London Motor Show 2008: Bentley

British soil, a fairly essential place to make an appearance with some novelty in the case of Bentley. The luxury brand went to the London Motor Show with an updated model, the Continental Flying Spur, although as always… any model attracted people’s attention.

And no wonder: among imposing machines like the Continental GT Speed or the select and luxurious Azure… it’s like stopping at each and every one.

About the Flying Spur, Stuart McCullough of Bentley presented a series of data to show its weight. To begin with its historical relevance forged since 1957; in 2005, starting from the Continental sports car, this four-seat saloon was born, with luxury on all sides.

Since then its success is demonstrated by figures such as the 39% of V12 premium saloons sold being FS, a percentage that rises to 77% in the United Kingdom or 49% in the United States. They also did not forget to mention how loyal a customer remains to Bentley from their first purchase, or the importance of new markets such as Russia or China.

To the point: the Flying Spur received a renewal that was slightly aesthetic, with a new grille, a more aggressive bumper and some touch-ups to the air intakes. For the cabin, acoustic glass is introduced in the side and rear windows, as well as a modified exhaust system. Put briefly, the aim is for the driver to hear nothing more than the background purr of its brutal W12.

A proximity radar is incorporated to maintain the safe distance, avoid rear-end collisions and help keep a constant speed on the cruise control.

Optionally, the Bentley can be fitted as a novelty with a 1100W amplifier (holy moly…), a digital signal processing system, a dynamic equaliser with a 15-speaker sound system designed solely for this model, and an interface for iPod, MP3 and USB in the glovebox.

The rear seats see their on-board experience improved with a better entertainment system—important, since it will be the part of the car where a large percentage of its owners will travel. The suspension has also been revised, and new 19″ wheels fitted with Pirelli tyres are incorporated, among a series of other additions.

But Bentley did not only present at the Show a Flying Spur improved in comfort; it also improved its mechanics. It is called the Flying Spur Speed, the adaptation to four doors of the running gear of the Continental GT Speed presented last year.

Its W12 therefore delivers 600 horsepower, that is, 9% more power than the conventional Flying Spur as well as 15% more torque. It goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and can keep accelerating up to 321 km/h; it is also lower, with 20″ wheels and special Pirelli tyres to give it the necessary grip.

Price? Oh no, please… whoever asks the price is no longer a good customer. And although we are not customers nor do we know it, it is better to leave without knowing it.

Below we leave you with the photo gallery; the first ones belong to the Flying Spur Speed. Regarding this one, I should mention that I was able to step inside and, to my taste… it was not only the best of the Bentley present but also the most impressive, comfortable and luxurious model this writer has seen so far; and now I understand Bentley better.

Photos | Highmotor