The all-new third-generation Bentley Flying Spur has been revealed ahead of a global launch later this year.
Bentley says the new Flying Spur offers a unique combination of limousine luxury and sports sedan performance.
Power comes from an “enhanced version” of the brand’s 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 TSI engine. The hand-build powerplant produces 467kW of power and 900Nm of torque.
All that oomph is sent to an active all-wheel drive system through an eight-speed ZF dual-clutch transmission.
The previous generation Flying Spur used a permanent all-wheel-drive system with a fixed 60:40 power split to the rear/front axles. The new model uses a clutched system which drives the rear wheels until the front wheels slip.
In terms of performance, the Flying Spur can hit triple figures from a standstill in 3.8 seconds on its way to a top speed of 333km/h.
Bentley’s new torque-vectoring-by-brake system and Electronic All-Wheel Steering will be standard, the latter enhances both stability at highway speeds and manoeuvrability around town. During low-speed manoeuvres, the system steers the rear wheels in the opposite direction to the front wheels. This has the effect of shortening the wheelbase, reducing the turning circle, increasing agility and making parking noticeably easier.
The Flying Spur also uses three-chamber air springs which contain 60 per cent more air volume compared to the previous model, while the 48-volt technology allows the new Bentley Dynamic Ride System manage the stiffness of the anti-roll bar, changing the stiffness on demand to combat cornering forces and keep the car level.
Stopping power comes from the same 420mm front discs used on the Continental GT. Incidentally, these are the largest iron brakes in the world clamped with Bentley branded calipers.
Underpinned by a new platform, the Flying Spur’s wheelbase has grown by 130mm to 3194mm. The car now measures 5316mm long, 1978mm wide and 1484mm high.
Exterior equipment highlights include LED matrix headlights with a unique cut-crystal effect, wrap-around rear lamps with the familiar ‘B’ graphic and new 21-inch wheels.
The Flying B mascot sits on the bonnet for the first time on a modern-day Flying Spur, it has been restyled to celebrate Bentley’s Centenary year.
Like all Bentley interiors, the cabin is completely customisable. Buyers can choose from 15 hide colours to match their favourite wood veneer.
A 12.3-inch HD infotainment touchscreen is standard, as is wireless smartphone charging and two USB sockets.
For those in the back, there’s an all-new Touch Screen Remote that can be used to control the blinds, the rear seat massage function, rear climate control and the mood lighting.
The order books for the new Flying Spur will open later this year with deliveries scheduled to begin in early 2020. Australian specs and pricing will be confirmed closer to the launch date.
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