The new four-door luxury saloon is set to borrow the V8 plug-in hybrid powertrain that the Continental GT Speed uses.
The next Bentley Flying Spur has the covers lifted to the world on September 10. Bentley released some teaser shots, including one of the luxury sedan powersliding. That’s thanks to the off-the-line grunt of its new plug-in hybrid V8 powertrain. While technically an update on its forebear, this will likely feature enough new parts to qualify as a new model.
See our 2023 review of the Flying Spur Hybrid
For this is another to use Bentley’s ‘Ultra Performance Hybrid’ system. It comprises a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine working in tandem with an electric motor. The latter mounts within the transmission and this is an AWD vehicle. Total system output is a stated 575kW and 1000Nm of torque. That would be roughly 110kW and 100Nm more than the former W12 engine produced in its predecessor.
The new model will be the most powerful and fuel efficient four-door in Bentley’s 105-year history. It should give the Conti GT a run for its money and that car can hit 100 from a standstill in 3.2sec. No fuel use figures are to hand yet. However, you can expect at least 70km of electric driving and a touring range of around 800km before needing a refill.
A spokesperson said “the Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain is Bentley’s future, delivering astonishing flexibility, from incredibly accessible supercar performance to silent, effortless electric luxury. When fitted to the new Flying Spur, the powertrain will create the ultimate Bentley sedan – potent and tranquil in equal measure.”
It’s likely that the new Flying Spur will also borrow the dual-valve dampers and dual-chamber air-suspension set-up of the Conti GT. It may get the GT’s updated antiroll system too. Expect enhanced ESP and the rear-wheel steering set-up to help with parking and high-speed stability.
From the teaser shots, it would appear that there’s a restyled front bumper and a new grille. Expect some interior tweaks and technology upgrades too.
The PHEV drive system will feature in the next Bentayga SUV at some point.
