The calorie-free beer. The cholesterol-free fry up. A night out with no hangover. The 1,300kg, 600hp, V8 Bentley. All sound equally unfeasible yet brilliant, but only one is a reality. Well, so far anyway...

We've covered the Continental GT3 racer previously, at its launch and during development, but now comes the announcement of its competitive race debut. It will take to the track in anger for the first time at the Gulf 12 Hours in Abu Dhabi on December 13.

Now then Bentley, about a roadgoing version...

Today has also seen the GT3's full spec detailed, and mouth watering reading it makes too. The 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 from the

Continental GT S

is now up to 600hp and located further back in the engine bay, contributing to a 52:48 front to rear weight distribution.

There's also a carbon propshaft, OZ 18x13-inch wheels, Brembo brakes (six piston front, four piston rear) and an XTrac sequential 'box.

"We're gaining confidence in our package," said Brian Gush, Bentley's Director of Motorsport after the first 3,000km of testing. As you would expect, he's very keen to get the project on track now, adding that Bentley "can't wait to run the car against the competition for the first time."

Speaking of competition, the Continental GT3 is to be entered in a full season of next year's FIA Blancpain Endurance Series under Team M-Sport Bentley. It's a great series, as we discovered at the Spa 24 Hours, and will only improve with Bentley's arrival. Best of British to you gentlemen!