version of their respective model families. The new Supersports takes this approach in a different direction; rather than focusing on top speed, the target is maximum driver engagement, through a combination of weight reduction – the most extreme in Bentley’s history – and a new powertrain.
The First RWD Continental GT The powertrain of the new Supersports is non-hybrid and purely Internal Combustion Engine (ICE). A new, strengthened 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 is the heart of the car – with a stronger crankcase, uprated cylinder heads and larger turbos. The changes yield the highest power density of any Bentley engine – 666 PS / 657 bhp (166.5 PS per litre), with 800 Nm of torque. Coupled to the engine is the ZF eight-speed double clutch transmission used across the Bentley model range, but redeveloped for the Supersports with uprated clutches and a new shifting strategy. Gear shifts are now sharper and more responsive, while the downshift strategy during braking has been precisely calibrated to deliver optimal stability and driver confidence.
The engine breathes though a full-length titanium exhaust which is tuned to be significantly more characterful than any previous Bentley. Developed in conjunction with Bentley partners Akrapovič and unique to Supersports, the complete system amplifies and tunes the cross-plane V8 note to be extremely compelling – deep, powerful and completely authentic, with no artificial in-cabin enhancement.
The sprint to 62 mph / 100 kmph will be dispatched in 3.7 seconds, and top speed will be circa 192 mph / 310 kmph (official verified figures will follow in due course). More important that the headline figures though, will be how the Supersports behaves dynamically.
For that, Bentley’s chassis engineers have enjoyed the opportunity for a new level of driver engagement, by making the new Supersports the first rear-wheel drive Continental – except for the Continental GT3 race cars – in history. Power is fed exclusively to the rear wheels through an eLSD, out to rear wheels that have an increased track of 16 mm over a Continental GT. The eLSD is assisted by torque vectoring by brake, with the systems working together to make turn-in as sharp as possible and to give maximum traction. Rear-wheel steering is retained for maximum agility and stability, while the calibrations for the steering, suspension, traction management and ESC systems are all-new.
ESC settings allow the driver to select how much independence or assistance they would prefer – from fully-on, through a Dynamic Mode that allows a level of slip and oversteer within reactive limits, to fully-off – where the driver has complete control of the rear axle, and can provoke the Supersports into significant but highly controllable oversteer.
There are three new configurations to the Drive Dynamics Controller:
Touring mode matches the performance character of the Sport mode in a Continental GT Speed, but pairs it with increased ride height, softer damping and a more discrete exhaust character.
Bentley mode increases the performance character beyond Touring mode, with gearbox strategy, throttle pedal and chassis settings all uplifted. Exhaust system valves open to enhance sound character, and launch control becomes available.
Sport mode goes even further, with ultimate optimisation for driver engagement and tuned for maximum chassis and powertrain response.
The chassis system uses aluminium double wishbones at the front with a multi-link rear axle, air springs, and new twin chamber dampers – ECU-controlled in bump and rebound independently. Bentley Dynamic Ride, the proprietary 48V electric anti-roll control system, can apply up to 1300 Nm of anti-roll reaction torque in 0.3 seconds. Braking is by the largest automotive braking system in the world – 440 mm Carbon-Silicon-Carbide (CSiC) discs on the front axle, clamped by 10-piston calipers, and 410 mm discs with four-piston calipers at the rear – fitted as standard. Calipers are black as standard, with a red-painted option available.
The Supersports comes with new, 22-inch forged and machined aluminium allow wheels developed in conjunction with specialists Manthey Racing, available in two finishes – Black Painted, and Black Painted and Machined (introducing a silver metal accent). Uniquely for the Supersports, two tyre options are available: a standard Pirelli P-Zero tyre, and a new Trofeo RS performance tyre as an option. With Trofeo RS tyres fitted, the chassis changes and weight savings mean that the Supersports can corner approximately 30% quicker than a Continental GT Speed, with up to 1.3g peak lateral force.
The Lightest Bentley in 85 Years – With the Most Downforce The new Supersports is nearly half a tonne lighter than the Continental GT, and will weigh less than 2000 kg. The most significant weight saving comes from the powertrain, with a reduction commensurate with the conversion to ICE-only propulsion and rear-wheel drive. The roof – usually aluminium – has been replaced with a carbon fibre panel, which saves weight and lowers the overall centre of gravity.
The rear cabin environment has been deleted, saving a significant amount of weight. Along with the seats and seatbelts, rear cabin sound insulation has been reduced, and the audio system has been reconfigured for the front cabin only. Additional weight savings come the deletion of certain driver assistance systems, not required on a driver-focused GT.
The new exterior details of the car combine to make this the most aggressive Bentley Grand Tourer ever. Crafting new elements in carbon fibre helped reduce weight further to meet the target, with new pieces including:
A new lower front bumper, with an integrated front splitter (the largest aerodynamic splitter ever fitted to a road-going Bentley). The bumper includes two new cooling channels each side, that feed cool air to the front brakes and engine respectively. Above the bumper, a new lightweight mesh grille, with a design unique to Supersports, is laser cut in extremely fine aluminium
Two pairs of stacked dive planes sit at the corners of the front bumper, working in conjunction with the splitter to reduce front lift
New side sills, running the length of the wheelbase
Behind the front wheels, new B-shaped fender blades manage the airflow from the front wheel arches, aiding both extraction of high-pressure air and managing its flow along the body side.
A new rear diffuser, built into an all-new rear bumper construction that includes vents for the rear wheel arches
A one piece, fixed rear spoiler to the top of the boot lid
These aerodynamic pieces are all the result of extensive testing, with form following function, and no elements included just for aesthetic purposes. Together, the additions generate more than 300 kg more downforce than a Continental GT Speed, while maintaining lift balance along the car and helping to achieve a dynamic weight distribution, which starts at 54:46 when the car is stationary and gradually moves rearward with speed.
The final finishing carbon fibre touches are the wing mirrors and engine cover.
A Sporting Cabin The interior of the new Supersports is as purposeful as the rest of the car, inspired by the energy and precision of motorsport. Two-seat only, it completes the focus on driver engagement that is the singular mission statement of the car. Every details is engineering to elevate the driving experience, redefining performance-focused luxury.
New lightweight sports seats are provided for the driver and one passenger, with increased lateral bolstering, a lower position in the car and carbon elements across the shoulder area. The seats feature 11-way electric adjustment and retain seat heating. The rear cabin is replaced by a lightweight and precision engineering carbon fibre tub that wraps around the space. Finished with a leather wraparound design, the tub integrates into the rest of the cabin and delivers a cleaner, more purposeful interior layout.
Lightweight and high gloss carbon fibre veneers to the waistrails and fascia panels are standard, joined by a blend of leather and Dinamica, with the latter technical material to the centres of the seat backs and seat cushions, the centre panels of the doors and the headlining. Supersports embroidery and badging completes the cabin, together with an individually numbered badge to the centre console.
Numbered, Individual, Bespoke Every Supersports will be individually numbered before it leaves the factory, with customers able to request specific numbers from the 500 examples that will be handcrafted in Crewe.
Paint options start with a core range of 24 performance-focused colours, with additional paint finishes including Supersports logos and matte paint available via Mulliner. Beyond single-tone exteriors, Bentley’s design team has developed five ‘Design Themes’, which include either a small section of vertical striping and a Supersports name in a contrasting colour on the lower body side behind the front wheel, or a series of painted stripes in two contrasting colours across the rear quarters of the car.
Exterior carbon fibre is available in high gloss finish, and the lower elements can be fully painted or pinstriped.
For the cabin, 22 Main Hide colours are accompanied by 11 Secondary Hide and nine Accent Hide colours. Single tone, duo-tone (as standard) and a new and unique tri-tone colour split are all available, and Dark Chrome Specification is standard.
In place of interior carbon fibre, customers can also choose from Diamond Brushed or Engine Turned Aluminium in a Dark Tint finish, or the clean and elegant simplicity of Piano Black.
The launch imagery for Supersports is in a Design Theme called “Nightfall”, which blends Anthracite gloss exterior paint with a Camel accent to the lower bodywork along with Camel lower striping and a contrast number 8 to the grille. The interior is in Beluga and Camel, with Bronze accents.
Meanwhile, the car unveiled in New York at the global debut is in a specification called ‘Daybreak’, in Jetstream Matte with a Design Theme livery in Arctica and Portofino. The interior is Damson with Light Blue and Pillar Box Red accents.
Ordering, Production and Deliveries The launch of the new Supersports will be celebrated with the most dynamic and exciting film in Bentley’s history, which will be revealed with a premiere in Dubai in January. Order opening follows in March, with production beginning in Q4 2026 ahead of first deliveries at the start of 2027. The new Supersports will be available in the following countries and areas: UK, Europe (EU27 plus Switzerland and Turkey), USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Oman, Bahrain, UAE, Qatar and Kuwait.
Vehicle currently in pre-production state. Supersports will only be available in specified markets.CO2 emissions and fuel consumption information for EU27 pending and subject to individual vehicle approval.
Amalgam Collection, the world’s leading creator of large scale hand-built model cars, has unveiled three new McLaren Racing masterpieces: the 1:8 scale McLaren MCL39, a full-size replica of the MCL39 steering wheel and a 1:18 scale model, offering collectors the complete MCL39 line-up. These editions celebrate McLaren’s standout performance at the 2025 Louis Vuitton Australian Grand Prix, where Lando Norris delivered a race win and Oscar Piastri secured ninth place.
The £8,995 1:8 scale MCL39 captures McLaren’s 2025 challenger in remarkable detail. Measuring more than 70cm long and constructed from thousands of precision-engineered components, each model is hand-built over 250 hours following more than 2,500 hours of development using original CAD and paint specifications supplied and approved by McLaren Racing. Editions for both Norris and Piastri are strictly limited to just 99 pieces per driver.
Alongside it, Amalgam presents the £6,995 full-size replica MCL39 steering wheel – a completely accurate recreation of the real race-used component – also limited to just 99 pieces per driver. Featuring working buttons, switches, rotaries and paddles, each wheel is engineered and hand-finished to replicate the exact weight, feel and functionality of the drivers’ own equipment.
Completing the collection is the newly available £1,050 1:18 scale MCL39, measuring over 31cm (12in) long. Developed over 800 hours and featuring precisely engineered castings, photo-etched details and CNC-machined metal components, the model provides a beautifully crafted foundational piece to the MCL39 series while retaining Amalgam’s hallmark accuracy and craftsmanship.
Sandy Copeman, Founder of Amalgam Collection, said: “McLaren’s performance in Melbourne set the tone for their 2025 campaign, and we’re proud to capture that moment across a full model collection. Whether at 1:8, 1:18 or full-size steering wheel scale, each piece reflects the technical brilliance and excitement of modern Formula 1.
“In recent years, we’ve seen a surge in collectors viewing cars as art investments, and most of our models are themselves created as limited-edition artworks, with only a very small number available. 2025 is shaping up to be an extraordinary year for McLaren, and owning one of these ultra-limited Amalgam pieces is like owning a piece of automotive art that commemorates a defining season.”
Power Drive 