English
Lietuvių
Latviešu
Eesti
Polski
Русский
Українська
Deutsch
Nederlands
Čeština
Slovenčina
Svenska
Norsk
Dansk
Suomi
Bentley Speed 8: 2003 Le Mans winner
The Bentley Speed 8 is a racing prototype that Bentley used to return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans from 2001 to 2003, securing an overall victory in 2003. We look at the technology, seasons, and significance.
Speed 8 in brief
The Speed 8 was a closed-cockpit Le Mans prototype that Bentley created to return to racing after a long hiatus. The last time Bentley had won an overall Le Mans victory was in 1930, so the return came after roughly 73 years.
The car's designer was Peter Elleray.
History and creation
In 2001, the Speed 8 made its debut at Le Mans; one car finished third in its class, while another retired due to a fire. In 2002, the sole participating car finished fourth overall.
In 2003, the team won: car No. 7 took the overall victory, while No. 8 finished second, two laps behind.
Technology
The Speed 8 featured a 4.0-litre V8 engine with twin turbochargers, producing around 600 bhp. According to available data, the engine was developed using Audi technologies.
The body was a closed carbon fibre cockpit, designed for high aerodynamic efficiency and endurance.
Significance and where to see it
The 2003 victory became one of the most notable moments in Bentley's modern history. Moreover, it was the last win for closed-cockpit cars at Le Mans until 2009, when Peugeot triumphed.
The list of drivers who won in 2003 includes Tom Kristensen, Guy Smith, and Rinaldo Capello. The surviving Speed 8s belong to the manufacturer and collections and are displayed at Bentley events and museums.
Seasons
The Speed 8 doesn't have trims; we present three Le Mans seasons.
2001 m.
debutThe first Speed 8 starts at Le Mans.
- One car — third in its class
- Another retired due to a fire
- Return after several years
2002 m.
second seasonOne car started and finished in fourth place.
- Overall — 4th place
- Team progress
- Preparatory stage for victory
2003 m.
victoryCar No. 7 won, No. 8 — second.
- First and second places
- Team triumphs
- Autosport 'Racing Car of the Year'
Speed 8 and its era's prototypes
| Bentley Speed 8 | Audi R8 (LMP) | Cadillac Northstar LMP | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | United Kingdom | Germany | USA |
| Seasons | 2001–2003 | 2000–2005 | 2000–2002 |
| Engine | 4.0-litre V8 with turbochargers | V8 with turbochargers | V8 with turbochargers |
The Speed 8 proved that Bentley could compete with the toughest prototypes and win the ultimate endurance races.
Pros
- Overall victory at Le Mans
- Return after a long hiatus
- Closed cabin with carbon fibre
- Powerful drivers and team
Cons
- Few cars were produced
- A race car, not suited for the road
- The programme ended after three years
Frequently asked questions
Did the Bentley Speed 8 win Le Mans?
Yes, the 2003 car, number 7, took the overall win.
What engine did the Speed 8 have?
4.0-litre V8 with twin turbochargers, around 600 bhp.
Who won in 2003 with the Speed 8?
Tom Kristensen, Guy Smith and Rinaldo Capello.
Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
