Following the updates offered for the Continental GT and the Continental GTC models, Bentley->ke15 is also offering an update for its Flying Spur model. Just like with the other models, the Flying Spur will receive both exterior and interior changes, while the engine only received some minor upgrades.

Just like with the other two Continental models, the Flying Spur will receive a tricked out exterior with a more aggressive front fascia, a vented hood, and new headlights. For the rear, the luxury full-size vehicle will get a new trunk-mounted spoiler, slimmer taillights, and a revised exhaust system. The interior will feature even more luxury, thanks to the addition of higher-quality materials and improved technologies.

The new Flying Spur will be about 110 pounds lighter than the previous model, and, according to Bentley it offers no less than 600 new parts.

Updated 02/20/2013: This review has been updated with the official details, images and specs. Hit the jump to read more about the new Bentley Continental Flying Spur.

2014 Bentley Flying Spur

Specifications

• Make: Array
• Model: 2014 Bentley Flying Spur
• Engine/Motor: W-12
• Horsepower: 616 @ 6000
• Torque: 590 @ 2000
• Transmission: ZF 8-speed automatic
• [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Pros

Cons

Exterior

When you look at the revised version of the new Continental Flying Spur you will see design elements seen in all the previous launched Continental models.

Up front, the new Flying Spur will receive a more upright chrome grille and a pair of new, jewel-like LED headlamps and larger outer lamps. The front intake is now full width with no vertical divisions, but instead with a chromed horizontal accent. The front fenders received a new wing vent with an elegant Bentley "B" motif. The rear received a longer and lower boot lid and horizontal single ellipse LED tail lamps.

When designing the body of the new Flying Spur, Bentley focused its attention on making the car lighter. As a result, the bonnet and front fenders are constructed in aluminum, while the front fenders were shaped using the aerospace-industry superforming technique. These updates made the new Flying Spur about 50 kg (110 pounds) lighter than the previous models.

Dimensions

Interior

On the inside, the new Flying Spur received a total of 600 new parts, with only the sun visors, grab handles, armrests, some of the front console and controls carried over from the current model. The model can be ordered in both four and five-seat configurations, and offers redesigned front and rear seats trimmed in natural premium-quality leather offered in twelve different colors. The seats are 14-way adjustable and they include memory and lumbar functions.

The center console has also been redesigned and it adds a new storage area and a new stowage case, trimmed in veneer. The model is offered with the finest wood combined with book-matched and mirror-polished veneer to the fascia panels, consoles, waist rails and picnic tables, while natural leather has been used for the cabin, the roof lining and pillars. The wood used in the car is entirely crafted by hand and it is clear lacquered to enhance the natural beauty of the wood. Customers can choose between a range of seven sophisticated veneers, with burr walnut or dark fiddleback eucalyptus being offered as standard.

The model can be further customized with the new Mulliner Driving Specification which adds: diamond quilted seats, a leather headliner, alloy pedals, a knurled gear lever, a jewel filler cap and a new set of five-spoke alloy wheels.

Drivetrain

Under the new Flying Spur’s hood, Bentley placed an updated version of the 6.0-liter, twin-turbocharged, 48-valve W-12 engine that now delivers a total of 616 horsepower and a peak torque of 580 pound-feet.

This engine received improved torque management, turbocharger control, plus an optimized exhaust system. The engine will be mated to a ZF eight-speed, quick-shift automatic transmission that received an optimized set of gear ratios that help reduce fuel consumption by more than 13 percent.

The new Flying Spur will go from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds and up to a top speed of 200 mph.

Engine

Transmission

Performance

Suspension and brakes

The independent computer-controlled air suspension has also been redesigned to maximize impact absorption and isolation. The new suspension system received front spring rates that are softened by 10 percent and by 13 percent at the rear. The anti-rolls bars have also been softened by 13 percent up front and 15 percent at the rear, while the suspension lever is now softened by 25 percent.

The upgraded suspension system has been combined with a revised damper electronic control (CDC) which enables exceptional low speed ride performance while damping force increases significantly with speed.

The steering system has also been revised with new steering gear specification and a new calibration of the speed-sensitive system. The Flying Spur also received a new air system that will automatically lower the car's ride by 5 mm (0.196 inches) at the front and 10 mm (0.393 inches) at the rear at a speed of 121 mph and then by a further 8 mm (0.315 inches) and 13 mm (0.511 inches) respectively at 149 mph.

The model sits on a new set of 19-inch Classic wheels offered as standard, but customers can choose between a wider range of 20-inch five-spoke, 21-inch six-spoke and 21-inch ten-spoke wheels.

Brakes

Wheels and Tires

Steering

Suspension

Prices

Prices for the new Bentley Continental Flying Spur will be announced closer to its market launch.

Competitors

The list of competitors for the new Continental Flying Spur remains pretty much identical, but now that Maybach is officially out we will have to find another alternative.

Rolls-Royce Ghost

The Ghost has also been updated for the 2013 model year with some new features on the exterior, plus subtle revisions to the interior upholstery and the infotainment system of the car. Under the hood, the car keeps the usual 6.6-liter V-12 engine that develops a total of 563 horsepower and a peak torque of 575 pound-feet. Still, the Ghost has the disadvantage of being offered with a top speed electronically limited to 155 mph and it is also 0.4 seconds slower than the new Flying Spur.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class S600

By the time the new Continental Flying Spur is put on sale, we are pretty sure that the new-generation S-Class will also be unveiled. Rumors suggest that the most powerful version - the S600 - will be powered by a 5.5-liter V-12 delivering about 510 horsepower. You can easily notice this is far less than the output level offered by the Flying Spur, but the S600 offers a cheaper alternative for those looking for a high-end limousine.

Conclusion

The new Continental Flying Spur delivers "unrivalled blend of effortless driveability, exquisite luxury and craftsmanship, sculpted design and state-of-the-art technology." Or, at least, this is what Bentley claims about its new model. If this will really happen or not, we will find out shortly after the Flying Spur will be put on sale.