Volkswagen has big plans with its super-luxury brand Bentley. The company is developing a new limousine based on the sensational Continental GT.

According to Auto Express one of Bentley's classic badges is to be revived for its new super-saloon.

Bentley will name the car the Flying Spur - it last appeared in the Sixties on a four-door grand tourer prepared by Bentley coachbuilder Mulliner.

The new Flying Spur will share its design cues with the new Continental GT and it will take on the BMW's new Rolls-Royce Phantom and Mercedes' Maybach.

The car will have a striking design, which will be complimented by superb quality fit and finish - VW wants the Flying Spur to be the class leader.

Bentley will launch the Flying Spur towards the end of next year so we do not expect to see the car at the 2003 Frankfurt Show.

It will be powered by an almost identical version of the twin-turbo W12 engine in the GT Continental. It may also have four-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic gearbox, though the former seems wasted on such a car.

The Flying Spur will be built alongside the Continental GT and Arnage, and will play a key role in the company's future.

Wheels24 - 26 Aug 2003