Last Tuesday (06 September 2022), Bentley announced their top-of-the-line luxury performance sedan named the “2023 Bentley Flying Spur Speed”. This high-performance beast will receive a significant performance boost from its 6-liter twin-turbocharged W12 engine.
This is going to be one of the last models that use the W12 engine as Bentley declared to discontinue servicing this engine in May 2022. If you’re one of those car enthusiasts who really want to get their hands on a W12 machine, you should probably hurry.
2023 Bentley Flying Spur Speed: What’s There to Know?
Our invitation to exhilaration. Introducing the new #FlyingSpur Speed: https://t.co/YeGCS2YQ9W pic.twitter.com/9F3qbVf97c
— Bentley Motors (@BentleyMotors) September 6, 2022
Dimensions
Let’s look at the dimensions. This hot hunk of a sedan is 209.3 inches long, 87.4 inches wide (including the mirror), and measures 58.4 inches in height. The wheelbase is 125.7 inches long and this luxurious bruiser weighs nearly 3 tons (5,373 lbs).
This mighty sedan is expected to hit the market in early 2023. Bentley plans to sell ? of these magnificent machines to the USA and Europe and 20% to the middle east. The rest will be scattered across the world.
Engine & performance
The Flying Spur Speed is going to be the most driving-focused version in its family. The powerful engine produces a significant power boost of about 130Nm (63kW) and 84 hp (62 kW/85 PS) over its closest relative, the Flying Spur Mulliner (Base W12 engine).
With the help of a powerful twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W-12 engine, the Spur Speed can go from 0-60 mph within 3.7 seconds, and reach a top speed of 207 mph. The engine can produce 626HP (467 kW) and 664 lb-ft (900 Nm) of torque, which makes it the fastest version of Bentley’s 4-door luxury sedans.
The top speed (207 mph) can be achieved in the 6th gear. The 7th and 8th gears act as overdrive gears to improve fuel economy. The AWD system has a torque-vectoring rear axle for a smoother driving experience and usually diverts most torque to the rear wheels.
However, the torque distribution will change depending on the driving mode. Drivers across the world will surely love the peak torque tapping all the way from 1500-5000 RPM.
The EPA specs have not been confirmed yet. However, according to Bentley, the gas mileage figure is 12, 20, and 15 mpg respectively in city, highway, and combined. We can assume that the sedan will provide an approximate cruising range of 356 miles from a 23.78-gallon tank.
Interior
The car has been designed for those who want a luxurious and sporty vibe while driving. The interior of this super sedan is decorated with special suede materials like “Dinamica Pure” and “Alcantara”. “Dinamica Pure” is made from 73% recycled polyester and provides superior comfort.
The infotainment system is getting an upgrade too. The graphics will be similar to a sports watch. The front seats will have a 24-way power adjustment and the rear seats can be arranged in 14 different combinations. Each passenger will be able to enjoy 2 memory positions, heating, ventilation, and massaging. The sports pedals will provide better grip and comfort.
Bentley’s branding effort is also admirable. There are “Speed” fascia badges/emblems and illuminated inner and outer trade plates throughout the design, and they all look really nice. The interior clearly matches the sportier vibe shown outside. There will be 15 color variations of the leather to choose from (both in single-tone and two-tone splits).
Despite being a super hunk, the 2023 Bentley Flying Spur Speed doesn’t provide much cargo space. The 14.83 cubic feet of cargo space is just above average.
Exterior
Other standard features include jeweled filler caps for fuel and oils; and 22-inch customizable alloy wheels. The rims also have a variety of finishes and two designs to choose from. The “Speed” also has a darker tint on its radiator grilles, head, and tail lights than the base “Flying Spur” units.
The standard trim for the 2023 Bentley Flying Spur Speed is going to be Piano Black veneer. However, the owner will also be able to choose from Crown Cut Walnut, Dark Stained Burr Walnut, or Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus for no extra cost.
Now, let’s look at the configuration and explore some amazing features. The spur speed is equipped with an 8-speed ZF dual-clutch automatic transmission and arguably the largest iron disc brakes (16.5-inch/420mm) in the world.
Features
Photo courtesy of Autobics
For those who love to customize their rides, users will get 2 option packages to customize their sedan. The options are:
1) Styling specification, which includes a high-gloss carbon-fiber front bumper splitter, a rear diffuser, side skirts with metallic Bentley badges, and a boot lid spoiler. And…
2) Backline specification, which replaces most of the chrome trim and brightwork with Bentley’s signature “Blackware”. It also installs side skirts, front splitters, rear diffusers, and trunk spoilers in carbon fiber.
The improved AWD system provides swift gearshifts, better fuel efficiency, and smoother acceleration. The sedan also uses a 48V Dynamic Ride System to control the anti-roll bar’s stiffness through an electronic actuator. This adjusts the stiffness however you like, and provides better maneuverability and responsiveness through corners.
Price & Competition
Bentley has confirmed the price of their ultra-luxurious four-door Spur Speed sedan to start at $258,700 in the US market. This is the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price(MSRP), without any additional charges. Its closest rivals are the Rolls-Royce Ghost Black Badge and the Mercedes-Maybach S680.
Despite having the same powerful 12-cylinder engine, the Rolls-Royce Ghost produces less power than the Bentley but costs more. A cheaper alternative can be the Mercedes-Maybach S680, which provides similar performance, but can’t outshine Bentley’s elegance.
Bentley tried their best to combine a retro outlook with modern performance in their new “Speed edition”. The powerful W12 engine and massive iron breaks compliment the refreshing old-school aesthetic created by analog gauges and physical controllers.
Hopefully, this new beast will be capable of quenching the thirst of many car enthusiasts across the globe. Car enthusiasts all over the world are eagerly waiting for the EPA specs to be published anytime this year.
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