Bentley Reveals its Flying Spur V8 S

Bentley Flying Spur V8 S (Credit: © Bentley)

Since its debut in 2014, the Bentley Flying Spur has hummed along with two powertrains. The base model made good use of a 4.0-liter turbocharged V-8 that cranked out 500 horsepower while the range-topping model used a 6.0-liter W-12 with 616 ponies to play with. Today, the British automaker revealed a new midrange model dubbed the Flying Spur V8 S that will help close the gap between the two existing models.

This new model rolls in boasting a retuned version of the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 that produces 520 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque—increases of 20 horsepower and 15 pound-feet. This revised engine pairs with an updated eight-speed transmission that helps enhance its responsiveness. Power still heads to all four wheels by way of a rear-biased 40-60 split all-wheel-drive system. When it’s all said and done, the Flying Spur V8 S hits 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds—0.3 seconds quicker than the base model—and tops out at 190 mph.

Bentley Flying Spur V8 S (Credit: © Bentley)

This new, more powerful engine is nicely complemented by a retuned chassis. The tweaked suspension combines with a recalibrated Continuous Damping Control system to help deliver a nice balance of performance and comfort in all conditions. Bentley also retuned the Flying Spur’s electronic stability control system to allow for additional wheel slip at higher speeds to add a little enjoyment to this cushy rig.

In addition its performance enhancement, Bentley also adds in some aesthetic goodies to complement the added performance and set the S apart from the rest. These slight upgrades include a black grille with a body-colored insert, V8 S badges, 20-inch open-spoke painted wheels, and a Beluga gloss rear diffuser. On the inside, the tweaks continue with piano-black wood veneers, a three-spoke sport steering wheel, a knurled gear-shift lever, two-tone seats, and available “V8 S” headrest stitching.

Bentley Flying Spur V8 S (Credit: © Bentley)

Bentley will fully unveil the Flying Spur V8 S at the Geneva Auto Show on March 1st, and deliveries will start in the summer of 2016.