Bentley Continental Flying Spur appealing to enthusiasts

Bentley are hoping the new Continental Flying Spur will deliver the levels of refinement, comfort and customer personalisation that enthusiasts have come to expect from its cars.

The class-leading 12-cylinder luxury saloon will also be joined by the 600 bhp (610PS) Continental Flying Spur Speed.

Since its launch in 2005, the Continental Flying Spur has been a great success story for Bentley, becoming the most successful 12-cylinder luxury saloon in the world. It has also played an important part in the recent revitalisation of Bentley.

The new model's style will feature a subtle tweaking to the front and rear design, with a new, more upright grille and bolder lower air intake.

A range of noise-absorbent measure - including acoustic glazing, tri-laminate body undertrays and wheelarch liners - are included as standard.

The new Flying Spur may now be specified with a sophisticated follow-to-stop, radar-based adaptive cruise control system, which monitors traffic ahead and manages the throttle and brakes to maintain a pre-set time gap, up to a driver selected set speed.

The aluminium-intensive suspension of the Flying Spur features revised spring and dampers and a new bespoke 19-inch Pirelli UHP tyre. The Flying Spur Speed can go from 0 to 60mph in a sprint time of 4.5 seconds, at a top speed of 200mph.

A lowered ride height, uprated and redesigned suspension as well as retuned steering deliver pleasing agility and body control. Impressive grip comes from 9.5Jx20 multi-spoke alloy wheels with bespoke Pirelli P-Zero UHP performance tyres.

Bentley chairman and chief executive, Dr Franz-Josef Paefgen, explained the rationale behind the new range, saying: "The global success of the Continental Flying Spur has created a new generation of Bentley owners.

"Responding to their feedback, we have refined an already remarkable car and with the debut of the Flying Spur Speed we are extending its appeal."