Bentley Flying Spur
Powered by the same 6.0-litre, twin turbo W12 used in the Continental GT and GTC, a complete engine management system upgrade has resulted in improvements in torque management, turbocharger control, driveability and emissions performance for the new Flying Spur. Quoted figures of 460kW (616 bhp), 800 Nm and a 14 per cent improvement in the power-to-weight ratio over the previous generation Flying Spur make the new model the most powerful Bentley four-door ever, with a 0-100 km/h time of 4.3 seconds, and a top-speed of 322 km/h.
The W12 drives through an 8-speed, quick-shift ZF automatic transmission that drives all four wheels, with a standard 60/40 rear/front torque split that can be adjusted up to 85-percent (rear) or 65-percent (front). The 8-speed shifts in 200 milliseconds, and has been tuned to handle the W12's power, improve engine efficiency and reduce fuel consumption to a quoted (combined) cycle of 14.7lt/100km.
Suspension is mildly softer compared to the previous Flying Spur, with electronic ride height control that lowers in two distinct stages as the Flying Spur increases speed. The car's ESC has been recalibrated in line with the chassis changes, while steering gear has also been modified. Brakes are 405mm discs at the front and 335mm at the rear, with larger Carbon Silicon Carbide performance discs available as an option.
Lower and wider than the previous generation, the exterior design on the new Flying Spur features sharp lines, a more upright grille and lower roof line. The bonnet and front guards are aluminium, while the bootlid, which incorporates the antennae, is made from a polymer composite material to reduce weight.
New 19-inch Classic wheels are fitted as standard, with 20 and 21-inch wheels optional. A range of seventeen standard external paint colours are available, including a new shade - 'Dark Cashmere' - but the finish can also be individually tailored from a range of over 100 colours in the Bentley palette.
Inside, the latest Flying Spur features 600 new parts, including totally redesigned front and rear seats, using hides exclusive to Bentley, available in twelve different colours and finished in Bentley's traditional diamond pleating. As you'd expect, quality timber veneers are used throughout, with seven options, including eucalyptus, available. Internal storage space has also been improved, with options including a glass sunroof and 9-litre drinks cooler.
The centre console infotainment system features an 8-inch touch screen, with voice activation, Bluetooth and Bentley's own advanced satnav. Heating and ventilation are improved, with a 'Climate Boost' option that makes for faster cooling of the cabin also available. New technologies have also been applied to the 8-channel, 8-speaker audio system, with improvements in sound quality achieved thanks to acoustic glass all round.
Rear seat passengers don't miss out on the tech, with controls for heating, ventilation, satnav and multimedia systems accessible from the rear seats, with 10-inch LCD screens fitted in the backs of the front seats. Additionally, the Flying Spur's BCU (Bentley Connectivity Unit) allows internet connection through the vehicle's own Wi-Fi hotspot.
Released in Australia in October, the new Bentley Flying Spur carries a price tag around the $420,000 mark, excluding on road costs.
