2002 Bentley EXP Speed 8 PICTURES
The Bentley EXP Speed 8 is a LMP race car that competed in the Le Mans series from 2001 to 2003, taking first place in 2003. It has a strong resemblance to and shares some technology with the Audi R8C (which cars won Le Mans the preceding 3 years). The Speed 8 marked Bentley's return to racing after a 73-year absence.
Technical data
The most developed version of the Bentley Speed 8 was powered by a 4.0-liter V-8 producing 600 hp, mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. The car weighed 900 kg (1984 lb) in with the minimum weight mandated for 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Racing history
In 2001 Bentley returned to the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans race, after a gap of 73 years, for a three-year campaign with the EXP Speed 8. The car, a closed-top sports prototype, built to the ACO LM GTP regulations, had a twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter V-8 race engine from parent company Audi, who were campaigning their successful R8 prototype since 1999. The same basic V8 engine was also used in the Audi R8, although separate developments were made to each engine. Developing around 600 hp, 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 rain. In 2002 the lone entry achieved 4th place, now powered by a 4.0-liter turbocharged version of the V-8 engine and carrying revised bodywork. Both 2001 and 2002 races were won by the works Audi Sport Team Joest team. Being the only entrant in its class—all other prototypes were of the open-cockpit variety—the Speed 8 always finished 1st in the LM GTP category.
2002 Bentley EXP Speed 8 PICS
2002 Bentley EXP Speed 8 PHOTOS
2002 Bentley EXP Speed 8 IMAGES
2002 Bentley EXP Speed 8 WALLPAPERS