NEW FLYING SPUR SPEED UNVEILED AS BENTLEY'S MOST POWERFUL SEDAN EVER

Bentley has unveiled the new Flying Spur Speed, the latest high-performance luxury sedan from Crewe. While the fourth-generation model has only seen subtle styling changes, significant upgrades have been made under the skin, with a new hybrid V8 replacing the beloved W12 motor.

Unveiled in Speed guise first, the spirited four-door is powered by the Ultra Performance Hybrid all-wheel drive powertrain that debuted in the new Continental GT Speed. It pairs a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with a 187-horsepower electric motor nestled within the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Combined outputs are 771 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque, making the new Flying Spur Speed the most powerful Bentley sedan ever made. It's worth noting that the legendary 6.75-liter V8 in the discontinued Mulsanne Speed produced more torque (752 lb-ft).

Bentley

Bentley Motors Limited is a British manufacturer of luxury automobiles. Its early history (particularly during the 1920s) is marked by several wins in the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race, and although the brand still competes in various motorsport disciplines around the world, it's become synonymous with Rolls-Royce (once its owner) as a purveyor of exquisite luxury goods and fine design. Its Mulliner division creates ultra-exclusive bespoke vehicles, carrying on a long-standing tradition of coachbuilding that H.J. Mulliner & Co. started in 1897.

Phenomenal Electrified V8 Offers The Best Of Both Worlds

Compared to the outgoing Speed W12, the new electrified V8 produces 11% more torque and 19% more hp - an impressive bump. But the plug-in hybrid motor brings other benefits. Not only is it quicker and more powerful than its predecessor, but the 25.9 kWh battery provides 47 miles of electric driving range and a combined range of 515 miles (based on WLTP estimates). We expect more conservative EPA range figures when the Flying Spur Speed reaches America. In all-electric mode, the big Bentley can reach speeds of up to 87 mph. As for the battery, it can be charged in 2 hours and 45 minutes thanks to a peak charging speed of 11 kW.

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How Bentley's Outgoing W12 Compares With Its New Plug-In Hybrid V8 Engine

With the production of the W12 engine over, how does the twelve-cylinder icon compare to its PHEV V* replacement?

Bentley has to get the balance between handling and supreme comfort spot on, so the new Flying Spur Speed receives the Performance Active Chassis as standard. This includes Bentley Dynamic Ride and all-wheel steering, as well as an electronic limited-slip differential. Torque vectoring is also part of the package, along with the latest generation of electronic stability control software. Bentley says the new Flying Spur Speed rides more smoothly than before, which must have taken some doing, but without sacrificing the body control of the outgoing model.

Familiar High-End Styling Conceals Myriad Updates

While the fourth-generation Flying Spur looks like its predecessor, Bentley has made minor changes to the exterior. This includes dark-tinted exterior brightwork, along with a new grille that is exclusive to the Speed trim. The sportiest Flying Spur also receives a model-specific front bumper and rear diffuser. The Styling Specification aero package is now finished in the body color, but customers can opt for a carbon fiber finish, presumably at extra cost. Speaking of optional equipment, Bentley is offering a new 22-inch Ten Swept Spoke wheel design that is available in two finishes, namely Black Painted and Gray Painted/Bright Machined.

Is The Bentley Continental GT Speed Hybrid Better Than A W12?

The new Continental GT Speed has a hybrid V8 with 771 hp. Is that better than a W12?

Inside, the leather-lined cabin is much the same as before and that's no bad thing. That said, the automaker had made minor revisions, such as new seat designs with 3D diamond quilting and a new perforation pattern. A Tactile Precision 3D diamond finish is now found on the B pillars and door inners. Opting for the Dark Chrome Specification trim adds dark-tine brightware to the cabin, coating the door handles, switches, and more in a tasteful dark finish. The gorgeous Bentley Rotating Display remains a part of the cabin.

Leather-Wrapped Interior Benefits From Minor Changes

The old-world charm of the leather and high-end materials lives in harmony with the latest in-car technology. For a start, there's a standard 10-speaker sound system, but customers may specify a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio setup. If that's not good enough, there's also a 19-speaker Naim sound system which includes Active Bass Transducers in the front seats. Other options include the Wellness Seating Specification which includes Seat Auto Climate and Postural Adjust settings.

Elsewhere, the infotainment system now includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and is capable of receiving OTA map updates. Other nice-to-haves include a remote charging status indicator, remote park assist, and remote cabin pre-conditioning.

Numerous Personalization Options Include:

With the Mulliner department, customers can create one-of-a-kind creations. Bentley has yet to announce pricing and availability, but we expect customers will be forming an orderly queue at their local Bentley dealers to get their hands on this sporty luxury sedan.