Bentley’s Flying Spur is the fourth and final model in the automaker’s lineup to receive the Speed treatment.
Revealed on Tuesday, the new Flying Spur Speed effectively replaces the previous Flying Spur equipped with the W-12, as the Speed is now the sole option for the 12-cylinder engine in the Flying Spur family. Other options include a V-8 and V-6 plug-in hybrid setup.
Bentley is in the process of phasing out the W-12, with the recently revealed Batur special edition serving as a sort of celebration of the iconic engine, while at the same time heralding the automaker’s electric future. It means if you were planning to purchase a Bentley with the W-12, you better act post haste.
The W-12 displaces 6.0 liters and features twin turbochargers, and is rated at 626 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque in the Flying Spur Speed. This results in 0-60 mph acceleration in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 207 mph.
Drive is to all four wheels via an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic. The top speed is achieved in sixth gear, as the seventh and eighth gears serve as overdrive gears for improved fuel economy. Completing the drivetrain is an all-wheel-drive system that normally sends most of the drive torque to the rear wheels but can direct extra to the front when slip is detected. The torque distribution varies depending on what drive mode is selected.
Also aiding handling is all-wheel steering and active roll stabilization. The latter relies on an electronic actuator to adjust the stiffness of the anti-roll bar, which enables the stiffness to be adjusted on demand. This is ideal for maintaining stiffness through corners and a supple ride at other times. Stopping power comes from a massive set of brakes, with the front rotors measuring approximately 16.5 inches across. These sit within a set of 22-inch wheels whose design is unique to the Flying Spur Speed.
2023 Bentley Flying Spur Speed
There are additional design cues unique to the Speed, such as the dark tint for the grille and headlight surrounds, plus jewelled fuel and oil filler caps. Bentley also offers a carbon-fiber pack known as the Styling Specification. This adds the carbon front splitter, side skirts, rear diffuser, and trunk-lid spoiler. A Blackline Specification with black accents is also on offer.
The interior matches the sportier vibes found outside, thanks to materials like Alcantara and Dinamica, plus sports pedals. There are also more traditional elements like piano black and wood veneers, and in the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system are graphics unique to the Speed. The seats feature 24-way adjustment up front and 14-way at the rear, and all of them include heating, ventilation, and massage functions.
Deliveries of the Flying Spur Speed start later in the year. Bentley expects the U.S. to be among the main markets, with an anticipated take-up rate of one out of every three Flying Spur sales. Pricing information will be announced at a later date.
Keyword: Preview: 2023 Bentley Flying Spur Speed aims for unadulterated performance in a luxury wrapper