Bentley is once again inviting driving enthusiasts to the icy north of Finland for its annual winter driving event that elevates the concept of ice driving to the extreme and will also feature, for the very first time, its most powerful road car.

Participants will get an unprecedented first drive in the Continental GT3-R, Bentley’s most dynamic and powerful luxury road car ever, at Power on Ice 2015, which will run throughout February.

The Continental GT3-R will make its debut on the frozen lakes piloted by four-time World Rally Championship (WRC) winner Juha Kankkunen.

Power on Ice is a four-day event that allows guests to push a range of Bentley cars beyond the limitations of every-day driving. Running throughout February 2015, two full days of extreme driving delivered by Kankkunen and in-car tuition from the vastly experienced Bentley Ice Driving Team will instill advanced techniques on the ice.

Only years of experience can ensure total understanding of the art of ice-driving, which is why each ice track is personally designed by Kankkunen, before being ‘shaved’ into the six-foot thick frozen surface using specialist equipment – creating a new and exciting experience, even for returning customers.


CONTINENTAL GT3-R

Inspired by the Continental GT3 race car, the GT3-R blends proven track and road credentials; a unique interpretation of performance-focused luxury. Limited to just 300 examples, one is in situ at Power on Ice 2015, piloted by Kankkunen when he will demonstrate the prowess on the ice that broke two ice speed records – both in a Bentley.

A range of Continental GTs and Flying Spurs conquer the off-piste driving challenge with ease. The all-wheel drive systems constantly adjust the levels of power to the front and rear wheels depending on available traction, ensuring optimal grip is delivered regardless of the imperfections of the surface.

A luxurious hand trimmed leather interior – and heated seats – provide welcome respite from the cold, ensuring customers refine their driving skills in an interior cabin as cosseting as the external environment is inhospitable.

Guests can embellish their driving experiences with activities at a slightly different pace, with snowmobile rides and ice-karting throughout the day.

“At Bentley Power on Ice drivers will learn the art of drifting sideways gracefully and without losing control, throwing up plumes of ice as the scenery whooshes by. There’s nothing else quite like it,” says a Bentley spokesman. “With two full days of driving and tuition from a dedicated instructor, drivers will see that – even on sheet ice – there’s plenty of speed to be found.”

Hosted in characteristic Bentley luxury, the home of the event is the boutique hotel of Chalet Ruka Peak in Rukatunturi, Finland.

Relaxing evening meals savouring contemporary Finnish cuisine and a traditional smoke sauna afford guests time to unwind after an adrenaline fuelled day, with a night-time Husky-sled safari adventure to a historic reindeer farm completing the immersion into Finnish culture and ensuring a truly unique experience.

Guests can select from a range of accommodation, with prices starting from €11,340 ($14,471) per person.

More information can be found at events.bentleymotors.com, or alternatively call the Bentley Driving Team on +44 (0)1675 445 945 for information or to book a place.