Bentley reveals third-gen Flying Spur

BENTLEY has ripped the covers off its new third-generation Flying Spur luxury sedan, revealing updated styling, new technology, greater luxury and a thundering top speed of more than 330km/h.

The new Flying Spur ushers in updated styling on a new platform with a longer wheelbase – by 130mm – for a more imposing road presence.

LED matrix headlights with a crystal-cut detailing effect are now fitted up front, while at the rear the wrap-around tail-lights show off a ‘B’ graphic similar to that shown on the centre console air vents.

Powerful character lines over the front and rear wheelarches give the Flying Spur a purposeful stance, while a range of 21-inch wheels are available for customers as standard, with the option of two 22-inch hoops from Mulliner.

For the first time on a Flying Spur, the flying B mascot is available, while the front end is further differentiated by a gloss black radiator matrix with bright chrome vertical vanes.

Under the bonnet of the new Flying Spur is a revised version of Bentley’s iconic 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12 engine, tuned to produce 467kW/900Nm – and increase of 7kW/100Nm – which helps the 2437kg limousine sprint from standstill to 100km/h in a rapid 3.8 seconds and on to 33km/h.

Mated to a carry-over eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, the new Flying Spur foregoes the previous permanent all-wheel-drive set-up for a new system that usually sends drive to the rear wheels but which can automatically send drive to the front wheels if necessary.

If the Flying Spur goes the same way as the mechanically related Continental GT, a 404kW/770Nm 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 should also join the line-up at some point.

All-wheel steering is offered for the first time for greater stability at high speeds and increased manoeuvrability at low speeds to help the 5316mm-long Flying Spur in tight spaces.

The Flying Spur rides on three-chamber air suspension with 60 per cent more air volume than the previous model, along with active damping aided by four ride height sensors placed around the car.

Stopping power comes courtesy of massive 420mm front discs, with the callipers featuring Bentley branding and the option of a gloss-red finish.

Inside, the Flying Spur features a 12.3-inch infotainment system that can be configured in a number of ways. It is hidden by a wood veneer that stretches across the dashboard and into the door trim.

Leather seats are available in 15 colours, while diamond quilted leather is used on the door trims for the first time. Diamond knurling features on the rotary dials, mirroring the headlight design.

Veneers include crown cut walnut, dark fiddleback and piano, while occupants ride in comfort with seats that include heating, ventilation and massage function.

Rear occupants are treated to an air-conditioning system operated from a digital display, while the centre headrest can be retracted into the seat-back for added driver visibility.

Three audio systems are available, topped by a 2200-watt, 19-speaker system by Naim featuring eight sound modes.

As usual, the interior can also be further personalised through Bentley’s Mulliner tailor program.

A number of driver assistance systems are featured on the new Flying Spur, including traffic assist, city assist, blind-spot monitoringm, head-up display, night-vision camera and surround-view camera.

Local pricing and specification will be confirmed closer to the car’s arrival in Australia.