What's all this about?
Sometimes, just sometimes, we can look like we know what we're doing. For instance, when we drove the sublime Bentley Continental GTC V8 recently, we talked about the fact there was only a W12 Flying Spur available at that point in time, but that a V8 variant was surely an inevitability. And so, thank you Crewe, as confirmation of such a thing lands only days later. Given we think the V8 engine improves any Bentley it is installed in, Bentayga SUV included, and that we absolutely adore the Flying Spur anyway, this is what can only be termed as Very Good News Indeed.
Can you run down the headline benefits of the V8 Flying Spur?
Yes indeed. The fitment of the 4.0-litre biturbo engine has reduced the Spur's mass by 100kg, while also improving the distribution of said weight across the axles. Thanks to cylinder deactivation tech that lets the motor run as a 'four' from time to time, the fuel economy has been improved by up to 16 per cent (so we think this means about 22mpg instead of 19.1mpg combined on the W12) and so has the V8 Spur's cruising range. Bentley says this is the saloon version for the drivers, rather than the driven, so it is focusing on the dynamic benefits of the lighter drivetrain. To that end, as standard the Flying Spur V8 has Adaptive Air Suspension, Torque Vectoring by Brake, Drive Dynamics Control and Electric Steering, with Bentley Dynamic Ride (a system of active anti-roll bars powered by a secondary 48-volt electrical set-up) and Electronic All-Wheel Steering will be options. Speed won't be an issue, as the four-wheel-drive Spur V8 can hit 62mph from rest in just 4.1 seconds, on its way to a 198mph top speed, and customer orders have already begun; the first lucky owners should get their Flying Spur V8s by the end of this year.
Any significant visual giveaways?
Not really, aside from the usual discreet identifiers of 'V8' badges on the front wings and quad tailpipes at the rear. So we'll conclude with some words from Dr Matthias Rabe, member of Bentley's Board for Engineering, who said: "Based on our research, customer feedback and trends of customer usage, the new Flying Spur V8 has been engineered to deliver driver-focused ability, while offering passengers the refinement, comfort and technology expected from a grand limousine. The Flying Spur range is purposeful yet elegant. It has classic Bentley design, best-in-class execution, authentic materials and attention to detail. The new Flying Spur V8 also includes the latest driver assistance and infotainment systems for enhanced safety, security and relaxation on every journey."
Matt Robinson - 14 Oct 2020
