2013 Bentley Flying Spur: the full 360

The Geneva Motorshow is considered the world’s most important auto show. Motoring manufacturers from around the world consider it an opportunity to showcase new models to the valuable European Market. An iconic model from England making its way to Geneva this year is the new Bentley Flying Spur – the world’s fastest four-door saloon and the fastest ever built in Bentley’s history. At first glance, the design cues unique to the Flying Spur model are subtle but appealing. All the usual exterior features fitted to current models are in abundance – LED daytime running lamps are incorporated into the headlights and LED tail lamps complete the Flying Spurs' characterised rear profiles.

                

Bentley's fastest ever four-door features the  6.0 litre twin-turbocharged W12 that was fitted to the successful predecessor model and can be found in the new Flying Spur with 616BHP producing 800Nm of torque. We would expect these figures from a vehicle that weighs a grossly 3 tonnes. However, a 14 per cent improvement to the power-to-weight ratio compared with the outgoing model will take you to 0-100km/h in just 4.3 seconds and on to a top speed of 322km/h. To put the icing on the driveline cake, the 8 speed transmission will enable for low RPM cruising speeds.

Dr Wolfgang Schreiber’s two-cents on the new Flying Spur denote it to be “Bentleys ultimate luxury performance sedan. The new Flying Spur is equipped both for business and relaxation whilst remaining a car to enjoy from behind the wheel”.

On the inside, being a passenger in the new Flying Spur has become all the more enticing. The car will feature its own Wi-Fi hotspot  for those owners who want to post a real-time Facebook statuses or photos while on the fly. Literally. All the technical bells and whistles will feature, such as 14 way electric front seats, 8” touch screen fitted to the centre console, USB charging ports, HDMI connectivity for 10” screens fitted in the rear as a cost extra and an 1100 Watt Naim sound system. This car is exploding with modern technology. We already get the impression that this new Flying Spur continues to have the edge over its ostentatious rival – The Rolls-Royce Ghost.

Having driven the outgoing model on a regular basis, the Flying Spur from Bentley still remains my first choice in the luxury performance sedan class. Although the exterior features of the new model produce a taut and more aggressive stance, the Flying Spur allows for drivers to use it for any occasion; whether it be collecting the kids from Saturday morning sport or attending the Opera.

The Flying Spur will be showcased in the flesh at the 2013 Geneva Motor show on the 5^th of March.

Words By Andrew Beacham