The third-generation Bentley Flying Spur will represent a “quantum leap in technology, performance and innovation” over its predecessor, according to the Crewe-based maker.
Bentley hopes to establish itself as the leader in the ultra-luxury saloon market ahead of the new Rolls-Royce Ghost’s arrival next year and says it has created a car that “maintains Bentley DNA” to appeal to loyal customers while offering contemporary design to entice a new generation of buyers.
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The goal for the model – which follows the Bentley Bentayga and Continental GT in the sales rankings and makes its public debut at the 2019 Goodwood Festival of Speed - is to offer sports saloon agility paired with limousine refinement so that it caters to both drivers and those being chauffeured. The latter is a crucial selling point for the Flying Spur in China, which is the largest market for the model alongside the US.
Bentley claims that the new Flying Spur “owes only its name to its predecessor” – alluding to its new chassis, suspension, W12 engine and eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Much of the new Flying Spur’s set-up and componentry is shared with the Continental GT, launched last year.
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However, despite the Flying Spur and Continental’s identical underpinnings, including the MSB platform that is also shared with Porsche’s Porsche Panamera, Bentley has sought to differentiate the two cars not only through the difference in body shape but also a number of finer design details both inside and out.
The Flying Spur will launch with Bentley’s familiar range-topping twin-turbocharged W12 engine, reworked for this generation. The 6.0-litre unit produces 626bhp and 664lb ft of torque, accelerating the car from 0-60mph in 3.7sec, 0.7sec faster than its predecessor. The top speed is 207mph. It is mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission promised to deliver “smooth and refined acceleration, quicker gearshifts and improved fuel economy”.
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AARRRGGGHHHHHH!!!!!!
they have changed the lights!! they should be big on the outside and slightly smaller in near the grill the old one look better form the front i think.
even still i do like it, looks very posh and sleek.
While no doubt this is a vast
While no doubt this is a vast improvement over the old model, it looks somewhat disappointing compared with the Continental. Mainly because of excessive detailing and fussy panel bending. Call it bling. Call it cheap. But the Ghost looks much more dignified. The Ghost's overall proportions are so convincing that no further adornment, no further intervention, is necessary.
The grille is pretty bad, but...