TRANSPORT

FLYING SPUR

Bentley introduced the third generation of the Flying Spur — this new, more powerful and luxury car will hit the market in 2020.
18 June, 2019
The new model combines the maneuverability of a sports sedan with the elegance of a modern limousine.
The Flying Spur gets one innovation that no Bentley has ever had: four-wheel steering. As with most such systems, the Spur's turns the rear wheels opposite the front wheels at low speeds and in the same direction at high speeds, the goal is to improve both maneuverability and agility.

The car is based on a new chassis type made of aluminum and composite materials. The vehicle has received a pneumatic suspension with the function of changing the stiffness to combat rolls in turns. Flying Spur became the first model in the history of the brand with a full-control chassis. The Flying Spur wheelbase is increased by 130 mm (up to 3195 mm) compared to the second generation sedan. At the same time, the length grew 17 mm (up to 5316 mm), the width remains the same (1978 mm), the height decreased by 4 mm (1484 mm)

The model is equipped with a 6.0-liter W12 twin-turbo engine (635 HP, 900 Nm of torque) and an eight-speed ZF transmission with dual clutch. Acceleration to 100 km/h takes 3.8 s, maximum speed – 333 km/h.

The Flying Spur got a higher-volume air springs, 48-volt Dynamic Ride suspension (which can change the stiffness of the anti-roll bars on the fly), the world's largest iron brakes, and torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive. The Flying Spur also gets a variable exhaust so it can get pretty loud during the driving and whisper when a person is being chauffeured.

The design of the sedan corresponds to the corporate style of modern Bentley models. Led lights are decorated with crystals, which are complemented by special lightning elements in the form of the letter B. On the hood of the Flying Spur an updated three-dimensional logo can be found. The emblem is equipped with an electric drive and lighting and it rises from the hood when the driver with the key comes to the car.

The 2020 Flying Spur rides on a new platform with a combination of aluminium and high-strength steels running throughout the body structure. The car's lines and surfaces come by way of "aluminium super-forming," a process first utilized for the new Continental GT. Extensive use of aluminum helps to lower the weight by almost 40 kilograms.

From the elegant exterior, passengers get into a spacious comfortable cabin of comfort. Modern handcraftsmanship is shown with single and dual veneer wood options paired with fluted leather seating or, alternatively, unique mulliner driving specification diamond quilting on the seats and leather door inserts. The console combines digital with analogue technology to showcase Bentley's infusion of updated traditions.

Bentley will begin taking orders for the new Flying Spur this fall, deliveries will begin from early 2020. Models will compete with the top versions of Mercedes-Benz S-class – AMG and Maybach.

Banner image: carbuyer.co.uk