Skip advert
Advertisement

Bentley Flying Spur Speed returns with 626bhp W12

One of the fastest four-door saloons is back, this time with a 207mph top speed

Bentley has revealed a reborn Speed derivative of its svelte Flying Spur saloon. It follows a convention set by the Continental GT Speed, combining the most potent version of the W12 engine in Bentley’s arsenal with additional chassis hardware featuring a bespoke setup. The Speed is available to order now, but you’d better be fast saving those pennies, as Bentley has confirmed that it will be one of its last models to feature the venerable W12 engine.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The twin-turbocharged 6-litre W12 powertrain is identical to the one found in a Continental GT Speed, available only in this Speed and the even more sumptuous Mulliner specification car. Here, it produces a peak of 626bhp, supported by a huge 664lb ft of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, a combination that stirs the huge four-door to 62mph in 3.8sec and onto that headline top speed of 207mph. 

Being derived from the latest generation of Continental/Flying Spur architecture, the Speed’s all-wheel drive system is rear-biased, and varies its torque split depending on the selected driver mode. In Sport the system will only send a maximum of 206lb ft, or less than a third of its total torque output, to the front wheels. 

Unlike the Continental GT, the Flying Spur has not picked up an electronically-controlled limited-slip differential on the rear axle, instead it makes do with a brake-steer system that will clip the inside wheel to reduce understeer. 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Advertisement - Article continues below

It does have a rear-wheel-steering system, and a 48V-powered active anti-roll system that helps manage the Speed’s weight laterally by actively adjusting the stiffness of the anti-roll bars. Like all Flying Spurs, the suspension is a triple-chamber air-spring system with adaptive dampers and an adjustable ride height. 

> Bentley Continental GT Speed review

The braking package utilises 420mm front iron discs as standard (equal with the Continental GT Speed in being the largest production car non-ceramic discs in the world), although a carbon ceramic option is also available on the options list. 

The Speed doesn’t feature much in the way of bespoke styling elements, save for some dark-finish vertical slats within the radiator grille and the 22-inch ‘Speed’ wheels also found on the coupe. 

Of course, being a Bentley there are endless personalisation options, so if all the chromework on the body and glasshouse is a little much it can be swapped out for gloss black replacements. There’s also a carbonfibre styling pack and bespoke Speed colour split for the interior on the options list, the latter including a much more vibrant selection of colour options. 

Specific UK prices are still yet to be confirmed, but the Flying Spur Speed will probably be priced at around £220,000 judging by the price of the Continental GT Speed. 

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

New Bentley Flying Spur goes ‘Ultra Performance Hybrid’ with 771bhp
Bentley Flying Spur driving front
News

New Bentley Flying Spur goes ‘Ultra Performance Hybrid’ with 771bhp

Pairing electric power with the twin-turbo V8, Bentley has created its most powerful saloon car yet
10 Sep 2024
Bentley Flying Spur hybrid to be 771bhp ‘four-door supercar’
The new Bentley Flying Spur
News

Bentley Flying Spur hybrid to be 771bhp ‘four-door supercar’

Bentley’s luxury saloon will get the firm’s Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain as part of a comprehensive facelift, set to be revealed on 10 Septembe…
2 Sep 2024
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Best fast estate cars 2025 – performance cars with space and pace
Best fast estates
Best cars

Best fast estate cars 2025 – performance cars with space and pace

For do-it-all transport, nothing nails the brief like a fast estate. These are the very best, from familiar names to hardcore specials
29 Nov 2024
Used Porsche 911 (997, 2004-2012): review, history, specs and buying guide
Porsche 911 997.1
Features

Used Porsche 911 (997, 2004-2012): review, history, specs and buying guide

The 997 might be the ultimate goldilocks 911, blending modern technology, performance and reliability with a slender footprint, feelsome steering and …
29 Nov 2024
Audi RS4 Edition 25 years 2025 review – a fitting farewell to the BMW M3 fighter?
Audi RS4 Edition 25 years interior
Reviews

Audi RS4 Edition 25 years 2025 review – a fitting farewell to the BMW M3 fighter?

Audi's flamboyant fairwell to the RS4 is the edition 25 Years, with Competition suspension and a boost to 463bhp
29 Nov 2024