ROAD TEST: Bentley Flying Spur Speed
ROAD TEST: Bentley Flying Spur Speed
Price tag: £137,000
The lowdown:
The Speed’s stable-mate, the Continental Flying Spur was relaunched by Bentley four years ago, and this souped-up version hit the roads last year.
The timing of its launch – in the midst of the worst economic slump in decades is unfortunate, as I’m sure in better times this car would have been given much wider acclaim.
This car is serious fun, combined with opulent luxury and comfort. In human terms it’s the wild teenage tearway brother of the sensible Flying Spur. Boasting a mighty six litre engine and a cool 600bhp under the bonnet, this is not a car for the faint-hearted.
In its sport mode, the Speed’s fuel injection kicks in like a wild horse and emits a throaty growl, which is at first sildly alarming and then utterly enthralling.
The engine develops15% torque and 9% more power than the standard Flying Spur, combining to deliever a a top speed of 200mph and a 0 to 60mph time of just 4.5 seconds.
The Speed, which is made in Crewe, is unsurprisingly the most powerful four-door Bentley ever made. It has all the gadgets and gismos one would expect – Sat Nav; an integrated – if a little complicated telephone system; and best of all an ultra-smart cruise control feature, which automatically slows the car down if the vehicle in front reduces its speed.
Tech-spec
Engine: Type 12-cylinder, 6-litre twin-turbocharged engine
Capacity: 5998cc. 600bhp
Top speed: 200mph
0-60mph: 4.5 seconds
0-100mph:: 10.5 seconds
Fuel Consumption/Emissions
Fuel consumption Urban: 11.2mpg
Extra Urban: 24.3mpg
Combined: 17.0mpg
The verdict:
This car is fantastic. It is a thrilling drive with excellent performance. The Speed looks great and sounds great, but one question springs to mind – who is its market?
The sober-suited business executive will not want sports performance such as this. The footballer set – who of course have possibly the highest disposable income – will either favour the two-door Continental GT and GT Speed – (Mssrs Ferdinand, Rooney and Tevez are already customers), or will opt for the greater luxury and opulence of the hand-built Arnage range, as favoured by the Beckham family.
Rating: * * * *
