Return to the essence: Alistair Corner on the Bentley Supersports

Mr Corner, let's get straight to the point: The Bentley Supersports is the most dynamic, sportiest and first Continental GT derivative to weigh less than two tonnes. Have we forgotten anything?

It's rear-wheel drive - obviously. But from my point of view, it's one thing above all: the Bentley that offers the purest driving experience of all. And therefore also the greatest satisfaction for the driver. Our basic idea was to create a vehicle that is not only extremely powerful and exciting, but also remains accessible. A car that you can actually enjoy at the limit. That was a key requirement: performance that is also fun. And that is precisely where its enjoyment comes from.

What else makes the Supersports so special - and so important for the brand, but also for you?

We have to start from the very beginning. When Frank-Steffen Walliser joined us, he and Matthias Rabe asked themselves the question: How do we rekindle passion and emotion for the brand? The answer was actually obvious: our sporting heritage. A brand like Bentley, deeply rooted in motorsport, has to start right there in order to formulate a strong statement for the future again. Yes, we stand for luxury. Yes, we stand for craftsmanship and materials of the highest calibre. But at our core, we are synonymous with the concept of the sports car. We stand for real driver's cars.

What were the next steps?

In July 2024, I was given the task of developing ideas: What could we build based on the Continental platform that would be radically driver-orientated - and just as iconic? The parameters were clear: The car had to weigh less than two tonnes and have more than 650 hp as well as rear-wheel drive. In short: a reminiscence of our legendary historic models. Vehicles that were used to drive to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, win the race and then drive home again.

How did you accomplish this task?

We built a demonstrator within a few weeks. And almost immediately everyone realised: this car works. You could feel the passion that went into creating it. The sound, the dynamics, the driving experience - everything about it was inspiring right from the start.

So it wasn't just about numbers, but about an overall feeling?

Exactly. It's about balance: comfort, control, freedom, that uplifting feeling - and yes, above all, fun. It was important to us that we didn't build an uncompromising track tool. The Supersports was not supposed to be an attempt to build an out and out track car.

But?

We deliberately favoured the V8, which evokes the character of a muscle car. The sound played a very central role for us - which is why it was fine-tuned with a custom titanium exhaust system from Akrapovič. And something else very important, in the spirit of the whole project: we have no artificial sound here. Everything is real. But there is also a touring mode that makes the car a little quieter, more relaxed and gives it a confident understatement. So: two worlds in one vehicle.

Were you also able to leave some components untouched?

For example, we have retained the rear-axle steering, but specifically tuned it so that it feels absolutely natural even at high speeds. At low speeds, this ensures better manoeuvrability, while at high speeds it provides more stability. Our aim was to maximise response - but in a progressive, accessible way.

Was there a moment during development that you particularly remember?

The whole project was incredibly satisfying because it was an opportunity to push the boundaries of what was possible on the Continental platform. The integration of the hydraulic handbrake into the hero car, which we converted specifically for the launch film "FULL SEND", was actually a very special challenge. Getting this system to work in a production vehicle with all the interfaces and obstacles - simply priceless.

Was that also the biggest challenge in development? Or something else?

No, the time. (laughs)

What do you mean?

A series vehicle normally takes four years to develop. We realised this project in a fraction of that time frame: The concept was ready in September 2024 and we received approval in March 2025. And the first customer vehicles will be delivered this year.

How do you manage such a mammoth task?

This was only possible because we worked like a motorsport team: extremely focussed, everything reduced to the essentials, with maximum determination.

Has this also changed your own way of working?

Absolutely. It was no longer only about processes, but about clarity of purpose. One team, one focus, maximum collaboration. We shared resources, accelerated decisions and consistently asked ourselves: What does this car really need? The result was not only more efficient - it was also more inspiring.

Motorsport: will Bentley return to it?

I don't think it's any secret that we would like to. (laughs) But at the moment, the focus is on continuing to position the company strongly and further developing our products. When the time is right, we will be ready again.

Where do you think the luxury and sports car market is heading? And how can Bentley position itself here with the Supersports?

Electrification is levelling many things in the mass market, including the topic of performance. For luxury brands like Bentley, this means that they have to remain relevant in other ways. Through exclusivity, through craftsmanship - and above all through character. A vehicle like the Supersports represents exactly that: Engineering skill and emotion in a form that is not easily reproducible and is therefore exciting and exclusive.

So technology is a means to an end in the Supersports - and not an end in itself?

Absolutely.

Where do you think you should drive the Supersports to really experience and, above all, understand it?

Everywhere! (laughs) In the city, where it makes people smile. On winding country roads. Or on the motorway at high speeds, where it makes you smile yourself. I myself had the privilege of driving it on the Nürburgring Nordschleife - an absolutely extraordinary experience.

But now you need to be a little more specific.

What impressed me was the confidence that the car instils. Its grip level, its braking performance, its precision: it's all at a level that we've never achieved before. A real experience.

Sounds like a very inspiring moment. But what inspires you personally outside of work?

My family. I grew up with motorsport, my father was active in rallying and I too competed in karting. This passion is still with me today, even in my job. Which brings us back to the topic: working at Bentley. Here, I am inspired by this aspiration to never be satisfied. To always go further. This attitude: nothing is impossible until it really is physically impossible. And it is precisely this pioneering spirit that is also present in Supersports.

And in everything that is yet to come

And in everything that is yet to come.