Bentley customers aren’t exactly lacking in choices when it comes to their ultra-exclusive British automobiles, but now they have one more. Bentley is augmenting its Flying Spur sedan lineup with a new V8 S model.
The V8 S sits between the standard Flying Spur V8 and the higher-end W12 model. Given that the Flying Spur is really a sedan version of the Continental GT, you could also think of it as a Continental GT V8 S with more rear legroom. The Flying Spur V8 S makes its official debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show next month.
In this case, S stands for “sporty.” The 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 produces 521 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque, increases of 21 hp and 15 lb-ft over the non-S Flying Spur V8. That shaves 0.3 second off the sedan’s 0 to 60 mph time, allowing the Flying Spur V8 S to do the job in 4.9 seconds. Top speed is 190 mph.
Power is still sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Bentley tweaked things like throttle response, suspension settings, and the electronic stability control to give the V8 S a sportier feel. There’s also an S driving mode that sharpens things up even further, increases engine braking, and locks out eighth gear, presumably to keep the car from upshifting out of its power band.
Some subtle styling changes differentiate the V8 S from other Flying Spur models. The grille is blacked out, and there’s a new rear diffuser at the back. There are also special 20-inch wheels borrowed from the Continental GT V8 S, and some V8 S badging. Dark-tinted lights, gloss black exterior mirror covers, and 21-inch wheels are also available as options.
The interior is distinguished by piano-black wood trim, and a knurled shift lever and paddle shifters like the ones already used in other Bentley models. V8 S models also get two-tone seats with a contrasting roof center bow, which could make for some trippy color combinations if buyers choose to get really creative. Owners can also get “V8 S” stitching in the headrests, in case they forget what car they’re in.
The Bentley Flying Spur V8 S makes its official debut in Geneva next month. Bentley expects to deliver the first cars this summer. Pricing will probably be somewhere between the V8 and W12 models.
