The Supersports Legacy
The Bentley Supersports has always been a nameplate reserved for the pinnacle of performance. It represents the most potent, agile, and driver-focused iteration of the Continental GT, a car that blends immense power with the handcrafted luxury Bentley is
renowned for. With a history rooted in delivering a more visceral driving experience, the Supersports is not just about getting from one place to another in comfort; it’s about the thrill of the journey itself. Each version has pushed the boundaries of what a Bentley grand tourer can be, trimming weight, sharpening responses, and turning up the volume on its formidable engine. This heritage of focused performance makes it the perfect canvas for Mulliner, Bentley’s in-house bespoke division, to create its most audacious design statement yet.
An Asymmetrical Masterpiece
The latest offering from Mulliner for the Supersports is a 'Design Theme' that breaks from convention with a bold, asymmetrical concept. For the first time, Bentley is offering a side-to-side exterior paint fade, a complex finish that sees one colour seamlessly blend into another across the entire width of the car. This is not just a two-tone paint job; it's a graduated transition designed to draw the eye and create a sense of movement even at a standstill. The theme deliberately places a bolder, brighter colour on the driver's side, which then fades into a darker, more subtle tone on the passenger side. This is complemented by an off-centre racing stripe aligned with the passenger seat, further enhancing the car's driver-centric focus. It’s a visual declaration that this car is, first and foremost, about the person behind the wheel.
Three Curated Expressions
To introduce this radical new look, Mulliner’s designers have curated three distinct themes, each telling a different story through colour. The 'Dragon' theme features a fiery Dragon Red II fading into a deep Black Crystal. The 'Electric' theme offers a vibrant Electric Blue that transitions into a sophisticated Dark Sapphire. Finally, the 'Brodgar' theme provides an earthy, elegant option, with Pale Brodgar shifting into the darker Brodgar hue. These themes are more than just paint; they are complete aesthetic packages. Additional details include a painted number '8' on the front grille and subtle pinstripe accents on the carbon fibre front splitter and rear diffuser, tying the entire exterior look together with meticulous attention to detail.
A Driver-Focused Cockpit
The groundbreaking asymmetrical design continues inside the two-seat cabin. The interior directly mirrors the exterior's philosophy, with a two-tone layout that envelops the driver in the brighter, more expressive colour, while the passenger side is finished in the darker, complementary shade. This creates a distinct 'cockpit' feel, visually separating the driver's domain and heightening the sense of engagement. The theme is woven throughout the interior, with unique 'Supersports' perforation patterns on the seats and door inserts, contrast stitching, and a heated three-spoke steering wheel that continues the two-tone treatment. This is not just interior design; it is automotive scenography, creating an environment that is both luxurious and purposefully sporty, reminding the driver of the car's singular mission.
The Art of the Truly Unique
This exclusive Supersports theme is the latest chapter in Mulliner's long story of personalization, a trend that has seen explosive growth. Bentley reports that over 70 percent of its customers now order some level of bespoke content, moving far beyond a standard options list. Mulliner’s capabilities are vast, ranging from recently introduced Ombré paint schemes, which feature a vertical fade and take over 50 hours to apply, to laser-etching a client’s personal design onto wood or carbon fibre veneers. Customers can even commission unique welcome lamp animations. In a world of mass production, Mulliner’s work on cars like the Supersports represents a commitment to coachbuilding artistry, where the only true limit is the client's imagination.
