The Bentley Flying Spur stands as a beacon of luxury and performance in the grand touring sedan segment. A key aspect of its appeal lies in the variety of powertrain options available, each designed to offer a distinct driving experience. Prospective owners can choose between a potent V8, an advanced Hybrid, and the formidable W12 engine, ensuring a Flying Spur tailored to their specific desires.
The Driver-Focused Flying Spur V8
For those who prioritize a dynamic and engaging drive, the Flying Spur V8 is an exceptional choice. This model emphasizes agility and responsiveness, delivering a more visceral connection to the road. Beyond its performance prowess, the V8 also brings practical benefits, including extended range and reduced CO2 emissions compared to its W12 counterpart.
At the heart of the Flying Spur V8 is Bentley’s remarkable 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine. This powerplant generates a peak output of 550 PS (542 bhp), translating to exhilarating performance. Twin-scroll turbochargers are integral to its design, ensuring that the maximum torque of 770 Nm is readily available from just under 2000 rpm and sustained across a broad plateau up to 4500 rpm. This flat torque curve contributes to the engine’s exceptional flexibility and effortless power delivery.
The twin-scroll turbocharger design is crucial for the V8’s responsiveness. By incorporating two separate flow channels within the turbine housing, these turbos optimize exhaust gas flow to the turbine, resulting in high torque even at low engine speeds. Positioning the turbos within the engine’s ‘V’ further enhances responsiveness by minimizing the distance exhaust gases travel, leading to quicker turbo spool-up and reduced lag. This innovative design ensures that boost pressure is readily available even after light throttle inputs, akin to a reservoir storing energy, providing instant power when the throttle is fully engaged.
The V8 engine’s configuration, with a 90-degree ‘V’ angle, cross-plane crankshaft, and precisely balanced cylinders, produces the signature V8 engine note that is both characterful and refined. This powerful engine propels the Flying Spur V8 from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 4.0 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.1 seconds), reaching a top speed of 198 mph (318 km/h).
Furthermore, the V8 engine incorporates cylinder deactivation technology to maximize fuel efficiency. Under light load conditions, when torque demand is below 235 Nm and engine speed is under 3000 rpm, four of the eight cylinders are seamlessly deactivated. This transition is imperceptible to occupants, occurring within 20 milliseconds – faster than the blink of an eye. This intelligent system contributes to fuel consumption improvements of up to 16 percent, extending driving range, reducing environmental impact, and requiring fewer fuel stops.
The Environmentally Conscious Flying Spur Hybrid
The Flying Spur Hybrid represents Bentley’s commitment to sustainable luxury, standing as the most eco-friendly model in the marque’s history. This electrified grand tourer embodies the company’s Beyond100 strategy, aiming for end-to-end carbon neutrality as a leader in sustainable luxury mobility.
Hybridization in the Flying Spur does not compromise the hallmarks of Bentley luxury or performance; instead, it enhances the vehicle’s capabilities. The seamless integration of a combustion engine and electric motor ensures refined serenity in any driving scenario. The powertrain combines a 2.9-litre V6 petrol engine with an advanced electric motor, delivering a combined output of 536 bhp (544 PS) and 750 Nm (553 lb.ft) of torque. This setup makes the Flying Spur Hybrid the most fuel-efficient Bentley to date, boasting a range exceeding 700 km on a full tank and battery charge.
Despite its focus on efficiency, the Hybrid model offers performance comparable to the V8. With ample power reserves and instant electric torque, it accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.3 seconds). This powertrain achieves a significant reduction in fuel consumption while retaining the quintessential Bentley character of effortless and refined performance.
The Flying Spur Hybrid provides drivers with clear feedback on powertrain operation via the instrument panel. It displays when the car is running solely on electric power (EV Drive), regenerating energy during deceleration, or utilizing the combustion engine. Inside the cabin, the traditional Start-Stop switch is replaced by a control for three E Modes: EV Drive, Hybrid Mode, and Hold Mode. EV Drive prioritizes electric driving and is automatically engaged upon startup, ideal for city driving and shorter commutes. Hybrid Mode intelligently balances the use of electric and petrol power for optimal efficiency, while Hold Mode reserves battery charge for later use.
Energy flow and charging schedules can be monitored and managed via the infotainment screen. Additional information, including electric range, battery level, and charging status, is presented on the instrument panel, head-up display, and center screen, keeping the driver informed and in control of the hybrid system.
The Unrivaled Power of the Flying Spur W12
For the ultimate expression of Bentley power and luxury, the Flying Spur W12 remains the definitive choice. Powered by an updated twin-turbocharged TSI engine, it sets a new benchmark for performance, agility, and dynamism in the Flying Spur range. This engine, developed and hand-built in Crewe, England, delivers unparalleled smoothness and power.
The twin-turbocharged W12 engine, first introduced in 2003, is the most advanced 12-cylinder engine in the world. Its unique ‘W’ configuration results in a significantly shorter engine compared to a conventional V12, optimizing weight distribution and maximizing cabin space. The latest W12 powertrain incorporates cutting-edge engine management technology, delivering noticeably enhanced performance compared to previous generations. This improvement is achieved through refinements to the crankcase, oil and cooling systems, twin-scroll turbocharging technology, and more efficient injection and combustion processes.
The W12 engine currently produces a formidable 635 PS (626 bhp) and 900 Nm (664 lb.ft) of torque. This immense power propels the Flying Spur W12 from 0 to 60 mph in a breathtaking 3.7 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds), reaching a top speed of 207 mph (333 km/h).
Each W12 engine is meticulously hand-built over 6.5 hours by a team of 45 skilled craftspeople. Following assembly, each engine undergoes a rigorous testing regime lasting over an hour, utilizing three specialized diagnostic machines. This comprehensive testing not only ensures the quality of each engine but also meticulously catalogs the precise behavior of every engine from its creation, providing unparalleled quality control and performance assurance.
