Vehicle Overview
Inspired by the company’s Continental Flying Spur of 1957, the modern sedan is called a “grand tourer born of a coupe.” It has essentially everything offered in the Continental GT coupe, including a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W-12, along with enhanced luxury and space. Like the Continental GT coupe, the Continental Flying Spur has all-wheel drive. Bentley claims acceleration from zero to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. Bentley is owned by Volkswagen.
(Skip to details on the: Continental Flying Spur Speed)
New for 2012
The Series 51 custom exterior and interior colors and features are now available on the base Flying Spur and the Flying Spur Speed. A new standard multimedia system with an 8-inch touch-screen features a 30-gigabyte hard drive for audio and navigation functions and replaces a DVD-based system.
Exterior
Though a sedan, the Continental Flying Spur follows the appearance of the Continental GT coupe. Bentley says the two were developed in parallel to create consistency in their visual appearance. Exterior features include:
- Upright chrome grille
- Large lower air intakes
- Standard 19-inch wheels
- Optional 20-inch wheels
- Bi-xenon high-intensity-discharge headlamps
Interior
Leather surfaces and wood veneers provide a sumptuous feel to the inside of the Continental Flying Spur, which can be equipped with four or five seats. An optional adaptive cruise control system manages the throttle and brakes to maintain a preset distance behind the vehicle ahead. Interior features include:
- Standard 30-gigabyte hard drive multimedia system
- Four-zone electronic climate control
- Standard front and rear heated seats
- Optional ventilated front seats
- Acoustic glass on side and rear windows
- Available Naim Audio 1,100-watt, 15-speaker stereo
- Available fold-down tables for rear passengers
Under the Hood
Breathing with the assistance of twin turbochargers, the Continental Flying Spur’s 6.0-liter W-12 is a flex-fuel engine capable of burning E85. Mechanical features include:
- Twin-turbo 6.0-liter W-12 engine produces 552 horsepower and 479 pounds-feet of torque
- Six-speed automatic with manual-shift mode
- All-wheel drive
- Adjustable air suspension
- Optional fade-resistant carbon ceramic brakes allow for extended life
Safety
Standard safety features include:
- Eight airbags, including full-length side curtain airbags and side-impact airbags for both front and rear occupants
- Electronic stability system
Continental Flying Spur Speed
Introduced in 2009, this package gives the Flying Spur a boost in power and an upgrade in ride and handling, along with a few exterior features. Bentley says the Speed can go from zero to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and can exceed 200 mph. Additional features include:
- Upgraded 6.0-liter W-12 produces 600 hp and 553 pounds-feet of torque
- Ride height lowered 10 millimeters versus standard Continental Flying Spur
- 20-inch multispoke alloy wheels
- Retuned speed-sensitive power steering with solid-mounted front subframe and stiffer rear bushings for better steering response
- Front grille and air intakes in dark-tinted chrome
- Optional bright chrome grille as a no-cost option
- Diamond-quilted hide in the seat facings and door panels
