Skip advert
Advertisement

One-off Bentley Continental GT ice racer destined for Austrian

First came Pikes Peak... now Bentley’s putting its Continental GT on ice

In 2019, Bentley conquered the world-renowned Pikes Peak hill climb course with a lightly modified version of its Continental GT road car, claiming the production car record. Paying homage to its ice speed records of 2007 and 2011, the British marque is now taking the Continental GT to the GP Ice Race in Zell am See, Austria, on 1 and 2 February.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Coming to fruition in 1937, the ice race incorporates a ‘traditional’ timed lap on a 600m circuit carved from the snow, and what’s known as ‘skijoring’. The latter sees a skier towed by a car over snow and ice, dating back to the 1928 Olympic Winter Games in St. Moritz, when cars were swapped for horses.

> Bentley breaks production car Pikes Peak record with Continental GT

Though snow and ice is the last place you’d expect to find a £160,000 GT, Bentley is keen to emphasise that very little has been changed from road specification. The standard 626bhp, 664lb ft twin-turbocharged W12 sits at its core, with a rear roll-cage, on-board fire suppression system, and Sparco racing seats included solely for safety. Though power figures remain standard, exhaust manufacturer Akrapovič has provided a custom system to enhance the Continental’s sound.

As far as performance-enhancing modifications go, ride height has been lifted to improve clearance, track width has been increased by 15mm, and sitting within the now-widened arches are studded Pirelli Scorpion tyres. High-performance lights have also now been fitted to the roof for when visibility becomes an issue, alongside a pair of ‘Bomber for Bentley Centenary Edition skis’, on a bespoke roof rack.

The one-off Continental will hit the ice early next month, piloted by rally driver Catie Munnings. She said: ‘I spent some time on ice in the car just before Christmas. At first I thought it would feel heavy, but I was amazed by how dynamic, nimble and responsive it is. It can dance like a lightweight rally car, and I can’t wait to race it at such an iconic event.’

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Used Honda Accord Type R (1998 – 2002) – review, history and specs of the forgotten Japanese icon
Honda Accord Type R – front
Reviews

Used Honda Accord Type R (1998 – 2002) – review, history and specs of the forgotten Japanese icon

High-revving and focused Type R ethos worked as well on a saloon as it did with the Integra
3 Apr 2025
Alfa Romeo Giulia 2025 review – get one while you still can
Alfa Romeo Giulia
Reviews

Alfa Romeo Giulia 2025 review – get one while you still can

Alfa Romeo's 276bhp saloon might be long in the tooth, but it's still a compelling alternative to the German establishment
1 Apr 2025
Used Audi S4 (B9, 2016 - 2024) – review, prices and specs of a punchy M340i alternative
Audi S4 B9 front
In-depth reviews

Used Audi S4 (B9, 2016 - 2024) – review, prices and specs of a punchy M340i alternative

The Audi S4 has had many heart transplants in its life, getting both a petrol and a diesel in only its last generation
24 Mar 2025
Subaru Impreza WRX STI (Mk1, 1994 - 2000): review, history and specs of the rally icon
Subaru Impreza WRX STI Type RA
Reviews

Subaru Impreza WRX STI (Mk1, 1994 - 2000): review, history and specs of the rally icon

The original Impreza WRX STI is a motorsport icon, a true homologation special and a relative bargain in 2025
22 Mar 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Audi RS3 v Toyota GR Yaris v Mercedes-AMG A45 S – car pictures of the week
Hot hatch test
Features

Audi RS3 v Toyota GR Yaris v Mercedes-AMG A45 S – car pictures of the week

In the latest issue of evo, we test three of the most sophisticated hot hatches on sale against each other on road and track – these are our favourite…
29 Mar 2025
Best hybrid cars 2025 – the benefits of EV and petrol power
Best hybrid cars 2025
Best cars

Best hybrid cars 2025 – the benefits of EV and petrol power

Hybrids are the perfect compromise for manufacturers and buyers at the moment, keeping petrol power for versatility and customer appeal but adding an …
31 Mar 2025
Honda Civic Type R (FN2) – the car world's greatest misses
Honda Civic Type R FN2
Features

Honda Civic Type R (FN2) – the car world's greatest misses

Its lineage contains some hot hatch greats, but the late-noughties Civic wasn’t one of them
26 Mar 2025