Bentley Flying Spur W12 S a faster flagship

BENTLEY Motors has revealed a new Flying Spur W12 S flagship that can fly down the road faster than anything before it, with a nominal output hike enough to make it the car-maker’s first four-door to break the 200mph (321km/h) barrier.

Compared with the existing $423,160 plus on-road costs Flying Spur W12, the tweaked 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine in S specification rises 7kW to 467kW and 20Nm to 820Nm, the latter delivered at just 2000rpm.

While claimed 0-100km/h acceleration tumbles by only a tenth to 4.5 seconds, the all-wheel-drive, eight-speed automatic-equipped flagship will continue onwards to a 325km/h top speed.

Bentley has said a 40:60 front/rear torque split is maintained, however the standard multi-mode adaptive suspension system includes “specific damper and stability control calibrations for a more involving, agile drive”.

“A new responsive suspension tune for the Bentley Flying Spur W12 S improves handling and provides even more traction, while optional carbon ceramic brakes are available with red or black painted callipers,” the brand added in a statement.

The sporting ethos of the W12 S has been aligned with its V8 S sibling, with both Flying Spur models receiving similar engineering highlights, while the larger-engined model can be distinguished by a darker exterior design package.

Little of Bentley’s typically used chromework has been retained for the Flying Spur W12 S. Instead a choice of two 21-inch alloy wheels in black or dark grey are available to match the darkened headlights and tail-lights, and the blacked-out grille, lower front air intake, wing mirrors, door appliques and door handles.

A black ‘engine spin’ fascia is used inside while a satin carbon-fibre finish is one of vast personalisation options available to the well-heeled Bentley buyer. While a dark interior theme is singularly available, 17 colours are available for the diamond-quilted leather seats with multiples of contrast stitching.

Bentley lists a Sports Plus steering wheel as the other main option inside a cabin that already includes as standard multi-zone climate control air-conditioning with rear ‘tablet’ remote.

The main centre screen with Volkswagen Group infotainment system software is retained, complete with Wi-Fi hot-spot capability.

Bentley Motors chairman and chief executive Wolfgang Durheimer said in a statement the W12 S was designed “for customers looking for a Flying Spur with extra attitude” and listed its sharper dynamics, increase in power and “more assertive” design as central to the new model’s appeal.

However the Flying Spur W12 S – which will make its public debut at the Paris motor show later this month – still does not feature the highest outputs of a Bentley W12 engine, falling 11kW shy of the Continental GT Speed Black Edition coupe and 80Nm short of the Bentayga luxury SUV.