The Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed
Supercar Performance Quality English Workmanship
Apr 10, 2009
Since its launch in 2005, the Bentley Continental has played a pivotal role in the rejuvenation of Bentley. And building on the success of that early model, the new 2009 car takes exciting performance, luxury, and craftsmanship to a whole new level in a 12-cylinder four door luxury sedan.
Among some of the subtle changes are new noise absorbent measures, including tri-laminate body under-trays, acoustic glazing, and inner fender liners, all of which help to reduce cabin noise.
On the Continent
The name Continental has been on Bentley cars since 1952 when the first luxury car from this manufacturer was offered. The concept behind the name was that these cars could be taken to Europe (often referred to as “the continent” by the English) to be driven on the better roads in Germany and France.
Thankfully, the roadways today are much better all over the world, and the Bentley Continental is at home on any of them.
In Car Sound Stage
Having kept unwanted noise out, Bentley now offers the most powerful audio system available in a production car; with the Naim 1100 Watt amplified system. Bentley claims this system offers “the world’s best in-car sound stage.” Besides the amplification, the Naim system also comes with its own custom-built speakers, which include dual sub-woofers. To complete the audio refinements, Bentley offers optional glove box-located iPod, MP3 & USB interfaces so that owners can personalize their listening pleasure.
Another interesting option in the Flying Spur is a sophisticated follow-to-stop computer system. This radar-based system monitors traffic ahead, then manages the throttle and brakes to maintain a pre-set time gap, up to a driver selected set speed.
On the outside, the Bentley Continental Flying Spur has undergone some evolutionary changes to the front and rear styling. Although subtle, changes to the grille – which is now a more upright bright chrome matrix design – and the bigger lower air intakes, accentuate that unmistakable Bentley look. At the rear is a new black fender with wraparound chrome trim.
Style Changes
Although the car has undergone subtle style changes, the fundamental power train specification remains the same. However, for those customers not satisfied with 550 horse power and a top speed of 195 mph, Bentley has another version of the Flying Spur, the Flying Spur Speed. The Speed model produces over 600 horse power and breaks the 200-mph barrier. Speaking of breaks, with all this speed and not exactly being a lightweight at around 5500 lbs., this car needs some very special stopping power. The good news? It has the biggest and most powerful breaks in the class.
To cope with all this performance, the handling has to match. And the engineers at Bentley decided to redesign the suspension using many aluminum (for lightness) components. As a result, the car sits 10 mm (3/8”) lower on its 9.5Jx20 multi-spoke alloy wheels. Rounding off the handling and suspension package are four bespoke Pirelli P-Zero UHP tires.
So, why did Bentley change an already successful model? Bentley Chairman and Chief Executive, Dr. Franz-Josef Paefgen explained in a factory press release the rational behind the two cars when he said “The global success of the Continental Flying Spur has created a new generation of Bentley owners. Responding to their feedback, we have refined an already remarkable car and, with the debut of the Flying Spur Speed, we are extending its appeal.”
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