2003 Bentley Speed 8
2003 Bentley Speed 8
Brand
Bentley
Year
2003
Country
Great Britain
Generation
Speed 8
2003 Bentley Speed 8
Brand
Bentley
Year
2003
Country
Great Britain
Generation
Speed 8
About this car
Discover the history
The 2003 Bentley Speed 8 is a pivotal car in Bentley’s motorsport history, marking the brand’s return to endurance racing and its triumphant win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The Speed 8 was built with one goal in mind: to restore Bentley’s dominance at Le Mans, a race the British automaker had last won in 1930 during its “Bentley Boys” era. After a 73-year hiatus, Bentley returned to the prestigious race in the early 2000s with the Speed 8, culminating in the 2003 victory.
The Bentley Speed 8 was designed as a purpose-built Le Mans Prototype (LMP1) to compete in the demanding world of endurance racing. The car’s development began in the late 1990s under the Volkswagen Group, which also owns Bentley. With assistance from Audi, which had already established itself as a dominant force at Le Mans with the R8, Bentley used this expertise to craft a race car capable of taking on the world’s best.
The Speed 8 was powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, producing around 600 horsepower. This powerful engine was paired with an advanced aerodynamics package designed to maximize downforce and minimize drag, essential for the high-speed straights and tight corners of the Circuit de la Sarthe. The car’s chassis was built using lightweight carbon fiber composite materials, giving it both the rigidity and the agility needed for endurance racing. The aerodynamic design, including a closed cockpit for improved airflow and safety, was optimized for long stints at high speeds.
Bentley entered the Speed 8 in the 24 Hours of Le Mans from 2001, steadily improving its performance over the years. In 2003, the team fielded two Speed 8 cars, and the race saw Bentley secure a historic 1-2 finish, with car number 7 driven by Tom Kristensen, Rinaldo Capello, and Guy Smith taking first place. This victory was a significant achievement, re-establishing Bentley as a dominant force in endurance racing and securing its place in motorsport history.
Technically, the Speed 8 was a marvel of engineering, with advanced suspension systems, carbon brakes, and a highly efficient gearbox that allowed for smooth and quick gear changes during the demanding 24-hour race. Its combination of power, aerodynamics, and reliability was key to its success. The 2003 win not only marked Bentley’s return to the top of Le Mans but also reinforced the brand’s legacy of performance and craftsmanship in motorsport.
The Bentley Speed 8 remains one of the most iconic cars in endurance racing, representing a successful blend of heritage and modern racing technology. Its 2003 Le Mans victory stands as a testament to Bentley’s ability to compete at the highest levels of motorsport, nearly a century after its first taste of glory.
