Bentley is Taking its Big Luxury Coupe Ice Racing
It’s always fascinating to see luxury cars modified for unconventional purposes. Take the Bentley Continental GT, a luxury coupe reimagined for the GP Ice Race in Zell am See, Austria. Typically, ice racing isn’t a common activity for most Bentley owners. However, the Continental GT’s rally car-style modifications—including a roof rack-mounted light bar and an eye-catching two-tone racing livery—certainly enhance its adventurous spirit. Moreover, it looks absolutely stunning.
The GP Ice Race version of the Continental GT is quite the project for Bentley. The brand has a history of ice racing, setting speed records in both 2007 and 2011. It’s crucial to note that the engineers from Crewe didn’t merely equip the Conti with studded winter tires; they ensured it was prepared for the rigors of ice racing. Beneath the exterior, there’s a robust safety cage and racing bucket seats equipped with competition-standard safety harnesses, complemented by an onboard fire-extinguishing system.
Bentley adds that the blue-and-black paint job pays homage to the version of the Continental GT that set a production car climb record at Pikes Peak last year. The design beautifully integrates color matching on the front wheels and a contrasting rear section, creating a cohesive look. Atop the car sits an impressive roof rack, twisting the narrative of a luxury vehicle with its array of auxiliary LED driving lights. Additionally, a set of special edition skis is mounted on the roof, which might be handy if the driver needs to switch things up and venture out on foot.
Moreover, this unique Bentley has undergone several enhancements, including a 15-millimeter increase in track width, a slightly taller ride height for improved ground clearance, and an Akrapovic exhaust system. The model chosen for this adventure is the W-12 version, which delivers an exhilarating 626 horsepower—perfect for conquering icy terrains.
Contrary to what one might think about handling a luxury car on ice, Junior World Rally Championship driver Catie Munnings reports otherwise. She remarked, “I was amazed by how dynamic, nimble, and responsive it is. It can dance like a lightweight rally car.” Given the Continental GT’s enhanced front-to-rear torque split in sportier modes, her assessment rings true.
Interestingly, the ice racing event also features a Skijoring component, where the Continental GT will tow a skier through the racecourse. Skijoring has historical roots dating back to the 1928 Olympic Winter Games and offers a thrilling blend of speed and skill. Bentley plans to showcase skier Sven Rauber for this event, emphasizing that the modern version of Skijoring will certainly boast a lot more horsepower than in the old days.
A lifelong car enthusiast, I found my way into automotive journalism while seeking an internship during college. Since then, I have dedicated over a decade to reviewing vehicles, participating in significant automotive contests, and contributing to the industry’s daily coverage.
