Spy shots: Bentley Continental Supersports in production trim

Bentley's flex-fuel Continental Supersports recently broke ground as the first ethanol-burner from the brand, and this week the car took a step closer to arriving in showrooms as the first production models have started undergoing real-world testing. Having debuted in concept form at March’s Geneva Motor Show, the new Continental Supersports is scheduled to go on sale early next year as the carmaker’s most powerful and fastest production model ever.

It won’t be the most expensive Bentley - that honor falls to the Arnage - and the Azure is also more expensive, but a $267,000 base price tag for the Continental Supersports will put it about 33% above the Continental GT Speed's starting price of $203,600. Add on top the $3,700 gas guzzler tax (it's still a big, powerful, gasoline-capable car) and the $2,595 delivery fee and you're nudging up against $275,000.

Bentley says the price is fully in line with the car's nature, and notes that many features that are standard on the Supersports are pricey options on the rest of the lineup.

Delivering 621hp (463kW), the latest addition to the Continental GT range is capable of accelerating from 0-60mph in just 3.7 seconds and reaching a top speed of 204mph - despite its hefty 4,939lb (2,235kg) curb weight. Peak torque stands at 590lb-ft (800Nm). The 'Supersports' name is inspired by the original two-seater 3.0L Supersports model introduced in 1925, itself an evolution of the 3.0L Speed. The original Supersports was the first production Bentley to reach 100mph and was also recognized at the time for its race-inspired technologies.

For more on the Supersports at the recent Geneva event, check out our debut story here.