The Bentley Flying Spur, known as the Bentley Continental Flying Spur before 2013, is a full-sized luxury car produced by Bentley Motors Limited since 2005. It is the four-door saloon variant of the Bentley Continental GT two-door coupé.
| Bentley Flying Spur | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Bentley Motors |
| Production | November 2005 – present |
| Model years | 2006–present |
| Assembly | United Kingdom: Crewe (Bentley Crewe) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Full-size luxury car (F) Ultra-luxury car |
| Body style | 4-door saloon |
| Layout | Longitudinal F4 layout |
The Flying Spur is assembled by hand at Bentley's factory in Crewe, England. Briefly, due to lack of capacity at the Crewe factory upon the car's introduction, 1,358 units of the first generation Flying Spur destined for markets other than the United States and United Kingdom were built at parent-company Volkswagen's Transparent Factory in Dresden, Germany. This arrangement ended in early 2007, when all assembly works reverted to Crewe.
First generation (2005–2013)
edit| First generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 2005–2013 |
| Model years | 2006–2013 |
| Designer | Dirk van Braeckel (2001) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Platform | Volkswagen Group D1 |
| Related | Bentley Continental GT Audi A8 Audi S8 Volkswagen Phaeton |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 6.0 L W12 twin-turbo |
| Transmission | 6-speed ZF 6HP26A tiptronic automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 3,065 mm (120.7 in) |
| Length | 2006–08: 5,306 mm (208.9 in) 2009–13: 5,290 mm (208.3 in) |
| Width | 1,915 mm (75.4 in) |
| Height | 2006–08: 1,478 mm (58.2 in) 2009–13: 1,476 mm (58.1 in) |
| Kerb weight | 2,475 kg (5,456 lb) [1] |
Overview
editThe first-generation Flying Spur was officially unveiled at the 75th Geneva Motor Show in March 2005.[2] It had a 5,998 cc (6.0 L) twin-turbocharged W12 engine tuned to produce 560 PS (412 kW; 552 bhp) and torque of 650 N⋅m (479 lbf⋅ft) at 1,600–6,100 rpm. Torsen-based permanent all-wheel drive system was standard on the Flying Spur. It can go 0–100 km/h (0.0–62.1 mph) in 4.9 seconds, and can reach a top speed of 314 km/h (195 mph).[3][4] It also has Adaptive Air Suspension and Continuous Damping Control as standard. At that time, it was the world's fastest and most powerful production saloon.[5]
Sales of the first-generation Flying Spur began in late 2005.[6] During the first full-year sales of the Flying Spur, the number of deliveries exceeded 4,000 units.[7] The Speed model of the Flying Spur was introduced in 2008 as a higher performance variant with revised ceramic disc brakes and tuned to produce 602 horsepower. The acceleration of the Speed model is 0–100 km/h (0.0–62.1 mph) in 4.5 seconds, and can reach a top speed of 322 km/h (200 mph). A total of 1,155 units of the Speed model were produced in model years 2009 and 2010.[8]
Engines
edit| Model | Years | Type/code | Power at rpm, Torque at rpm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flying Spur | 2005–2013 | 5,998 cc (366.0 cu in) W12 twin turbo | 560 PS (412 kW; 552 hp) at 6,100, 650 N⋅m (479 lb⋅ft) at 1,600–6,100 |
| Flying Spur Speed | 2008–2013 | 5,998 cc (366.0 cu in) W12 twin turbo | 610 PS (449 kW; 602 hp) at 6,000, 750 N⋅m (553 lb⋅ft) at 1,700–5,600 |
Transmissions
edit| Model | Years | Types |
|---|---|---|
| Flying Spur | 2005–2013 | ZF 6-speed automatic with wheel-mounted paddle shifters |
| Flying Spur Speed | 2008–2013 | ZF 6-speed automatic with wheel-mounted paddle shifters |
The steering column-mounted paddle shifters enable direct access to the six-speed gearbox when the ZF transmission is in "S" or sports mode.
Second generation (2013–2019)
edit| Second generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 2013–2019 |
| Designer | Luc Donckerwolke |
| Body and chassis | |
| Platform | Volkswagen Group D1 |
| Related | Bentley Continental GT Volkswagen Phaeton |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 6.0 L W12 twin-turbo[9] 4.0 L V8 twin-turbo |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic[9] |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 3,066 mm (120.7 in)[9] |
| Length | 5,299 mm (208.6 in)[9] |
| Width | 1,978 mm (77.9 in)[9] |
| Height | 1,488 mm (58.6 in)[9] |
| Kerb weight | 2,475 kg (5,456 lb)[9] |
The second generation Flying Spur was unveiled in March 2013 at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.[10][11][12] In addition to the W12 engine from the previous generation, a lower-cost V8-engined version was also available.
The "Continental" prefix was omitted; according to Bentley's designers, this was a conscious attempt to take the Flying Spur in a more opulent direction and distance it from the more driver-oriented, two-door Continental GT range[13] (historically, the Continental name has generally been used by Bentley to refer to models of a "sporting" nature). Despite this, the Flying Spur and Continental GT continue to share the same engineering platform.
Engines
edit| Model | Years | Type/code | Power at rpm, Torque at rpm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flying Spur W12 | 2013–2019 | 5,998 cc (366.0 cu in) W12 twin turbo | 625 PS (460 kW; 616 hp) at 6,000, 800 N⋅m (590 lb⋅ft) at 2,000 |
| Flying Spur V8 | 2014–2019 | 3,993 cc (243.7 cu in) V8 twin turbo | 507 PS (373 kW; 500 hp) at 6,000, 660 N⋅m (487 lb⋅ft) at 1,700 (1,750?) |
| Flying Spur V8 S | 2016–2019 | 3,993 cc (243.7 cu in) V8 twin turbo | 528 PS (388 kW; 521 hp) at 6,000, 680 N⋅m (502 lb⋅ft) at 1,700 |
| Flying Spur W12 S | 2016–2019 | 5,998 cc (366.0 cu in) W12 twin turbo | 635 PS (467 kW; 626 hp) at 6,000, 820 N⋅m (605 lb⋅ft) at 2,000 |
Transmissions
edit| Model | Years | Types |
|---|---|---|
| Flying Spur W12 | 2013–2019 | ZF 8-speed automatic with Quickshift, Block Shifting and wheel-mounted paddle shifters |
| Flying Spur V8 | 2014–2019 | ZF 8-speed automatic with Quickshift, Block Shifting and wheel-mounted paddle shifters |
| Flying Spur V8 S | 2016–2019 | ZF 8-speed automatic with Quickshift, Block Shifting and wheel-mounted paddle shifters |
-
Interior -
Bentley Flying Spur V8 front -
Bentley Flying Spur V8 rear -
Bentley Flying Spur W12 rear
Third generation (2019–2024)
edit| Third generation | |
|---|---|
 2019 Bentley Flying Spur "First Edition" | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 2019–2024 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Platform | Volkswagen Group MSB platform |
| Related | Bentley Continental GT Porsche Panamera (LWB) |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 6.0 L W12 twin-turbo 4.0 L V8 twin-turbo 2.9 L V6 twin-turbo PHEV |
| Electric motor | 100 kW (134 hp; 136 PS) AC induction motor: PHEV |
| Transmission | 8-speed Porsche PDK |
| Hybrid drivetrain | PHEV (Flying Spur Hybrid) |
| Battery | 14.1 kWh Lithium ion |
| Electric range | 25 mi (40 km) |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 3,194 mm (125.7 in) |
| Length | 5,316 mm (209.3 in) |
| Width | 1,987 mm (78.2 in) |
| Height | 1,484 mm (58.4 in) |
| Kerb weight | 2,437 kg (5,373 lb) (W12) 2,330 kg (5,137 lb) (V8) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Bentley Mulsanne (indirect) |
The third-generation Flying Spur was unveiled in June 2019.[16][17] The car has been completely overhauled and is built on a brand-new platform, resembling the current Continental GT. The front received a new grille with vertical slats, akin to those of Rolls-Royce era Bentleys, while the rear features new taillights that incorporate a B motif. The bonnet mascot is now illuminated at night, electrically deployable, and capable of meeting pedestrian impact requirements. The interior boasts an optional rotating 12.3 in (31.2 cm) display and an all-new Touch Screen remote that allows rear occupants to control several systems.
Rear-wheel steering is new and is accompanied by air springs with 60 percent more volume than its predecessor. The all-wheel-drive system is also new and uses an electronically controlled clutch pack. Compared to the second generation model, the new Flying Spur gets close to 130 mm additional wheelbase.
Variants
edit- Flying Spur First Edition (2019‒2020)
- Flying Spur (2019‒2024)
- Flying Spur Azure (2022‒2024)
- Flying Spur S (2022‒2024)
- Flying Spur Speed (2023‒2024)
- Flying Spur Mulliner (2021‒2024)
-
W12, rear view -
V8, front view -
V8, rear view -
Mulliner Variant; V6 Hybrid
Powertrains
editThere are three powertrains available for the Flying Spur: a 6.0 L W12, a 4.0 L V8, and 2.9 L V6 plug-in hybrid, all of which have twin turbos. The W12 variant accelerates from 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) in 3.7 seconds and reaches a maximum speed of 211 mph (340 km/h). It produces 626 horsepower (467 kW) and 664 pound-feet (900 N⋅m) of torque. It is available only on the Mulliner and the Speed Variants.
The V8 variant produces 549 hp (409 kW) and 568 lb⋅ft (770 N⋅m) of torque and accelerates from 0-62 mph in 4.1 seconds, with a top speed of 198 mph (319 km/h).[18] It is available on all trim levels except for the Speed and Odyssean edition.
The plug-in hybrid variant uses a 2.9 liter V6 engine combined with a 14.1 kilowatt-hour battery to deliver a claimed electric range of 40 kilometers (25 miles) and a 0-60 time of 4.1 seconds. With a combined power of 536 hp (400 kW) and a top speed of 177 mph (285 km/h), it is the slowest of the three powertrains.[19] It is available on all variants except for the Speed Variant.
The Flying Spur became the only Bentley sedan model after the production of the Mulsanne ended in the second quarter of 2020 without a direct successor.[20]
In March 2021, Bentley issued a recall for a single Flying Spur due to an improper welding process used on the fuel tank.[21]
| Model | Drive type | Engine(s) | Max. Power | Max. Torque | Top Speed | 0–100 km/h (0-62 mph) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flying Spur | All-wheel drive | 4.0 L twin-turbo V8 | 2.9 L V6 (with electric motor) | 399 kW (542 bhp) | 394 kW (536 bhp) | 770 N·m (568 ft·lb) | 750 N·m (553 ft·lb) | 319 km/h (198 mph) | 285 km/h (177 mph) | 4.0 seconds | 4.1 seconds |
| Flying Spur Azure | |||||||||||
| Flying Spur S | |||||||||||
| Flying Spur Speed | All-wheel drive | 6.0 L twin-turbo W12 | *n/a | 467 kW (626 bhp) | *n/a | 900 N·m (664 ft·lb). | *n/a | 333 km/h (207 mph) | *n/a | 3.7 seconds | *n/a. |
| Flying Spur Mulliner | |||||||||||
Special editions
editFlying Spur Odyssean Edition
editOn 29 July 2021, Bentley announced a special edition of the Flying Spur, as a celebration of the new Flying Spur Hybrid. Dubbed the Odyssean Edition, it features exterior trims and 21" wheels both finished in Pale Brogar. The interior features open pore koa wood and piano linen console, tweed panels and a three-colour hide combination.[22]
Fourth generation (2024–present)
edit| Fourth generation | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Production | 2024–present |
| Body and chassis | |
| Platform | Volkswagen Group MSB platform |
| Related | Bentley Continental GT Porsche Panamera (LWB) |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 6.0 L W12 twin-turbo 4.0 L V8 twin-turbo 2.9 L V6 twin-turbo PHEV |
| Electric motor | 100 kW (134 hp; 136 PS) AC induction motor: PHEV |
| Transmission | 8-speed Porsche PDK |
| Hybrid drivetrain | PHEV (Flying Spur Hybrid) |
| Battery | 14.1 kWh Lithium ion |
| Electric range | 25 mi (40 km) |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 3,194 mm (125.7 in) |
| Length | 5,316 mm (209.3 in) |
| Width | 1,987 mm (78.2 in) |
| Height | 1,484 mm (58.4 in) |
| Kerb weight | 2,437 kg (5,373 lb) (W12) 2,330 kg (5,137 lb) (V8) |
The fourth-generation Flying Spur was unveiled in September 2024.
Production
edit| Year | Production |
|---|---|
| 2005 | 4,271 |
| 2006[23] | 4,042 |
| 2007 | 2,270 |
| 2008[24] | 1,813 |
| 2009 | 1,358 |
| 2010[25] | 1,914 |
| 2011 | 2,354 |
| 2012[26] | 1,764 |
| 2013 | 3,960 |
| 2014[27] | 4,556 |
| 2015 | 3,660 |
| 2016[28] | 1,731 |
| 2017 | 2,295 |
| 2018[29] | 1,627 |
| 2019 | 102 |
| 2020[30] | 3,381 |
| 2021 | 3,947 |
| 2022[31] | 4,226 |
| 2023[32] | 3,178 |
References
edit- ^ "Bentley Flying Spur Detailed Specifications". Archived from the original on 26 March 2012. Retrieved 17 February 2012.
- ^ "A Bentley Continental Flying Spur is on display as a first world presentation at the 75th Geneva motor Show in Geneva, Switzerland, March 2, 2005. Powered by a 6-litre twin-turbocharged 12-cylinder engine producing 557 BHP, this Bentley saloon has a top speed of 305 km/H and accelerates from 0 to 100 km in 5 seconds" (photo caption). Alamy.
- ^ "Continental Flying Spur specification". BentleyMotors.com. Archived from the original on 1 September 2009.
- ^ "Bentley Continental Flying Spur – Media information". Bentley Motors. 2005. Archived from the original on 23 August 2013.
- ^ Stahl, Michael (11 April 2005). "Bentley Flying Spur - Out Of Africa Road Test". Motortrend. Archived from the original on 25 July 2021.
- ^ "Bentley Continental Flying Spur – an introduction". Bentley Motors. 19 January 2005. Archived from the original on 10 October 2015.
- ^ "Continental Flying Spur leads Bentley's global sales success". Archived from the original on 24 August 2013.
- ^ Rijkers, Marinus. "Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed: 2009 onwards". RRSilverSpirit.com. Archived from the original on 20 January 2016.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Bentley Flying Spur Detailed Specifications". Bentley Motors Limited. Retrieved 10 March 2013.
- ^ Ewing, Steven J. (4 March 2013). "2014 Bentley Flying Spur makes its Swiss debut". Autoblog. Retrieved 26 November 2023.
- ^ "2014 Bentley Continental Flying Spur Unveiled Ahead of 2013 Geneva Auto Show". Edmunds.com. 19 February 2013. Retrieved 10 March 2013.
The face-lifted 2014 Bentley Continental Flying Spur was unveiled on Tuesday ahead of a global debut at the 2013 Geneva Auto Show
- ^ Bentley introduces the all-new Flying Spur, Bentley Motors Limited, archived from the original on 24 March 2013, retrieved 10 March 2013
- ^ "Bentley introduces the all-new Flying Spur", The Daily Telegraph, London, 20 February 2013, retrieved 10 March 2013,
That GT icon was hard to shift in our minds. But eventually we realised we did have the potential to push the boundaries and were inspired to design a car in its own right, which is why the Continental name has been dropped.
- ^ "The All-new Bentley Flying Spur". Retrieved 27 October 2018.
- ^ "Bentley Announces Luxury And Performance Upgrades To Continental And Flying Spur Models". Bentley Motors. 25 February 2014. Archived from the original on 4 November 2014.
- ^ Duff, Mike (11 June 2019). "The 2020 Bentley Flying Spur Is New from the Ground Up and Way More Luxurious". Car and Driver.
- ^ Reid, Rory (11 June 2019). "The new Bentley Flying Spur is a luxury limo you can drift". Roadshow.
- ^ Petrány, Máté (15 October 2020). "The 2021 Bentley Flying Spur With a 549-HP V8 Isn't for Your Chauffeur". The Drive. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
- ^ Southwell, Hazel (6 July 2021). "2022 Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid: 536 HP Combined From an Electrified V6". The Drive. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
- ^ Walsworth, Jack (15 January 2020). "Bentley drops Mulsanne; Flying Spur to become flagship sedan". Automotive News Europe.
- ^ Tsui, Chris (4 March 2021). "Bentley Recalls Just One (1) Flying Spur Sedan". The Drive. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
- ^ "Flying Spur Hybrid Odyssean Edition: A glimpse into Bentley's future". Bentley Newsroom. Bentley Motors. 29 July 2021. Retrieved 26 November 2023.
- ^ "Annual Report 2006". Volkswagen.
- ^ "Annual Report 2008". Volkswagen. p. 81.
- ^ "Annual Report 2010". Volkswagen. p. 109.
- ^ "Annual Report 2012". Volkswagen. p. 107.
- ^ "Annual Report 2014". Volkswagen.
- ^ "Annual Report 2016". Volkswagen.
- ^ "Annual Report 2018". Volkswagen.
- ^ "Annual Report 2020". Volkswagen.
- ^ "Annual Report 2022". Volkswagen.
- ^ "Annual Report 2023". Volkswagen.
External links
edit
- Bentley pages: Continental Flying Spur, Continental Flying Spur Speed, Flying Spur, Flying Spur W12 Mulliner
- BENTLEY Continental Flying Spur Speed – 2009 Test drive and review by Autoevolution.com
- Press kit: 2009 Continental Flying Spur/Continental Flying Spur Speed, Flying Spur, Bentley Flying Spur, Bentley