Following an early leak, we now have the official details of the new Bentley Continental GT3 race car. Turns out it is actually a W12-powered car based on the Continental GT Speed, and it is going to race – once it’s done its tests and development stuff. This car, Bentley says, marks the return of the brand to the world of motorsport towards the end of 2013.

The GT Speed, and any version of the Continental in fact, is a very high performance car disguised as luxury coupe. What the GT3 does is unleash that inner power in a way that it can be used for winning races. It inherits the road car’s outstanding high-speed stability and renowned durability, and utilizes them for track use.

Equipped for endurance as well as outright speed, the new Bentley competitor will be eligible to race in a range of race series and events, up to and including 24-hour marathons. The Continental GT3 also has an interesting livery, combining tradition and modernity, with a touch of patriotism by including he Union flags.

Dr Wolfgang Schreiber, Bentley’s Chairman and Chief Executive, comments:  “The clear message from our customers is that Bentley belongs on the racetrack, and the Continental GT3 is the realisation of a dream we’ve had ever since the launch of the Continental GT. The new GT Speed is the perfect car for us to develop into a racer, and our work so far has shown huge potential. The Continental GT3 is set to show the world what the Continental GT is capable of in its most extreme form, and establishes a solid foundation for Bentley’s long-term motorsport plans.”