So you want to get a Bentley Flying Spur, but you can’t decide which engine to choose. Well, Bentley has just made your decision even harder by introducing yet a new version called 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. So if you are seeking for a sportier Flying Spur, this is probably the one you want to buy.
Under the hood, Bentley’s renowned 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 S engine has been tuned to develops an additional 21hp, delivering 521 bhp compared to its V8 sibling’s 500 bhp. A mighty 680 Nm is on offer from 1,700 rpm. This powers the Flying Spur V8 S to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, shaving 0.3 seconds from the V8’s already athletic sprint time. Top speed is 306 km/h.
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 between fill-ups. The new Flying Spur V8 S returns a combined cycle fuel economy of 10.9 L/100km and CO2 emissions of 254 g/km.
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 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 the ability to transport passengers in comfort.
The Flying Spur V8 S features a number of sporting styling cues which hint at its new and improved sporting capabilities. 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.
The Bentley Flying Spur V8 S will first make its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show between 1 and 13 March 2016 before customer deliveries begin in mid 2016.
