Bentley has finally lifted the curtain on the production of its most ambitious cinematic project to date, a high-octane masterpiece titled Supersports: FULL SEND. Conceived as a way to showcase the extreme capabilities of the new Supersports, the film features legendary driver Travis Pastrana navigating the tight confines of Bentley’s global headquarters in Crewe, England. Internally dubbed “Pymkhana” as a nod to the factory’s Pyms Lane address, the project required the first-ever total closure of the campus to facilitate high-speed stunts. This behind-the-scenes look reveals the massive logistical undertaking and the specialized engineering required to transform a luxury grand tourer into a drift-ready track monster.
A Bespoke Aesthetic by Deathspray and Heritage Accents
The visual character of the lead vehicle in Supersports: FULL SEND is defined by a striking, gymkhana-inspired wrap designed by the renowned graphic artist Deathspray. This bespoke livery is complemented by custom-painted 22-inch wheels, giving the car a rugged, motorsport-ready silhouette that stands out against the industrial backdrop of the Crewe factory. Functional exterior modifications were essential for the film’s narrative, including the installation of titanium skid blocks designed specifically to generate a shower of sparks during the climax. Despite the aggressive driving and speeds exceeding 120 mph, the production team noted that the only physical damage sustained during the three-day shoot was a single smashed wing mirror, a testament to the precision of the crew.
Custom Controls and Hidden Engineering Details
While the cabin of the Supersports retains its luxury DNA, the interior was heavily modified to accommodate the demands of professional drifting. A working hydraulic handbrake was integrated directly into the center console, featuring the project’s internal codename, “Mildred,” etched into the handle. This critical modification was synced with the eight-speed double-clutch gearbox’s control system, allowing Pastrana to initiate sideways entries into narrow factory corners. The interior also serves as a canvas for several of the film’s 12 “Easter Eggs,” including a nod to Pastrana’s employee number, 199, on a swiped ID badge. These details ensure that the cockpit is as much a part of the storytelling process as the mechanical hardware itself.
Unleashing the Blue Flame of Bentley Engineering
At the heart of the “Pymkhana” car is a twin-turbocharged engine tuned to deliver 710 hp/PS and massive torque, providing the power-oversteer necessary for the film’s high-speed choreography. Engineering manager Alistair Corner led the R&D team to “turn the car up to 11,” which involved permanently disabling the Electronic Stability Control and remapping the software to allow for static and rolling burnouts. The electronic Limited Slip Differential was also recalibrated to provide early locking, ensuring the chassis could dance predictably around the factory’s gas mains and fiber optic cables. This performance setup effectively turns the standard Supersports into a monster without limits, demonstrating the inherent strength of the Bentley powertrain when pushed to its absolute technical boundaries.
| Technical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Twin-Turbocharged V-8 / W-12 (Supersports Spec) |
| Transmission | 8-Speed Double-Clutch with Hydraulic Handbrake |
| Peak Speed during Filming | 120 mph |
| Differential | Adjusted Electronic LSD (Early Locking) |
| Chassis Modifications | ESC Disabled / Titanium Skid Blocks |
| Wheel Size | Custom-Painted 22-inch |
| Production Crew | 100+ People |
| Filming Duration | 3 Days |
Brand Positioning and the Gymkhana Legacy
The release of Supersports: FULL SEND places Bentley in direct competition with the high-energy digital content typically produced by brands like Porsche or Red Bull. By moving away from traditional luxury advertising and toward a high-action “Gymkhana” style format, Bentley is successfully reaching a younger, performance-oriented demographic. The unique selling point of this project is the unprecedented access to the Bentley factory, providing a backdrop that no competitor can replicate. While rivals often rely on closed circuits or generic city streets, Bentley’s choice to use its historic R&D campus highlights the brand’s confidence in its engineering. This film serves as a high-speed bridge between the company’s storied racing heritage and its future in high-performance grand touring.
A New Benchmark for Automotive Storytelling
The production of Supersports: FULL SEND proves that Bentley is willing to break its own rules to celebrate automotive passion. With over 100 specialists, a 6.0L-powered tracking car, and the world’s most famous stunt driver, the project has set a new standard for factory-produced content. It is a loud, smoky, and utterly brilliant tribute to what happens when engineering excellence is allowed to run completely wild.
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Source: Bentley
