Bentley’s Groundbreaking Thrill Ride: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Making of ‘Supersports: FULL SEND’
(Crewe, England – April 02, 2026) The adrenaline-fueled saga of Bentley’s most dynamic film ever – the iconic Supersports: FULL SEND featuring the legendary Travis Pastrana – continues to dominate the automotive landscape. Today, as tyre smoke begins to clear, Bentley reveals the astonishing internal details behind this ambitious and revolutionary project. A dedicated Behind the Scenes video has been released, offering a captivating glimpse into how the movie was crafted during a demanding three-day shoot on the historic Crewe campus. This cinematic undertaking marked the first time the entire Bentley facility was shut down and locked off, allowing for safe filming and the execution of thrilling stunts, including speeds reaching up to 120 mph. The film is also peppered with 12 carefully hidden ‘Easter Eggs’, waiting for eagle-eyed enthusiasts to discover.
The Origin Story: From Concept to Production
The genesis of Supersports: FULL SEND took root in April of last year, 2025. The debut of the new Supersports provided a unique canvas to conceptualize a completely new style of film for Bentley. Internally dubbed ‘Pymkhana’ – a clever homage to the Supersports’ official address at Pyms Lane, the site of the factory – the project began with crucial conversations involving key internal departments at Bentley. To the astonishment of all involved, these discussions confirmed that the concept was indeed achievable, provided there was sufficient preparation.
With the Board of Management granting their official approval, the R&D department at Bentley immediately began work. Their mission: to prepare a Supersports development vehicle that could operate at the absolute extreme end of performance. The goal was to push boundaries like never before, leveraging the Supersports’ inherent capabilities while removing the safety constraints that govern production performance cars.
Technical Triumph: Engineering a Monster
The engineers faced a monumental task. They needed to transform the already formidable Supersports into a machine capable of defying its own limits. The electronic Limited Slip Differential (eLSD) was meticulously recalibrated to provide early locking, ensuring maximum grip and precision during dynamic maneuvers. The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) was permanently disabled, a critical step in allowing the driver to command the vehicle through drifts and slides.
Furthermore, custom software changes were developed to enable both static and rolling burnouts. The linchpin of this modification was the design and installation of a working hydraulic handbrake. This wasn’t just a cosmetic addition; it was integrated directly into the control system of the eight-speed double-clutch gearbox. This innovation allowed the car to enter the tight corners of the factory road network sideways, offering a level of agility far beyond the power-oversteer capabilities of the production model.
The technical overhaul was overseen by Bentley’s engineering manager, Alistair Corner, who shared his perspective on the project:
“The mission for our ‘Pymkhana’ car was to turn the already-capable Supersports up to 11 – to remove all the safety features that the production version must include, and to add functionality to allow the car to dance around the narrow roads of our factory. The team of engineers that developed the car was outstanding, learning on-the-fly and coming up with creative solutions to turn the car into a monster. Crucially, what that special car can now do is an extension of the inherent ability within Supersports – the Pymkhana car is a Supersports without limits, that demonstrates what our chassis and powertrain can do when taken to the extreme.”
Preparing the Ultimate Stunt Car
To ensure filming could proceed without interruption, two identical vehicles were prepared. The main star car, designed to capture the audience’s attention, was joined by a back-up car for the eventuality that the primary vehicle was damaged during the demanding filming.
Both cars were adorned with a bespoke gymkhana-inspired design by the renowned graphic artist Deathspray. The visual impact was completed with custom-painted 22-inch wheels, adding a vibrant contrast to the Supersports’ aggressive stance. Beneath the main star car, a pair of titanium skid blocks were mounted. These devices were essential for generating the spectacular shower of sparks that captivated viewers during the film’s climax.
Recruiting the Talent: Why Travis Pastrana?
Securing Travis Pastrana to helm this extraordinary project was a stroke of genius. Pastrana’s legendary status as a motorsports icon, combined with his exceptional driving skills in various disciplines, made him the perfect candidate to perform the high-octane stunts required for the film. His experience in Extreme Sports and rally driving resonated perfectly with the raw, unfiltered power of the Bentley Supersports.
The dates for filming were locked in for September 26-28, 2025. However, before the first camera rolled, each ‘scene’ was planned and choreographed in meticulous detail. This comprehensive planning was crucial in minimizing risk to the car, the driver, and the historic Bentley campus.
As a working factory, the environment presented a myriad of potential hazards. Extreme caution was exercised to protect sensitive infrastructure, including gas mains, fibre optic cables, water pipes, and even the entire factory’s electrical power supply, all of which were located in close proximity to the dynamic filming locations.
Scenes involving multiple cars – such as the iconic car park chase sequence with the Pikes Peak Bentleys or the dramatic Brooklands burnout sequence – required additional coordination. These segments featured two precision drivers working in tandem with Travis, ensuring flawless execution and the utmost safety.
The Filming Experience: A Well-Oiled Machine
The filming itself was a massive logistical operation, involving a squad of over 100 people. This team was divided between the core production crew and various support teams from across Bentley. The main filming crew comprised approximately 25 individuals, including two main camera operators, two drone operators, two minicams technicians, and a three-person crew operating a purpose-built tracking car. This tracking vehicle was based on a first-generation Bentayga W12 and equipped with a U-Crane arm, providing the dramatic camera angles that defined the film’s visual language.
Support teams were equally vital to the project’s success. These included a 10-person set of location marshals responsible for ensuring each location around the factory was completely shut off for filming. Additionally, there were 25 vehicle specialists (working in two teams), a factory support team, medics, a fire crew, car wranglers, heritage car drivers, and a comprehensive health and safety unit.
Filming progressed remarkably smoothly, with few hitches. Bentley’s Head of Product Communications, and Executive Producer for the project, Mike Sayer, shared his experience:
“The filming days were incredibly intense but ultimately the most fun we’ve ever had at the campus. We were fortunate with the weather, and the star car, the supporting cast of vehicles and all the teams involved performed to an exceptional standard. Despite the beyond-the-limit driving involved, and speeds exceeding 120 mph, the only damage sustained to person or machine was one smashed wing mirror! I’m grateful to every single Bentley colleague who worked so hard to deliver this unique project for us.”
The Editing Process: Crafting the Final Cut
Following the three days of intense filming, the project entered the post-production phase. Led by the exceptional director Jon Richards, the editing process took approximately three months to complete. The final film was released in January 2026 and is rich with 12 ‘Easter Eggs’ – subtle details and hidden elements that only dedicated fans will spot upon close inspection. The complete list of these hidden gems is available after the editorial notes at the end of this press release.
The Legacy of Supersports: FULL SEND
The making of Supersports: FULL SEND was more than just a marketing stunt; it was a testament to Bentley’s relentless pursuit of innovation and engineering excellence. The film not only showcased the raw power of the Supersports but also highlighted the dedication and expertise of the Bentley team. By blending high-performance engineering with ground-breaking cinematography, the project cemented its place as one of Bentley’s most iconic campaigns in recent history.
For enthusiasts looking to experience the thrill of a Supersports, the 2026 model continues to set benchmarks for luxury performance. With advancements in aerodynamics and powertrain technology, the Bentley Supersports remains a leader in the sports car segment.
What This Means for You: The Future of High-Performance Driving
The Supersports: FULL SEND project offers more than just entertainment; it provides a crucial insight into the direction of performance engineering. Bentley’s decision to strip down the Supersports for the shoot demonstrates a deep understanding of the core capabilities of their chassis and powertrain. This extreme version serves as a “what if” scenario, allowing the company to explore the limits of engineering without the constraints of regulatory compliance or road safety.
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