The Bentley Speed 8 (born Bentley EXP Speed 8 in 2001, sometimes spelled Bentley EXP-8, for experimental and 8-cylinder) is a racing car built by Bentley Motors and its sports subsidiary Team Bentley for homologation in the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO) LM GTP class. The project was born against the backdrop of Bentley's takeover by the Volkswagen Group. Seeing the success of Audi's involvement in endurance racing and noting that the sporting image of the British brand was becoming increasingly tarnished over the years, Bentley's directors persuaded the group to enter the two manufacturers head-on in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The design of the car was based on the Audi R8C that competed in the 1999 Le Mans 24 Hours. In the early stages of development, the Bentley was equipped with mechanical components (engine and transmission) from its main rival, the Audi R8. From 2001, Team Bentley entered two Bentley Speed 8s in the Le Mans 24 Hours. The British manufacturer's performance resulted in a third place for the No. 8 and a retirement for the No. 7. In 2002, Bentley developed a new engine with a higher displacement. But the only Bentley Speed 8 entered was dominated by the Audi R8s, which won again in the Sarthe, making it a hat-trick of wins. The Bentley could only manage fourth. The following year, Team Bentley made numerous aerodynamic modifications. In preparation for the 24 Hours, the team competed in the 12 Hours of Sebring, where both Bentleys finished third and fourth. In June, at the Le Mans 24 Hours, the Bentleys performed much better than in the previous two events, with lap times almost four seconds faster. The semi-private Audis struggled to keep pace and could not prevent the Speed 8s from going one-two.

Event:
-Le Mans Classic 2022

Specs:

Engine: V8 twin turbo 4L
Power: 650 hp
Weight: 908 kg
Top Speed: +330 km/h

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