2016 Geneva Preview: The Bentley Flying Spur V8 S is the sportiest Flying Spur ever
The Bentley Flying Spur, although quick, it was basically just an elongated Continental GT Coupe with four doors. And that’s perfectly fine, but it was one of the very last definitions of what you’d call, sporty, in favor of pure luxury and opulent comfort.
Deep within the lineup however, you did find some hidden gems of some models with some remarkable performance. Anyone who’s experienced Mulliner or “Turbo” anything Bentley-related will know what I’m on about.
And so, it has reached the period and time where the Flying Spur gets its own “performance” treatment with the soon to be unveiling of the new Flying Spur V8 S, and yes, “S” denotes “sport.”
So, lets start with the goodies. It has a 0-62 time that’s faster by 0.3 seconds over the standard model for a time of just 4.6 seconds, thanks to a twin-turbocharged 4.0L V8 with 521hp and 502 lb-ft of twist. An automatic is standard with eight forward gears, complements of ZF, obviously, and it tops out at around 190 MPH. They probably could’ve sapped more power out of the V8, but they most likely had to avoid shrinking the power deficit gap between the W12 model, since that wouldn’t exactly work in the W12 model’s case with 616hp and 590 torques.
Power is also split a little differently with the all-wheel drive system, where the rear wheels get 60 percent of it and the front get 40, just to keep things in check. The Electronic Stability Control was also reprogrammed to be less intrusive. Additionally, the fully adaptive and active suspension was also reprogrammed with more aggressive tuning, for increased response, as Bentley describes.
Other than the performance bits, Bentley also festoons the car with plenty of “sporty” exterior and interior bits, like 20-inch wheels bespoke to the V8 S model, a blacked-out grille, an integrated rear diffuser, and optional 21-inch wheels.
The interior gets the sort of piano black wood you’d find on a Wurlitzer, with that same material wrapped around the steering wheel, gear paddles and the gear lever. The hides also get the two-tone treatment in the colors chosen by the customer.
All of this debuts on March 1 at the Geneva Auto Show. So stay tuned.
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BENTLEY FLYING SPUR V8 S: THE SPORTING SIDE OF LUXURY
Feb 17, 2016
- World’s most refined V8 performance sedan gets even more power and torque
- Outputs increase to 528 PS and 680 Nm; 0-100 km/h time just 4.9 seconds with a top speed of 306 km/h
- Revised suspension offers improved body control and handling without sacrificing comfort
- Black radiator grille, rear diffuser and new grille insert give V8 S a dramatic and purposeful appearance
- Unique exterior colours and interior trim options
- New Flying Spur V8 S makes debut at Geneva International Motor Show, 1 to 13 March
(Crewe, 17 February 2016) Bentley Motors is today announcing the introduction of a new model to its range – the Flying Spur V8 S.
Taking its place between the Flying Spur V8 and family flagship W12, the V8 S is tuned for power and performance, with increased engine output and revised suspension offering a more focused, precise driving experience.
The Flying Spur V8 S features a number of sporting styling cues which hint at its new and improved sporting capabilities. A black radiator grille and rear diffuser along with a unique grille insert give the new model a dramatic and purposeful appearance to match its enhanced performance.
Wolfgang Dürheimer, chairman and chief executive of Bentley Motors, said: “The Flying Spur remains unrivalled in its ability to combine class-leading comfort with remarkable dynamic ability. It’s the perfect choice for the customer who wants ultimate refinement as well as an exhilarating, spirited drive.”
The Bentley Flying Spur V8 S will make its global debut at the Geneva Motor Show between 1 and 13 March 2016. First customer deliveries begin in the summer.
More Power, Sharper Handling, Same Class-Leading Comfort
Tuned for power, Bentley’s renowned 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 S engine develops an additional 21 PS, delivering 528 PS (521 bhp / 388 kW) compared to its V8 sibling’s 507 PS (500 bhp / 373 kW). A mighty 680 Nm (502 lb.ft) is on offer from 1,700 rpm. This powers the Flying Spur V8 S to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds (0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds), shaving 0.3 seconds from the V8’s already athletic sprint time. Top speed is 306 km/h (190 mph).
The increased performance is achieved without detriment to the V8 engine’s impressive fuel economy and CO2 emissions, or its ability to cover more than 837 km (520 miles) between fill-ups. The new Flying Spur V8 S returns a combined cycle fuel economy of 10.9 L/100km (25.9 mpg) and CO2 emissions of 254 g/km.
This combination of power, performance and economy is the result of an array of advanced technologies employed in the design of the Bentley V8 engine. Variable displacement, in which four of the eight cylinders shut down when cruising, reduces fuel consumption without any loss of refinement. When more power is required, the engine switches back automatically and seamlessly to the full eight cylinders.
The high-technology V8 engine also features high pressure direct injection, low friction bearings, advanced thermal management, energy recuperation via the electrical charging system and innovative turbocharger packaging for greater efficiency.
Revisions made to both the engine and transmission calibrations have sharpened throttle response and made the Flying Spur V8 S’s power accessible lower down the rev range. In ‘S’ mode, drivers will find a sharper-still throttle response and additional engine braking from the transmission. Eighth gear is locked out when ‘S’ mode is engaged and the knurled paddle shifters are harmonized with the car’s new, sportier side.
In modern Bentley tradition, power is delivered to the road via an all-wheel-drive system with a 40:60 rear-biased torque split for a sure-footed, engaging drive in all road and weather conditions.
Complementing these power upgrades, a new responsive suspension tuning for the Flying Spur V8 S improves handling and body control, while the aluminium double-wishbone front and trapezoidal multi-link rear self-levelling air suspension with continuous damping control ensure that the Flying Spur’s legendary refinement is maintained.
Careful recalibration of the Continuous Damping Control (CDC) system helps improve handling performance and ensures minimal degradation in ride comfort.
The Electronic Stability Control is also optimised for the Flying Spur V8 S. The retuned system allows increased wheel slip at higher speeds with engine torque reinstated more quickly after a system intervention. This provides the spirited driver more opportunity to exploit the full potential of the uprated chassis and increased power. Optional carbon ceramic brakes are available with red or black painted calipers.
However, despite these performance-focussed chassis revisions, the Flying Spur V8 S retains its luxurious, limousine-smooth ride and legendary ability to transport passengers in unrivalled comfort.
Sporting Styling Cues Signal Performance Intent
The Flying Spur V8 S receives dark and sporting exterior highlights. Bentley’s iconic matrix grille is black as standard and together with a Beluga gloss rear diffuser give the Flying Spur V8 S a dramatic on-road presence.
The V8 S is clearly defined with a new and exclusive front grille treatment; a combination of black grille with a body-coloured insert. V8 S badging on the rear haunch, V8 S treadplates and 20” open-spoke painted wheels further reveal the model’s identity, mirroring those of its Continental GT V8 S stablemate.
For those wishing to display an even more extreme look, the Flying Spur V8 S can be specified with an array of aggressive, dark styling elements. Dark-tint lights (front and rear), black gloss exterior mirror covers and a unique Mulliner Driving Specification 21” black and bright machined six-spoke wheel can all be specified to menacing effect.
Inside the cabin, changes are perfectly matched to the sporting exterior. Piano-black wood veneers and a three-spoke sports steering wheel are standard, while a knurled gear lever and gear shift paddles add tactility to the driving experience. A colour split unique to the V8 S features stunning two-tone seats with a contrasting roof centre bow. V8 S headrest stitching is also offered.
Customer Choice Extended for Flying Spur in 2016
To make the Flying Spur even more attractive to customers, Bentley has added an array of exceptional optional features.
A semi-aniline hide option is now available in W12 and V8 S models. The highest quality hide available in the automotive industry, it gives the cabin an even more comfortable, luxurious and natural feel.
Contemporary new straight-fluting on the leather seats adds visual impact, while the Mulliner Driving Specification gains a small-diamond quilting pattern reminiscent of a tailored British jacket.
Flying Spur – Exquisite, Powerful and Individual
With its unrivalled blend of effortless driveability, exquisite craftsmanship and onboard technology, the Flying Spur rightly lays claim to being the world’s finest luxury sedan.
Bentley’s design team has developed an athletic vehicle that combines traditional Bentley styling cues with a sporting stance. Sharp feature lines complement muscular rear haunches, while LED daytime running lights, subtle brightware elements and a choice of stylish alloy wheels afford the Flying Spur a modern, contemporary feel.
On the inside, Bentley has created a luxurious, spacious cabin that encases advanced acoustic and electronic technologies in exquisite hand-crafted leather hides and wood veneers.
The Flying Spur comes complete with a suite of onboard technology to make it an ideal place for work or relaxation on the move. An innovative Touch Screen Remote, deployed from the veneered rear centre console at the touch of a button, allows control of the car’s climate and infotainment systems from the comfort of the rear seat, while the optional Multimedia Specification brings an extensive Rear Seat Entertainment system.
The Flying Spur is available with a WiFi hotspot for connectivity while travelling – confirming the Flying Spur as the ultimate car for work and relaxation.
– By: Chris Chin
