Bentley Speed 8
From Freepedia
The Bentley Speed 8 is a LMP class race car that competed in the Le Mans series from 2001-2003. It has strong resemblence to and shares technical underpinings with the Audi R8. The Speed 8 marks Bentley's first return to racing after a 73-year dry spell.
Technical data
The most developed version of the Bentley Speed 8 was powered by a 4.0-liter V-8 producing 600 bhp mated to a 6-speed manual transmission and weighs 1984 lb (900 kg).
Racing history
In 2001 Bentley returned to the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans race, after a gap of 73 years, with the Speed 8. The car, an advanced closed-top sports-prototype, built to the ACO LM GTP regulations, had a twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter V-8 race engine from sister company Audi, who were campaigning their successful R8 prototype. Developing around 600 bhp, the Bentley achieved 105 mph in first gear, and went on to a top speed of over 220 mph. The two-car entry gained 3rd place in 2001, with the other car retiring in a fireball after a strong run in the wet. 4th place was achieved in 2002 with a lone entrant, powered by a 4.0-liter turbocharged V-8 and carrying revised bodywork, with both 2001 and 2002 races being won by Audi. Being the only entrant in its class, the Speed 8 always finished 1st in LM GTP.
Bentley returned for one last attempt in 2003, with an all-new EXP Speed 8. New bodywork, new chassis, and much improved drive train. Starting from pole, the no. 7 car lead the field away at 1600 hours on Saturday, June 14th, and on it went, through the night, closely followed by the no. 8 car, which was only slowed by battery problems. 24 hours later, and after 377 rounds of the Circuit de La Sarthe, the green machine drove under the chequered flag--Bentley had won at Le Mans.
