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Carsales Staff12 Aug 2014
NEWS

McLaren, Bentley roll out track-focused cars

Continental GT3-R and 650S Sprint to debut at Pebble Beach
McLaren has released official pics and information concerning the 650S Sprint, which will make its debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in California two days from now. 
Designed specifically for motor sport competition, the 650S Sprint is based on the road car, but also draws upon the GT3 version of the 650S for bespoke racing equipment. McLaren has announced the 650S Sprint will be sold through its dealers worldwide, priced at £198,000 (AUD $358,835). 
Changes from the road car include tweaking of the Brake Steer system, improved aerodynamics – devised by means of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for great downforce – a lighter polycarbonate windscreen and racing-oriented tuning for the ProActive Chassis Control. The engine and transmission have been revised for more aggressive power delivery. 
Inside, the 650S Sprint gains a fire extinguisher, an FIA-approved roll cage and a HANS-compatible racing seat with six-point harness. Air conditioning continues to be fitted, despite the manufacturer stripping out other creature comforts. Equipment from the 650S GT3 adopted for the 650S Sprint includes a larger fuel tank ('fuel bag') with quick-fill connectors, larger radiator for engine cooling and a bonnet with air extraction vents. 
Pirelli tyres fitted to the 19-inch centre-locking alloys complement the car's lower ride height and recalibrated adaptive damping. On-board air jacks are fitted, as is an upgraded braking system. 
The car at Pebble Beach, developed by McLaren GT – the racing arm of McLaren – is finished in white, with coordinating Tarocco Orange and black details. It is one of four cars McLaren plans to debut at Pebble Beach this week. 
Another British icon will also make its presence known at Pebble Beach. Bentley's Continental GT3-R will go on display there, in its first public showing in North America. 
While the Bentley takes its inspiration from the GT3 version of the Continental, it remains very much a road-going passenger car (albeit for just one passenger other than the driver). The company will build 300 for global consumption, and the price in America is USD $337,000 – AUD $364,092. 
For that, buyers get an uprated version of the 4.0-litre turbo V8 that produces 427kW and 700Nm to propel the 100kg lighter coupe to 60MPH (96km/h) in 3.6 seconds, thanks also to shorter gearing. The company claims the GT3-R is the fastest accelerating car in Bentley's long history. 
Much like the McLaren 650S Sprint, the Bentley at Pebble Beach is finished in white, with a coordinating colour – two-tone green in the case of the Continental GT3-R. Visually, the Bentley features new carbonfibre aerodynamic aids, in the form of a new front splitter and a fixed rear wing. Headlight bezels are finished in gloss black, as are the 21-inch alloys, the grille, window surrounds and bumper strips. A carbon-fibre engine cover is emblazoned with GT3-R identification.
The rear seats have been removed, with a carbon-fibre, leather and Alcantara bulkhead there instead. Sports-style front seats are trimmed in black Beluga leather and diamond-quilted Alcantara. Throughout the interior, Bentley designers have opted for a green accent, which is present on the seats, the instrument panel and the door panels. Contrast stitching is a high point of the cabin too. 
"Pebble Beach is the perfect location for the debut of the rarest and most dynamic Continental GT, the GT3-R," said Christophe Georges, President and CEO of Bentley. 
"It is a testament to the Bentley trademarks of luxury and performance and we're excited to share it with the friends of Bentley during this gathering of fine automobiles."
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Written byCarsales Staff
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