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December 11, 2020
A Life Achiever on the Allure of Bentley—Dentist Daisuke Tomita x Bentley Flying Spur | Bentley
Presented by BENTLEY
Bentley Flying Spur
The Mechanism Behind the Emotion, Perfected
There is a term, “life achiever.” It refers to people who constantly strive for new stages in life without compromise, whether in their professional or personal lives. For some reason, many of them are Bentley enthusiasts. Perhaps it’s because they resonate with the idea of continuous evolution without compromise. In this feature, we cast dentists who are life achievers and leaders in cutting-edge dental care. In the second part, dentist Daisuke Tomita shares his thoughts on the allure of the Bentley Flying Spur.
Text by OGAWA Fumio | Photographs by MAEDA Akira
Powerful, Refined, and Exclusively Yours
A fine sedan can be an excellent partner for a driven individual. Bentley is arguably the pinnacle. The new Flying Spur, launched in Japan in 2020, is a supremely comfortable, stylish, functional, and enjoyable-to-drive model that we highly recommend for those who live with their cars.
Fundamentally, sedans offer numerous advantages, from ride comfort to an air of dignity. Those with a sporty inclination might be drawn to coupes or SUVs. However, sedans, in addition to the convenience of four doors, provide a superior ride quality due to their suspension structure and lower center of gravity. This is their strength.
The Flying Spur, as its lineage as a four-door version of the Continental GT coupe suggests, is exceptionally enjoyable to drive. It offers an added dimension as a sedan.
Its 5,325mm length and 2,540kg weight are not at all apparent when driving. Despite its elegant appearance, it delivers a driving experience akin to a sports car, from acceleration to cornering.
The 6-liter W12 twin-turbo engine housed under the bonnet accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in a mere 3.8 seconds, a performance rivaling that of a sports car. Yet, its perfectly proportioned body exudes no hint of ferocity.
It is understandable why the Flying Spur is popular among those passionate about their work. It can be driven gently when you're tired, and it elevates your spirits on weekend getaways. Dr. Daisuke Tomita, a dentist, enjoys life with his Flying Spur in this manner.
“It has power, exudes refinement, and it’s also nice that there aren’t many of them around,” says Dr. Tomita, explaining why he has owned his Flying Spur for six years.
He uses the Flying Spur for business travel and for family trips. He even drives it himself for hobbies like weekend barbecues with friends. He finds driving it an absolute joy.
“Before the Bentley, I drove a large German sedan. My grandfather owned an S2 Continental from 1960, so from childhood, I always felt Bentley was the ultimate. I always thought that when the time was right, I would get a Bentley. My grandfather taught me the magnificence of Bentley, and my father taught me the joy of driving. I have two sons, and now my favorite way to spend my off-time is taking them fishing or going on trips in the Bentley. It feels like Bentley is always by my side, whether for work or play.”
A Car That Enhances the Driver's Performance
Dr. Tomita notes that Bentley is interesting because the reality of the car differs from its image once you actually drive it.
Dr. Tomita himself was impressed by the increased refinement of the new 12-cylinder Flying Spur model, introduced in Japan in 2020. Equipped with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, active AWD, and dynamic ride control via electronic suspension, this third-generation model also features an all-wheel steering system called Electric All-Wheel Steering.
“The previous Flying Spur was already an excellent car, but the latest model feels even more refined. The handling and quietness have improved dramatically, transforming it into a superior vehicle. While the second-generation Flying Spur was a bit difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, the new model, despite its longer wheelbase, has significantly improved maneuverability thanks to the all-wheel steering system. Furthermore, the extended wheelbase gives it a more stylish and elegant exterior appearance.”
The all-wheel steering system adjusts the angle of the rear wheels based on the vehicle's speed and steering angle. The rear wheels can either turn in the same direction as the front wheels or in the opposite phase, meaning they turn in the direction contrary to the front wheels.
When the front and rear wheels turn in the same direction, the virtual wheelbase is extended, enhancing stability on highways. Conversely, when they turn in opposite directions, it creates an effect similar to a shorter wheelbase, improving maneuverability in tight spaces like parking lots.
“I find it remarkable how the high technology is seamlessly integrated with human senses,” says Dr. Tomita. Although the Flying Spur is packed with high-tech features, they support ease of driving in a natural way. This aligns well with his own approach to treatment.
Dr. Tomita is actively engaged in treatment, education, and research using XR digital technology (a collective term for technologies like VR: Virtual Reality, AR: Augmented Reality, and MR: Mixed Reality, which merge virtual and real worlds to create new experiences), such as "Holoeyes MD," which has garnered attention in the dental field.
In Dr. Tomita's treatments, intraoral data scanned from patients is visualized in three dimensions using XR headsets, appearing as if floating holograms in real space.
Dental models appear, allowing them to be viewed from any angle and at any size in 360 degrees. It's possible to examine teeth from the back, creating the sensation of being inside the mouth. This facilitates clearer and more detailed information sharing among patients, other doctors, and staff. It moves beyond traditional, intuition-based treatments.
“Treatment accuracy improves, enabling more precise, safer, and reproducible treatments,” says Dr. Tomita, his eyes sparkling as he holds this futuristic tool. New technologies are fully utilized for the patient's benefit, not just for their own sake. This is a testament to Dr. Tomita's insightful concept of pursuing patient-centered treatment.
“I’ve driven various cars, both old and new. While technological advancements in cars have led to improvements in safety and reduced driver effort, I felt that the enjoyment of driving was diminishing proportionally. However, the new Flying Spur has further evolved its ‘driving pleasure,’ dispelling my preconceived notions in a positive way. Driving this car daily as my beloved companion will surely refresh me mentally and physically, spark new ideas and motivation for my work, and ultimately enhance my performance as a driver.”
Interior Finishes Evoke Orthodontic Craftsmanship
The interior also incorporates technology seamlessly. Visually, it emphasizes traditional craftsmanship with exquisite finishes. Beautiful wood trim adorns the dashboard and doors, while the leather sections feature a striking "Diamond in Diamond" embroidery, meticulously crafted by skilled artisans in the interior department using special sewing machines.
However, it doesn't solely rely on a traditional aesthetic. A large 12.3-inch LCD monitor is centrally located on the dashboard, allowing for infotainment control via a touchscreen.
Connecting a smart device enables Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. With a switch, the 12.3-inch LCD screen rotates 180 degrees to reveal the "Bentley Rotating Display," which can show the time, compass, and chronometer. The latest Flying Spur masterfully blends high-tech features with heritage.
“I was most resonated by how, despite having the latest infotainment, it doesn’t gratuitously emphasize advanced features but instead values analog textures, operability, and craftsmanship. The interior, which exudes a sense of dignity alongside luxury, is incredibly comfortable and relaxing.”
The hospitality for rear-seat passengers is also thoughtfully enhanced with technology. A dedicated touchscreen allows control of the blinds, seat massage functions, and climate control. The ability to make fine adjustments contributes to the comfort of all occupants. The concept is clearly focused on the user.
Dr. Tomita also finds another connection between his own profession and the Flying Spur that resonates with him: the finishes in various areas, reminiscent of the "made-to-measure" approach favored by British tailors.
“It connects with my work in orthodontics, which involves meticulous attention to detail and a pursuit of perfection for the patient—a craft that requires a certain artistry. I feel a shared sensibility and am inspired by it.”
The interior finishes mentioned earlier are just one example. Upon closer inspection, knurling is applied to areas that are touched, such as the bezels of the meters and the levers and rotary dials. This serves both the functional purpose of preventing slippage and the aesthetic effect of the fine grooves catching the light and shimmering.
“The previous Flying Spur was similar, but Bentley’s commitment to pursuing the best without compromise, even in unseen areas, greatly influences my treatment philosophy, my approach to patients, and even my life values. There is much to learn from its continuous evolution over many years, never settling for the status quo. For me, whose motto is ‘Give my all to both work and play,’ Bentley is an irreplaceable partner.”
While emotional, its impressive performance is underpinned by a mechanism perfected through meticulous engineering. Rather than overtly showcasing technology, it is integrated seamlessly with human senses. This is likely the reason for the Flying Spur's unique presence as a sedan, born from Bentley's pursuit of perfection.
Spec
Bentley Flying Spur
- Body Size | Overall Length 5,325 x Overall Width 1,990 x Overall Height 1,490mm
- Wheelbase | 3,195mm
- Tread | Front 1,670mm Rear 1,665mm
- Vehicle Weight | 2,540kg
- Minimum Turning Radius | 5.53m
- Engine | 5,945cc W12 Twin-Turbo
- Max Output | 467kW (635ps) / 6,000rpm
- Max Torque | 900Nm / 1,350–4,500rpm
- Transmission | 8-speed DCT
- Drivetrain | AWD
- Tires | Front 265/41ZR20 Rear 305/35ZR21
- 0-100km/h Acceleration | 3.8 seconds
- Max Speed | 333km/h
- Vehicle Price | ¥27,203,000
TOMITA Daisuke
Director, Mirai Orthodontic Clinic, Minami-Aoyama. Representative Director, MEDiDENT Inc.
https://mirise-ortho.com/
