► Latest Flying Spur: the details
► W12 Speed joins S, Hybrid, V8 and Mulliner
► Second PHEV for Crewe brand
There’s a new boss in town, as Bentley rounds off its Flying Spur range with the Speed. The new flagship model, which replaces the regular W12 version that’s been on sale since 2020, is capable of 207mph. Definitely for those captains of industry who are in a hurry, then.
The Flying Spur Speed develops 626bhp and 664lb ft from its W12, allowing it to sprint to 62mph in 3.7 seconds. As well as some extra oomph, Speed buyers benefit from bespoke 22-inch alloy wheel designs and black trimmings on the exterior, as well as new interior colour combinations. Bentley also says there’s a set of performance infographics within the infotainment system that are designed to look like luxury watches. Fancy.
As for performance tech, Bentley also says that the brand’s Dynamic Ride 48-volt anti-roll tech and rear-wheel steering are standard for the Speed.
What’s that about the Hybrid?
Bentley has unveiled its Flying Spur Hybrid to the public. It’s a plug-in hybrid model that will sit alongside the V8 and W12 models. It’s the second plug-in hybrid model from Bentley, as the Crewe-based brand pushes forward its electrification plans for the next decade.
The new Hybrid model uses a 2.9-litre V6 engine and electric motor for 536bhp and 553lb ft, with Bentley claiming the electrified Flying Spur is capable of a 0-62mph sprint in 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 177mph. The engine itself is a new generation engine compared to the Bentayga Hybrid (which uses a 3.0-litre V6). On top of that, Bentley says that, due to the Flying Spur Hybrid’s 14.1kWh battery, the new variant is capable of around 25 miles of electric driving.
As usual, there’ll be a range of customisable options from Bentley’s Mulliner toy box including personalisation options.
Bentley Flying Spur: first details
Luxury, refinement, speed – these are the words that come to mind when you think about a Bentley Flying Spur. Or Concorde for that matter. Carbon fibre bodykit? Not so much.
Yes, just when you thought 2020 was out of surprises, in comes the news that Crewe now makes a set of side skirts and splitters for its luxo-limo.
But maybe it shouldn’t be a shock that one percenters like fitting sporty aftermarket bodykits to their cars. Mansory exists, after all.
Tell me more…
It’s called the Styling Specification and as well as being an option at the point of purchase, existing Flying Spur owners can get it retrofitted to their cars too.
Why? Because Crewe’s limo is the fastest four door saloon in the world, and apparently customers want that reflected in the exterior styling. Which seems fair.
The kit includes a front splitter, side skirts with metallic Bentley badges, rear diffuser and boot lid spoiler. The high-gloss carbon fibre is arranged in a 2×2 twill pattern and is mirror-matched down the middle of the car.
Want more attention to detail? The skirts feature a 3D electroformed Bentley badge, designed specifically to minimise the risk of trapping air bubbles in the lacquer.
Does it make the Flying Spur faster?
No but then again does it need to? This generation of Spur is based on the Continental GT and promises to be the most agile yet – thanks to big-car tech like active all-wheel drive, all-wheel steering, torque vectoring and 48V anti-roll bars.
Plus Bentley says the Styling Specification was designed to work alongside the existing aero, so it won’t slow it down either, thanks to refinement in a wind tunnel and on track, including at the car’s top speed.
What else is new on the Flying Spur?
For the Bentley owner who has friends or a chauffeur: this is the new Bentley Flying Spur. It’s Crewe’s new four-door luxury car, and it’s been fluffed with the latest technology from the Continental GT.
Read on for what we know about the new Flying Spur, which will take on the Maybach S-Class and next-generation Rolls-Royce Ghost.
It’s certainly not a shock in the looks department
Yes, you definitely know it’s a Flying Spur. Still, the design is definitely all new and sits on the same platform as the current Conti GT. Bentley says the new Spur has a 130mm longer wheelbase than the previous one, so those inside can stretch out and look through the panoramic glass roof. Again, like the Conti, the Spur has ‘cut glass’ headlight detailing but has B-shaped rear lights like the Bentayga. Matrix LED headlights are standard.
A new ‘Flying B’ ornament sits atop the bluff grille and is electronically deployable, much like the Spirit of Ecstasy from Rolls-Royce.
What’s the tech like?
Well, the Flying Spur uses three-chamber air springs with continuous damping control and Bentley’s 48v active anti-roll bars to keep the Spur from tilting mid-corner. Gigantic brakes (420mm on the front) are there to bring the 2435kg Flying Spur to a stop. All-wheel steering is present and correct, too.
Inside, there’s a 12.3-inch central screen that rotates into view when the car is on and hides behind a wood veneer when off. It’s the same system as in the Conti GT, which ostensibly, is the same system you get in the upper echelons of the Porsche model range. Three audio systems are available, with a 2200W Naim system being the top-shelf one.
Any more tech specs?
Underneath the long bonnet either the plug-in hybrid powertrain or W12 Speed powertrains mentioned above, or a 4.0-litre V8 making 542bhp and good for a four-second 0-62mph sprint. Every Flying Spur is equipped with an eight-speed ZF automatic sending power to all four wheels.
I want one!
Well you’ll have to fork out a lot of money, with the ability to add extra zeroes to it if you go for a Mulliner specification. ‘Lofted Diamond’ leather upholstery and embroidery for the seats, 22-inch wheels and a wider colour palette is available.
Read our full Bentley Continental GT review here