What's the news?

Bentley will introduce its new Flying Spur this year at the Geneva Motor Show and it's billed as the fastest four-door car Bentley has ever produced. The 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 engine now produces 625hp and 800Nm of torque and is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Bentley has placed significant emphasis on the new car's refinement, adding acoustic panels and glass, though this was achieved without any increase in weight. Indeed, the Flying Spur weighs in some 50kg lighter than the car it replaces.

Exterior

A bolder, yet sleeker look for Bentley's volume four-door model differentiates the saloon from its Continental GT relations. New front and rear lights feature LED technology, while the lower front grille spans the entire width of the car, adding to the car's lither stance. The tapering rear is new too, the integrated exhaust pipes echoing the shape of the LEDs in the rear lights. A more sculpted feature line runs the entire length of the new Spur, from the front wings, over the rear wheels and to the boot lid. A more cohesive, purposeful design than the car it replaces, the wider stance adds gravitas to the new saloon.

Interior

All new inside the Flying Spur mixes Bentley's usual beautiful combination of leather, wood, chrome and brushed and machined metal finishes. The hand finished interior will offer near infinite personalisation in trim and materials, Bentley offering it in either four- or five-seat layouts. New infotainment is incorporated, driven by a large central touch-screen, the Flying Spur offering internet connectivity among its infotainment specification, and a Naim 1100 Watt audio system also offered as an option.

Mechanicals

Under the new bonnet is the same 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12 engine that powers the Continental GT Speed. With 625hp driving an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission and all four wheels the Flying Spur can reach 62mph in just 4.6 seconds. It retains the 200mph capability of its predecessor, though Bentley is traditionally conservative in its quoted top speeds, so the Flying Spur is likely to comfortably achieve and exceed its quoted 200mph maximum. A great deal of effort has apparently gone into the suspension tuning, Bentley concentrating on increasing ride comfort without detracting from the dynamic ability. Double wishbones feature up front and a multi-link rear set up is mated to computer controlled self-levelling air suspension with continuous damping control.

Anything else?

Despite its greater performance Bentley's focus on weight saving and economy measures means the new Flying Spur consumes less than its predecessor. That's all relative, as figures such as 19.2mpg and CO₂ of 343g/km are not going to save the planet, but given the performance and level of luxury on offer it's reasonable. Prices have yet to be confirmed. Bentley is anticipated to reveal the base price at the Geneva Motor Show, though expect a starting price of around £140,000-£150,000 before dipping into the expensive - and extensive - options list.