The Geneva Motor Show->ke228 kicks off in a couple of weeks, but Bentley->ke15 couldn’t wait to debut the next model it is adding to its lineup – the Flying Spur V8 S. As you probably guessed, this new model will slot between the Flying Spur V8 and the Flying Spur W12. Unlike some automakers, Bentley has gone the extra mile with this addition to its lineup. It’s not just another Flying Spur V-8 with a few technological upgrades of some visual upgrades. Sure, Bentley has altered the exterior appearance a bit, but Bentley actually put some work into improving power output and driving performance over the base Flying Spur V8.

The differences between the standard Flying Spur V8 and the V8 S aren’t huge, but they are enough to set the V8 S apart from the standard model without stepping in the W12’s territory. After all, as Wolfgang Dürheimer – Chairman and CEO of Bentley – put it, “The Flying Spur remains unrivaled in its ability to combine class-leading comfort with remarkable dynamic ability. It’s the perfect choice for the customer who wants ultimate refinement as well as an exhilarating, spirited drive.”

The Flying Spur does exactly that, but this new mid-range model will give the customer a worthy choice if he is looking for something more than the base model but not looking to spend the cheddar required to acquire a W12 model. At this point, I’m sure you’re ready to hear about what sets the V8 S apart from its lesser counterpart, so let’s take a look at some images and see what Bentley is bringing to Geneva in March.

Exterior

Outside, the Flying Spur V8 S is still recognizable as a Flying Spur, but take a look at the front end. The matrix grille is painted black, and down below, the fascia has changed a bit. On the standard model, and body colored louver extends across the air dam. On the V8 S model, that louver has been given a more aggressive design over the black background provided by the air dam. It isn’t shown in these images, but as an option, the V8 S can be equipped with tinted headlights.

To the sides, there isn’t a whole lot to speak of, but the V8 S does come with its own set of 20-inch open-spoke painted wheels. As an option to set the V8 S further apart, Muliner Specification 21-inch, machined, six-spoke wheels can be added for a premium. In addition to the larger wheels, the mirror covers can also be optioned in a high-gloss black finish.

Around back, the rear diffuser has been finished in Beluga gloss that gives the rear end a somewhat mysterious appearance. The taillights can also be optioned with a tinted lens, just like the headlights. As I said before, it isn’t much, but the changes to the front fascia, the new wheels, and that rear diffuser are enough to set this model apart from the rest. Don’t think we’re done here, there, there is plenty more to talk about as we move down the page.

Exterior Dimensions

Interior

Inside, Bentley managed to tie the exterior to the interior quite well. As you sit in the driver’s seat, you’ll find a three-spoke steering wheel and Piano-black wood veneers, giving a dark yet elegant appearance to the inside. Improving the actual feel of the interior, Bentley added a knurled gear shifter and shift paddles. The V8 S is equipped with two-tone seats that are contrasted by the roof’s center bow. “V8 S” is also stitched into the headrests.

As you can see from the image Bentley provided of the interior, there are also some additional options available with the release of the V8 S. Said to make the cabin more comfortable and natural feeling, Bentley offers up semi-aniline hide as an option, and the seats can be optioned with straight fluting. When equipped with Mulliner Driving Specification, the interior is graced with a small-diamond quilting pattern on the dash, door trim, and seat inserts, giving the V8 S its own unique look amongst the other Flying Spur models.

Of course, all of this only adds to what is already a beautiful, functional, and comfortable cabin. The V8 S still comes with all of the standard features and technology found in the base-model Spur, including a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Drivetrain

The V8 S is naturally powered by the same 4.0-liter, twin-turbo, V-8 found in the base Flying Spur, but it has taken on a few upgrades of its own. To put it simply, Bentley tuned the V-8 to produce more power than what is currently available on the base model. The engine is equipped with variable displacement – also known as cylinder deactivation – high-pressure direct injection, advanced thermal management, an energy recuperation system, and low-friction bearings. The combination of this technology along with certain revisions to the calibration of the engine and transmission control systems allows an increase in output and torque.

All told, the V-8 can now put out 521 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. That is 21 horsepower and 14 pound-feet more than the standard V8 Spur. This allows the V8 S to hit the 60 mph benchmark in 4.6 seconds – an improvement of 0.3 seconds. The extra power comes without change to the engines ability to achieve 25.9 mpg. Top speed has increased from 183 mph to 190 mph.

In addition, CO2 emissions output remains the same at 254 grams per km as well. The calibration technique used to increase power output also brings better throttle response when the car is set to “S” driving mode. This mode also locks out 8th gear and provides additional engine braking through the transmission – giving he V8 S a much sportier driving characteristic. Power is sent to all four wheels, with a power distribution of 40 percent in the front and 60 percent in the rear.

Bentley didn’t stop there. It also recalibrated the Continuous Damping Control system to provide better stability control and overall ride. The electronic stability control system was further enhanced to allow increased wheel slip at higher speeds. When the ESC system does kick it, it is now programmed to provide full engine torque to the wheels quicker than before. This should allow the driver to “play” a little more, if that is something you would really want to do on a regular basis with a car of this caliber. As an option, carbon ceramic brakes are available and include painted calipers in your choice of red or black. Altogether, you have to admit that Bentley did a pretty good job in raising the bar for this new model.

Drivetrain Specifications

Prices

Bentley has yet to release pricing information for the V8 S, but we will update you as soon as we hear more about it.

Competition

Aston Martin Rapide S

The Rapide S is another one of those luxurious, but ridiculously fast sedans that most of us would be lucky to ride in, let alone own one. The Rapide S is powered by a 5.9-liter V-12 that puts out 552 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. Of course, this puts the Rapide S in a slightly higher horsepower bracket than the Spur, which means the Rapide S will beat the Spur to the 60 mph benchmark by 0.1 seconds and is said to be able to hit 203 mph – 13 mph faster than the Spur. Of course, the Rapide S has the traditional Aston Martin design cues, and as far as the interior goes, it certainly gives the Bentley a run for its money. The Rapide S starts out at $206,000 before options, taxes, and destination.

Read our full review on the Aston Martin Rapide S here.

Conclusion

I’ve always looked at Bentley as a somewhat exclusive manufacturer. You don’t exactly just stumble across a Flying Spur where I live. Bentley models themselves have always been a little expensive for my taste. It’s not that the luxury, power, and quality isn’t up to par because it is, but I just don’t fancy myself driving in a large sedan with 500 or more horsepower. I guess I’m more of a sports car guy. Even with that being said, I think it is awesome that Bentley is going the extra mile to add another more powerful model between the base and W12 Flying Spur. I’ve always felt there was a gap there, and I have a feeling that some have been forced to go for the W12, just to feed their need for a little more power. If I were in the market, I would be stuck in that position – at least until now that is. If you’re interested in obtaining a Flying Spur V8 S, you can already inquire about one on the brand's website, and deliveries are slated to start this summer.