Bentley Flying Spur
Bentley Flying Spur is a luxurious Gran Turismo executive sports sedan produced by British company Bentley Motors since 2013. In 2020, on the Israeli market, it was possible to purchase a second (according to other sources – third) generation of the flagship model of Bentley 2019 model year.
In fact, the car was produced from 2005 and until 2013 and was called Continental Flying Spur, which is considered to be the first generation. Flying Spur refers us to a family emblem of an old Scottish family, one of the creators of the car. The emblem depicted a flying spur. The name Flying Spur was first used in 1957 for the four-door version of the S1 coupe.
First generation
Produced from 2005 to 2013. Presented at Geneva Motor Show, the first Bentley Continental Flying Spur was created by a design team led by Dirk van Brackel, who managed to create a memorable and timeless image of the car. The spacious interior was trimmed with wood and leather, while the developers tried to reproduce the style of Bentley cars in the 1930s. In the new model, all the stylistic finds of the coupe were retained, but the spaciousness and comfort of the sedan were added. The fine-tuning of the model was carried out at Volkswagen test sites, which made it possible to use the latest testing equipment.
The heart of the model was a 6-liter 12-cylinder engine with 560 hp, equipped with two turbochargers. It accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. It was paired with a 6-speed ZF automatic transmission. The permanent all-wheel drive provided the necessary level of grip regardless of the weather. Under normal conditions, traction forces are evenly distributed between the axles of the car using Torsen differential. But sometimes, most of the tractive effort was automatically transferred to the axle with the best grip. Independent front and rear suspensions with electronically controlled air bellows, which were used instead of springs, and shock absorbers created a necessary level of comfort. The braking system used the largest brake discs available on production vehicles, with a diameter of 405 millimeters at the front and 335 millimeters at the rear. Tires from Yokohama were specially developed for the car.
In 2008, a sports version of Continental Flying Spur Speed was presented with a different exterior design, a more powerful 600 hp engine, lowered and specially tuned suspension. In this version, the car accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and the top speed was 322 km/h.
Second generation
Produced from 2013 to 2019. Now, Bentley’s flagship car was simply called Flying Spur and combined traditional British brand with sporty touches and trendy modern details. The new body structure has the right combination of different materials made it possible to increase its rigidity by 40%. To lighten the weight, the hood and front fenders have been made of aluminum, while the overall body is 50 kilograms lighter than the previous one. The sharp edges of the main surfaces formed a muscular body, especially at the rear. The front fenders now have original B-styled air vents. There are full LEDs low beam headlights, daytime running lights, and taillights.
The luxurious and spacious 4- or 5-seat saloon combined advanced acoustics and electronics with exquisite leather and wood trim. Driver and passengers could interact with most of the vehicle’s systems using touch screens. Particularly interesting was the removable screen on the back, which could be used while comfortably resting on your lap.
Flying Spur refers us to a family emblem of an old Scottish family, one of the creators of the car. The emblem depicted a flying spur.
Bentley Flying Spur of the second generation was equipped with an updated 625 hp engine, which in combination with an 8-speed automatic transmission and accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds. The all-wheel drive transmission normally transmitted 60% of the engine torque to the rear axle. This value could be increased up to 85% if required by road conditions. To increase comfort, stiffness of air suspension was reduced by 10-13%, softer stabilizers were installed and 25% less rigid arm supports.
In 2014, a model was presented with a V-shaped 8-cylinder engine with a capacity of 507 hp, equipped with two turbochargers. It accelerated the car from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. This motor had a cylinder shut-off system, an advanced temperature control system, and an electric recuperator. The economical Flying Spur features a red center Bentley badge on the bonnet.
In 2016, sports versions appeared – first Flying Spur V8 S with uprated to 528 hp engine, retuned suspension, and some decorative additions to the interior. Then Flying Spur V12 S was introduced and the engine was developed 635 hp. In the design of the model, both outside and inside, additional dark inserts were used, and it also had a suspension specially tuned for a more dynamic ride.
Third generation
Produced from 2019 to present (data for 2020). New third generation Bentley Flying Spur is the world’s most advanced luxury sports sedan. And this is a completely new car, inheriting from its predecessor only the name, which completely redefines the idea of performance, style, and driving pleasure in its class. The flagship model is a unique combination of the dynamics of a sports sedan and the sophistication of a limousine and is the ideal choice for those who enjoy personal driving, as well as those who prefer to travel with a driver.
‘Now automobile changes direction almost at the speed of thought,’ the developers say.
Built on a new MSB platform from Porsche Panamera, Bentley Flying Spur 2019/2020 has a completely original body, with elegant and dynamic proportions. The platform change allowed reducing the curb weight of the model by 38 kg. New Flying Spur for the first time from all Bentleys received a steerable rear axle. There have been changes in all-wheel drive system. In the previous generation, it divided traction between the front and rear axles in a ratio of 40:60, and in the new generation, normal movement involves the supply of 100% traction back and only when necessary, special grip transfers part of the torque to the front wheels. Made mostly of aluminum and composite materials, the front and rear independent suspensions have three-chamber air bellows instead of springs. This design allows tuning the suspension for a smooth, almost like a limousine, quiet movement, or a hard sports ride. Compared to the previous generation, the front axle of the new Bentley Flying Spoor has shifted forward. It has improved the distribution of static weight on the axles, and together with the new platform, including the new all-wheel drive and full-steering chassis, has made it possible to virtually eliminate understeer. The developers say that ‘Now automobile changes direction almost at the speed of thought’.
Exterior and interior
Particularly stylish are the B-shaped taillights and the latest matrix headlights at the front. Stylish new 21- and 22-inch wheels emphasize exclusivity and power. In the luxurious interior, smooth trim contours flow from the front into the rear passenger area, creating a fully integrated style. The rear passenger can control the climate system, multimedia, and interior lighting using the touch screen. It can be detached and picked up for ease of use. The main advantages of the new sedan are a view of the car from above, night vision, and head-up display. An optional edge-to-edge panoramic roof with motorized Alcantara shade to match the headlining (15 colors) is available. The number of combinations of basic colors of interior decoration and versions of wood veneer is also huge. There are three audio systems to choose from: ‘650 W, 10 speakers’, ‘1500, 16’ or ‘2200, 19’.
Motors
The heart of car is an updated and improved 6-liter V-12 engine with 635 hp with two turbochargers, paired with an eight-speed preselective transmission with two clutches from ZF. Capable of shifting very quickly, the new Bentley Flying Spur sedan accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds. The top speed is 333 km/h.
