Bentley Continental GT with 3000bhp to compete in drag race

A heavily modified Bentley Continental GT with over 3000bhp will run as part of the FIA European Drag Racing Championship this weekend.

The car, which is powered by a 10.2-litre twin-turbocharged Chevrolet-sourced V8 engine with 3082bhp, has five times the power of the most powerful standard Continental GT variant, and three times the power of a standard Bugatti Veyron.

Its makers say the car has cost some £250,000 and taken some eight months to build, with key modifications aside from the engine, including a lightweight interior made from carbonfibre, and a strengthened steel body shell. The car will be driven by Steve Neimantas, a 48-year-old watch repairer from Yorkshire.

The Bentley will take part in the championship's Street Eliminator class, which only includes vehicles that are road legal.

The first round of the European Drag Racing Championship takes place at the Santa Pod raceway, Bedfordshire, from 23-26 May.

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