Bentley has taken the wraps off its new Continental GT3 race car. The new track-ready model previews hot Continental GT road car that is likely arrive by 2020.

Under the bonnet, the GT3 is powered by the same 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 found in the Continental GT V8 though it produces 550hp when not restricted to GT3 guidelines. The previous GT3 used a tuned version of the same engine with more power but it also weighed more. Bentley has collaborated with BMW’s M-Sport for this model.

The GT3’s kerb weight has decreased by about 950kg with Bentley claiming a total weight of less than 1,300kg. Compared to the road-going W12 car’s 2250kg, this is a massive decrease.

It features far more aggressive bodywork than the Continental GT including a deep front spoiler, wide wheel arches, aerodynamic fins and a huge rear wing. Each part has been optimised for aerodynamics and downforce and are lighter than the standard car's respective components.

In the cabin, the GT3 gets a FIA-spec roll-cage and six-point harness, while mechanical upgrades include a lightweight racing battery, race-spec ABS and traction control, a carbon-fibre propshaft and four-way adjustable racing dampers.

Bentley hopes that the Continental GT3 will help the manufacturer claim victory in the Blancpain GT Series after it has become available to buyers in June 2018. The model will make its racing debut at the opening round of the 2018 Blancpain Cup at Monza on April 21, 2018.