At the 2012 Paris Motor Show this week Bentley debuted the Continental GT3, its high-performance concept car derived from their Continental GT Speed. Bentley has been noticeably absent from the motorsports world in recent events but that is all about to change once the GT3 goes into development. Bentley will run comprehensive test programs over next year to determine what needs to be done before the car can hit the track.

The design of this concept is based on Bentley’s fastest car to date, the new Continental GT Speed. The concept includes heat extractors in the hood to reduce front-end lift at high speeds, a front splitter, a side exhaust, and a hefty rear wing. As if that wasn’t enough, engineers have also shaved an astonishing 2,200 pounds off the vehicle’s overall weight to increase speed and performance even further.

Bentley chief executive Dr. Wolfgang Schreiber says, “The clear message from our customers is that Bentley belongs on the racetrack, and the Continental GT3 is the realisation of a dream we’ve had ever since the launch of the Continental GT. The new GT Speed is the perfect car for us to develop into a racer, and our work so far has shown huge potential. The Continental GT3 is set to show the world what the Continental GT is capable of in its most extreme form, and establishes a solid foundation for Bentley’s long-term motorsport plans.”

We look forward to the development of the GT3 and hope to see it in action by the end of 2013.