Bentley Flying Spur Debuts at Geneva

 Bentley CEO Wolfgang Schreiber minced no words during the reveal of the new Flying Spur at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. After taking the stage, he opened by stating “Bentley is the number-one luxury car maker in the world” and then called for the sheet to be pulled back on the new Flying Spur only a few seconds later.

Bentley Flying Spur Debuts at Geneva, Is Most Powerful Bentley

As you’d expect, Bentley claims the Flying Spur is improved over its predecessor in almost every way. It’s slightly wider, lower, and longer with a more raked profile contributing to 0.29 drag coefficient. It’s a bit lighter, yet has a more powerful 6.0-liter W-12 engine that makes 616 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. This makes it the most powerful four-door Bentley in history, above even the Flying Spur Speed. The reduced weight and increase in powers means a 14 percent improvement in power-to-weight ratio, and 0-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds. Top speed is a claimed 200 mph.

The Flying Spur doesn’t disappoint when it comes to luxury features, either. Thirty square feet of sustainably sourced wood veneers are used in the interiors as well as countless premium cowhides dyed 12 different shades. Features like 14-way adjustable seats, an 8-inch touch-screen display in the center console, and an optional 1100 watt Naim audio system are the kind of luxury touches you’d expect from Bentley. The Flying Spur is also a showcase of new technology. Mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets can be connected to the internet while on the go, via the car’s onboard Wi-Fi system (technology pioneered at Volkswagen group mate Audi). For more on the 2014 Bentley Flying Spur, read our First Look here.

Rear-seat passengers now benefit from a variety of luxuries as well, including enormous headrest-mounted television screens and a variety of A/V inputs, beautifully veneered flip-down picnic tables — even an optional, mini refrigerator hidden between the seats. A new touch-screen remote control stored in the rear console is another high-tech touch, providing wireless access to the climate control, seat heating/cooling, navigation, and the multimedia systems. Or, digitally savvy passengers can download an app that provides the same control via iPhone and Android smartphones

Fuel economy is an estimated 12/20 mpg city/highway; the 2013 model is EPA-rated at 11/19 mpg. The international launch of the new Flying Spur will take place in May in the capital city of the car’s most important market: Beijing. We’ll be on hand to issue a full report. Stay tuned.

Categories: Bentley