Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed, 2009
Bentley - almost half of new Continental GTs now sold are Speed versions - Bentley now offers the 600bhp (610PS) W12 powertrain in the new Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed to deliver a more powerful and engaging Bentley driving experience.
The Speed engine develops 15 percent more torque and nine percent more power than the standard Flying Spur, while engine efficiency is optimised by the use of lower friction, lighter-weight components and a new engine management system. The resultant performance is exceptional, with a top speed of 200mph (322km/h), a zero to 60mph sprint time of just 4.5 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.8s) and effortless overtaking capability.
The most powerful four-door Bentley ever made, the Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed blends understated design cues to distinguish it from the Flying Spur. Its front grille and lower air intakes are dark-tinted chrome, while at the rear wider rifled sports exhaust tailpipes hint at the potential of the Speed model.
New 20-inch multi-spoke wheels available in both bright silver or darkened carry bespoke Pirelli PZero performance tyres introduced on the GT Speed model, which provide the car with superb grip and feedback.
The Speed's sporting performance is complemented by a highly capable chassis. Tauter handling and greater steering response with sharper turn-in and improved driver feedback is achieved through a retuned Servotronic steering system, direct-mounted front subframe and stiffer bushings.
Improved agility and body control is also achieved through uprated spring and damper settings as well as thicker anti-roll bars front and rear. To aid the car's high-speed dynamics, the Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed's self-levelling air suspension sits 10mm lower.
The advanced electronic stability programme (ESP), uprated to ESP 8.1 for both models, provides a greater degree of driver interaction and control.
The Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed offers a new 'Dynamic Mode' that allows increased wheel slip at higher speeds. Torque is reinstated more quickly after the traction control system is triggered, giving the spirited driver a greater sense of control and the ability to exploit the full potential of the new engine.
ENGINE
* Type: 12-cylinder, 6-litre twin-turbocharged engine
* Installation: Front, longitudinal, all-wheel drive
* Construction: Alloy heads and block
* Bore/stroke: 84 x 90.2mm
* Capacit:y 5998cc
* Compression ratio: 9.0:1
* Valve gear: Chain-driven DOHC per bank, 4 valves per cylinder, cam phased inlet and outlet
* Power: 600bhp/610PS/449kW @ 6000rev/min
* Torque: 553lb ft/750Nm @ 1750rev/min
* Fuel: 98 (95) RON
PERFORMANCE
* Top speed: 200mph (322km/h)
* 0-60mph (0-100km/h): 4.5 seconds (4.8 seconds)
* 0-100mph (0-160km/h): 10.5 seconds (10.4 seconds)
* 50-70mph (80-120km/h): 2.4 seconds (3.1 seconds)
