CAFÉ RACER 76: New 616bhp Bentley Continental Flying Spur to Touch Down at Geneva

Bentley has revealed details of the second-generation Continental Flying Spur ahead of the car's debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. Revisions centre on a big hike in power, as well as improvements in styling and refinement.

Using the familiar 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12, the new Flying Spur produces 616bhp and 580lb ft of torque: a healthy boost over the previous generation’s 552bhp and 479lb ft. It also benefits from a 50kg reduction in weight (achieved by the use of stronger, lighter materials which also bolster chassis rigidity), promising to help the new Bentley cover ground that much quicker.
Few doubted the MK I Flying Spur’s performance - it was a perceived lack of refinement that was of concern to many. But Bentley insists that such issues have now been fully addressed. Along with a stronger chassis (supposedly better at absorbing noise and vibration), the sound-deadening has been completely overhauled, with new acoustic glass and under-floor panels, door seals and exhaust mufflers.

Ride comfort is now better, with new (apparently quieter) tyres and softer suspension settings combining to create the typical, mile-swallowing capabilty owners expect of a Bentley. Two 10-inch screens (paired with the on-board WiFi connection) allow rear passengers to continue working on longer journeys. Whether you’d want to is another matter.
Despite cocooning its occupants in a ‘softer’ manner, the styling has become sharper. Clear-cut feature lines, muscular rear haunches, a lower roofline and a more upright grille give the Flying Spur a more aggressive stance, while the rear lights appear to be a development of those seen on the EXP 9 F SUV concept last year.