Geneva show: Bentley boosts Flying Spur V8

BENTLEY has taken its V8-powered Flying Spur super sedan to the tuners, adding more grunt under the bonnet, a sharper chassis and an S badge, without compromising the ride or fuel economy it says.

The third variant in the Flying Spur stable will show off its new performance credentials at the Geneva motor show next month, which includes an additional 15kW and 20Nm for an output of 388kW/680Nm from its twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8, reprogrammed eight-speed transmission and retuned suspension.

The introduction of the V8 S follows the same evolution of the Flying Spur's coupe sibling range, which gained a V8 S variant alongside Continental GT V8 and W12 versions in September 2013.

With its boosted engine, the Flying Spur V8 S accelerates from zero to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds and can crack a top speed of 306km/h, but despite the feistier figures, the Bentley still uses 10.9 litres of fuel per 100km.

That frozen figure is partly thanks to cylinder deactivation technology that Bentley calls “variable displacement”, which enables the engine to run on half its cylinders when cruising.

With its new S badge comes a new S function which, when selected, increases throttle response and engine braking when on overrun, while the transmission reprogram locks out top gear.

Like the V8 and W12 variants, the V8 S has aluminium double wishbone suspension up front and trapezoidal multi-link layout with self-levelling function at the rear, but for the new version, the chassis has been tuned to enhance body control and handling.

Complementing the chassis tune is reprogrammed electronic stability control (ESC), which allows more wheel slip at higher speeds for a more involved feel when near the limits of adhesion. The new ESC map also reinstates power following an intervention.

Customers wit a little more cash to splash can option an exotic carbon ceramic brake rotor kit with either black or red callipers. Bentley has not released pricing for the upgrade but on other brand vehicles similar packages attract about a $20,000 premium.

V8 S versions stand apart from other Flying Spurs with a black and body-coloured grille, V8 S badging and 20-inch open spoke wheels.

Its look can be further customised with a range of extra gloss black trims and parts, including smoked front and rear light lenses, gloss black mirror covers and 21-inch Mulliner Driving Specification wheels.

Sportier black accoutrements continue throughout the interior of the V8 S with piano black wood veneer, three-spoke sports steering wheel and two-tone leather sports seats with contrasting stitching.

With the introduction of the new variant, Bentley has extended the choice of customisation options available for all Flying Spurs, including a semi-aniline leather which preserves the hides natural surface and markings. Bentley says it is the finest quality leather available in the automotive industry.

Pricing and Australian allocation is yet to be announced but the Flying Spur V8 S would be positioned between the $378,197 before on-road costs V8 and the $423,160 W12.

If the evolution of the line-up continues to mimic the Continental GT range, Bentley could add a fourth Speed variant to the Flying Spur line-up as it did with the coupe.