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Bentley Continental Flying Spur

Second-Generation Continental Flying Spur Unveiled

The Continental Flying Spur, Bentley's four-door saloon in the Continental family, has been updated. Tatsuya Otani reports from the forefront of the latest Bentley, a marque that boasts exceptional quality despite its limited production.

Text by OTANI Tatsuya
Photographs by MOCHIZUKI Hirohiko & Bentley Motors

Enhanced Luxury

Following the Continental GT, which was updated in 2010, the saloon model, the Flying Spur, has also been reborn as a second-generation vehicle.Continental GTThe Continental GT, the saloon model 'Flying Spur' has also been reborn as a second-generation vehicle.

Similar to the Continental GT, techniques such as using superforming technology for the front fender molding are employed. Furthermore, the press lines on the body panels are all sharp, giving the exterior a more refined atmosphere. In particular, the design where the character line rises once near the rear fender is reminiscent of the Mulsanne, further enhancing the sense of luxury.

This impression is further strengthened by the shape of the trunk, which is now longer and lower. Additionally, by changing the rear combination lamps from the conventional vertical design to a horizontal one, it achieves a luxurious yet sporty image.

At first glance, the interior impression has not changed significantly, but 600 new parts have been adopted, with only a small number of components, such as the sun visors, grab handles, and armrests, being carried over from the previous model.

Bentley's Fastest Saloon

The exterior is not the only part that has been refined.

By making the bonnet and front fenders aluminum, and using composite material for the trunk lid, approximately 50kg of weight reduction has been achieved. Despite this, body rigidity has been further improved (torsional rigidity is 36,500Nm/degree, 4% higher than the previous model), and collision safety has also been enhanced.

While it is still powered by the same 6.0-liter W12 twin-turbo engine, the maximum output has been increased to 625ps, the same as the Continental GT Speed.Continental GT SpeedCombined with the aforementioned weight reduction, the power-to-weight ratio is 14% higher than the current model, and fuel economy has also seen an improvement of over 13%.

The specifications, such as the ZF 8-speed automatic transmission and the 40:60 front-to-rear torque distribution all-wheel-drive system, are common with the latest Continental GT.

The suspension features spring rates that are 10% lower at the front and 13% lower at the rear. Additionally, the anti-roll bars and bushings have been set softer, resulting in improved ride comfort and quietness. On the other hand, by refining the characteristics of the continuously variable damping control, the damping force is instantly applied when needed, ensuring excellent handling and stability.

As a result of increased development costs for powertrains and safety features, many low-volume manufacturers are facing difficult situations in terms of cost performance. However, Bentley, backed by the Volkswagen Audi Group, appears to be pulling away from its rivals in terms of technology, quality, and price. We eagerly await the day we can get behind the wheel of the new Flying Spur.

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