Bentley has revealed a more accessible, V8-powered version of its Continental flying Spur Saloon.
The newcomer sits below the flagship W12, and still provides storming performance, but promises improved fuel economy – and brings a hefty reduction in price.
Just like the Continental GT V8 coupe, the four-door features a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. This sends 500bhp and 660Nm of torque to all four wheels through an eight-speed ZF auto box, and takes the car from 0-60mph in just 4.9 seconds – one-tenth slower than the GT V8.
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Top speed is 183mph. economy is down on the GT V8, too, at 26.4mpg, and the flying Spur emits 250g/km of CO2, although thanks to the 90-litre fuel tank, a range of 520 miles is possible.
A number of minor styling changes set the V8 apart from the W12 flying Spur. At the back there are twin figure-of-eight chrome exhaust tips, while the winged Bentley badges get a red centre – this is how the brand designates its V8 models. The front bumper grille is finished in black, with a wing-shaped mesh insert.
Go for the standard flying Spur V8, and you get a single-piece rear bench, 19-inch alloys and a choice of seven exterior colours and four interior finishes.
For more luxury, you can upgrade to the flying Spur V8 Mulliner, with diamond quilted leather seats, 20-inch five-spoke alloys and a 2+1 rear layout with fully adjustable, heated seats. prices won’t be announced until the official launch at next week’s Geneva motor Show, but if it follows the £11,910 difference between V8 and W12 versions of the Continental GT, we can expect the flying Spur V8 to start from around £121,000 when it goes on sale later in the spring.