A New Canvas for Performance
Bentley's latest offering isn't a new model, but something arguably more personal: a bespoke styling package called 'Design Theme by Mulliner', created exclusively for the ultra-performance Supersports. This isn't just about picking a new paint colour;
it's a curated aesthetic that transforms the car's character. The most groundbreaking feature is a paint finish that fades from one colour to another across the width of the car, a first for the brand. This design choice visually splits the car, running a bold, highlight colour down the driver's side that seamlessly blends into a darker, more subtle tone on the passenger's side. The effect is a dramatic, asymmetrical look that underscores the car’s driver-focused nature.
Three Distinct Personalities
Mulliner, Bentley's in-house customisation division, has curated three specific themes to showcase this new technique, each with a distinct personality. The 'Dragon' theme pairs a fiery Dragon Red fading to Black Crystal, creating a dramatic, high-contrast look. 'Electric' offers a more nuanced approach, blending Electric Blue into a deep Dark Sapphire. Finally, 'Brodgar' presents a contemporary and understated option, with Pale Brodgar fading into a richer Brodgar hue. These themes extend to the interior, where a two-seat cabin uses a similar philosophy, surrounding the driver with brighter, more vibrant colours and the passenger side with darker tones, creating a unique cockpit experience.
The Heritage of 'Supersports'
The 'Supersports' name carries significant weight in Bentley's history, always denoting the pinnacle of performance and exclusivity. The lineage dates back 100 years to the 1925 3 Litre 'Super Sports', the first production Bentley capable of exceeding 100 mph. Only 18 of those original models were built, establishing a legacy of rarity. The name was revived in 2009 for a high-performance, two-seat variant of the Continental GT that was lighter and more powerful than its siblings. The latest generation of the Supersports, a limited run of 500 cars, pushes this philosophy further, becoming the most driver-focused Continental GT ever with a pure V8 engine and, for the first time, rear-wheel drive. This new Mulliner theme adds another layer of rarity onto an already collectible platform.
More Than Just Paint
The 'Design Theme by Mulliner' is about more than just the innovative paint fade. Finishing details reinforce its special status. An off-centre stripe runs the full length of the car, aligned with the passenger seat, further emphasising the driver-centric layout. A numeral '8' badge adorns the front grille, and a delicate accent pinstripe traces the car's carbon fibre diffusers, fender blades, and sills, adding a final touch of handcrafted elegance. For those who find the three curated themes too restrictive, Bentley makes it clear that this is merely a starting point. Prospective owners can work directly with Mulliner to explore entirely bespoke paint and interior combinations, ensuring their Supersports is truly one of a kind.
An Instant Collectible
What makes a modern car a collector's item? It's a combination of performance, brand heritage, rarity, and a unique story. The new Supersports, limited to just 500 units worldwide, already ticked most of those boxes. However, by introducing the 'Design Theme by Mulliner', Bentley has added a crucial artistic element. This is not a car meant to blend in; it is a statement piece. Like previous coveted Mulliner editions, such as the Number 9 Edition which contained a piece of a historic Le Mans race car, this theme elevates the vehicle from a mode of transport to a piece of automotive art. The public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed signals Bentley's confidence that this new, bold aesthetic will be a major attraction for discerning collectors.
