Bentley Continental Flying Spur! 4 door Cont GT!

[pimp racer]

DAMN WHAT A SExY BEAST! Not really sure about the name either. High res pics coming tommorow!

Bentley has unveiled a new saloon, reviving a classic name from its history, badging it Continental Flying Spur. The all-new four-door Grand Tourer joins the Continental GT coupe and Arnage limousine in the Bentley range. A fourth model, a cabriolet based on the Arnage is anticipated to complete the Bentley range in 2006.

Pricing for the flying Spur is expected to be similar to that of the £112,750 Continental GT coupe that it shares much of its technology with. Most obvious is the sharing of the 6.0-litre, twin turbocharged, 12-cylinder engine which develops 552bhp, which gives the Flying Spur the ability to exceed 190mph. Unsurprisingly with all that power the Continental Flying Spur gets a version of the four-wheel-drive transmission of its GT coupe relative, too.

Design

Elegant and understated style was the aim of the design team and first impressions suggest they’ve been successful. The quad headlamp arrangement and bold grille of the Flying Spur are an unmistakable contemporary Bentley trademark, the rest of the car exhibiting stylish, yet muscular restraint. Bentley’s head of design, Dirk van Braeckel said: “We were very conscious that the Continental Flying Spur had to make a sporting statement when people first saw it – after all it’s a Bentley.”

He adds: “From the beginning, Bentleys have been quite reserved when it comes to design. It has always been recognised that Bentleys are much less ostentatious than rivals of similar price. The new Bentley Continental Flying Spur embodies that Bentley ethos of understated elegance.”

Inside

The interior is bedecked in the quality leathers and wood veneers that typify Bentley cabins, chrome bullseye ventilation outlets and organ stop controls ensuring the Flying Spur’s cabin is familiar to existing Bentley owners. Customers will be offered the choice of either a four seat layout with a central console between two electrically operated rear seats, or a full-width rear seat.

Standard equipment levels are comprehensive, with four-zone climate control and an advanced infotainment system, Chairman Dr Franz-Josef Paefgen stating: “The Continental Flying Spur has all the technology our customers will want and need. They will not have to trawl through an options list for hours with their dealer because everything is included. What they will enjoy, however, is the experience of tailoring the car to their taste and style.”

Engine

In addition to the sumptuous luxury of the interior the Continental Flying Spur offers supercar levels of performance. The 6.0-litre, W12-cylinder engine produces its maximum torque from just 1,600rpm, ensuring effortless pace. That mighty powerplant enables it to despatch the 0-62mph dash in around five seconds and reach speeds exceeding 190mph - should your meeting be in Germany. Bentley doesn’t quote a consumption figures yet, but except little more than 15mpg on a good day.

Four-wheel-drive ensures that all its power can be used, even in poor weather conditions, while air suspension allows you to adjust its levels on the move, from cosseting to sporting. Combined with a six-speed automatic transmission that can either be left in fully automatic mode, or manually controlled by the driver via paddle shifters located behind the steering wheel, the Flying Spur will be able to morph from refined limousine to sports saloon when the mood takes you.

 

[JNasty4G63]

I like the GT, but hot damn this is WAAAAYY better looking. The GT always looked a bit fat and frumpy to me. I know its more cruiser than sports car, but it just looked a bit tubby. But this is JUST RIGHT!! Looks sooo right to me. I love it.

Hilg

 

[skip0110]

Rolls should say good-bye to all of their sales. They wont need to sell this car to Stevie Wonder.

 

[MrktMkr1986]

I like the GT, but hot damn this is WAAAAYY better looking.

I disagree. Where the Continental GT looked sporty, yet elegant (a true GT car), from the side, this new car looks like the Kia Amanti. Or maybe the Kia Amanti looks like this new Bentley... depends on how you want to look at it...

 

[JNasty4G63]

I disagree......this new car looks like the Kia Amanti.

Understood, thats your opinion, its cool. But, I don't care how hard I squint, I will never mistake a Bentley for a Kia. Sure, there are some similarities to the shapes. But, honestly, this car is SOOO great looking.

Hilg

 

[MrktMkr1986]

Understood, thats your opinion, its cool. But, I don't care how hard I squint, I will never mistake a Bentley for a Kia. Sure, there are some similarities to the shapes. But, honestly, this car is SOOO great looking.

Hilg

I agree, too, that the car is good looking. But if I had $250,000 USD to spend on a car, I would go for the GT over the sedan based solely on styling. If family/friend hauling was an issue, then the sedan would win. The convertible model, when that comes out, I think will look great! 👍

 

[ND4SPD]

Dang, that sure does look very nice.

 

[JNasty4G63]

.....if I had $250,000 USD to spend on a car, I would go for the GT over the sedan based solely on styling.

You're off by $100k, they're only going to be about $150k. It says that the price wil be similar to that of the GT coupe, which sells for just under $150k. I know, if you convert £112k to USD, its like $210k. But, the GT coupe sells for $150k, so who knows. Maybe they meant Euro's, because 112K EU converts almost right to $150k like the GT. I'd still take the RR Phantom over the Bentley, but its a fantastic looking car none the less.

The convertible model, when that comes out, I think will look great! 👍

Again, I'm sure it will as well. BUT, for a big convertible, I think the new Rolls is going to be just deadly good looking. If it looks anything like the 100EX Concept, which people are saying it will, it could possibly be the greatest drop top I've ever seen. That would be an ultimate trio there. A Conti GT for normal use, Phantom for special occasions, and the Rolls drop top for those cruising times. Sweet.

Hilg

 

[VIPFREAK]

stretch Continental GT?? hooooo K.....

 

[Cap'n Jack]

It looks awesome, but I prefer the GT.

 

[Danny]

That is one fine looking car!
Still, I'd rather have the S65 AMG.

 

[cjrciadt]

To bad I will never own one. Oh well wait for GT5 to "drive" it.

 

[pimp racer]

Pictures and full article - http://seriouswheels.com/top-2005-Bentley-Continental-Flying-Spur.htm


---- Specifications ----

Price
est $150,000

Production
--

Engine
6 liter W12

Weight
--

Aspiration
twin turbochargers

Torque
--

HP
552 hp

HP/Weight
--

HP/Liter
92 hp per liter

1/4 mile
--

0-62 mph
around 5 seconds

Top Speed
over 190 mph

(from Bentley Press Release) A little over two years ago Bentley Motors stunned the world by unveiling a Grand Tourer masterpiece, the Continental GT coupé. Now, only 12 months after the first deliveries of that extraordinarily successful car, we are proud to announce the arrival of the fastest four-door in the company’s history; a car that shares the heart and soul of the 198mph coupé from which it is born – the Continental Flying Spur.

The Continental Flying Spur combines the exquisite design and peerless craftsmanship for which Bentley is renowned with the dynamics and power of the Continental GT to provide an unparalleled motoring experience that will attract a new breed of discerning customers to the marque.

Throughout our history, Bentleys have offered a blend of luxury and potent performance. The ability to undertake long journeys in great comfort has been the hallmark of every Bentley, and never was that better demonstrated than in the iconic R-Type Continental from 1952 and its four-door descendant, the Continental Flying Spur.

Bred from the fastest four-seat coupé of its time, the original 1957 Continental Flying Spur was hailed as one of the most elegant and yet powerful saloons ever created. The new Continental Flying Spur continues that Bentley bloodline of sporting Grand Tourers. Similarly inspired by the most desirable coupé of its day, it delivers awesome performance as well as extraordinary comfort and elegance.

Like the original Flying Spur, the new Bentley is also purposely positioned as a premium product above a crowded market. When asking our future customers about their needs they were very clear – performance and luxury, style and practicality, inspiration and solidity, excitement and safety. The Continental Flying Spur is our response to their ‘no compromise’ attitude, and our desire to further the Bentley story.

OVERVIEW

*

- An all-new four-door Grand Tourer that blends peerless Bentley craftsmanship and design with modern technologies.
*

- Exhilarating supercar performance thanks to a top speed in excess of 190mph and a 0-62mph (100km/h) time of around five seconds.
*

- Powered by a 6-litre, twin-turbocharged, 12-cylinder engine engineered and built at Bentley’s factory in Crewe. Tuned to provide not just a massive 552bhp but also the legendary Bentley ‘torque’ from low revs.
*

- A high-tech, all-wheel-drive system for exceptional stability and grip in any conditions.
*

- A stunning cabin that uses exquisite Bentley design and quality to create a spacious, welcoming interior. A classic mix of leather and wood veneers are combined to give a contemporary but timeless appearance.
*

- Over 11 leather hides are used to make a complete set of upholstery in the Continental Flying Spur.
*

- Spacious rear legroom provides total comfort for all passengers with a five or four-seat layout optional at the time of purchase.
*

- Designed and developed in parallel with the Continental GT coupé at Bentley’s design studios and facilities in Crewe to ensure consistency in their visual appearance and in their on-going engineering and development programme.
*

- Pricing for the new Continental Flying Spur is yet to be finalised but Bentley expects a similar price structure to that of the Continental GT coupé.
*

- The new Bentley Continental Flying Spur will go on sale in Spring 2005.

STYLING AND DESIGN

When work began on the Continental GT coupé in 1999, a simultaneous programme was instigated for a four-door version that would mirror the performance and design qualities of the coupé and also provide unparalleled levels of space and comfort in a way that only a Bentley can. The results of that forward-thinking approach are now clear as the Continental Flying Spur is unveiled for the first time.

Sumptuous levels of space and comfort are a given in the Continental Flying Spur. The quality of the overall design and cabin interior is simply without rival and only another Bentley can match the craftsmanship that has gone into making this elegant and opulent four-door Grand Tourer.

These clear and simple targets were laid down to Bentley’s head of design, Dirk van Braeckel, when the project began, and he made sure that they were not forgotten as the car’s form began to take shape.

“We were very conscious that the Continental Flying Spur had to make a sporting statement when people first saw it – after all it is a Bentley,” says van Braeckel. “That’s actually more challenging with a four-door than a coupé, which will always look ‘fast’, so we spent a long time working on an appearance of potency while still retaining the presence and stature that customers expect from our cars.”

A sporting statement, however, was not the sole target for the car’s design. It also needed to reflect Bentley’s evolving modern image, retaining the understated but bold feel that its design team believes has carried Bentley forward throughout its history.

“From the very beginning, Bentleys have been quite reserved when it comes to design,” says van Braeckel. “It has always been recognised that Bentleys are much less ostentatious than rival cars of a similar price. The new Continental Flying Spur embodies that Bentley ethos of understated elegance.”

The Continental Flying Spur consequently shares the clean and muscular appearance of the Continental GT coupé with a short front overhang and dominant matrix radiator grille. Inside the cabin, the car has a similarly stunning appearance with a beautiful interior that will stand as a benchmark thanks to its quality and craftsmanship.

The generous wheelbase of the Continental Flying Spur’s chassis means spacious rear legroom for passengers and an impressive canvas on which Bentley’s interior design team could set to work. Customers will have the option of a four-seat layout with a central console between two electrically-powered rear seats or a five-seat cabin with full-width rear seat. Throughout the interior, familiar Bentley trademarks make their presence felt with bullseye ventilation outlets and organ stop controls in the front and rear. Leather or wood veneers on every interior surface combine to give a traditional yet contemporary environment for the driver and passengers alike.

Continental Flying Spur owners will want for nothing, whether behind the wheel or enjoying the ride as a passenger. The car is equipped with the latest cabin technology from its advanced infotainment system to its four-zone climate control. Chairman Dr Franz-Josef Paefgen was determined that buyers of this new Bentley would immediately appreciate the generous standard specification.

“The Continental Flying Spur has all the technology and equipment that our customers want and need,” he says. “They will not have to trawl through an options list for hours with their dealer because everything is included. What they will enjoy, however, is the experience of tailoring the car to their taste and style.

“As well as delivering excellent performance and dynamic handling, the Continental Flying Spur offers elegant styling and craftsmanship with its beautiful wood and leather cabin, delighting customers as only a Bentley can.”

ENGINEERING AND DRIVING DYNAMICS

With 552bhp at your disposal and an advanced all-wheel drive system to ensure that power is delivered in a controlled and measured fashion, the Continental Flying Spur has the performance to match its appearance.

As with every Bentley, this is a driver’s car first and foremost. In common with the Continental GT coupé, the car’s extremely stiff steel chassis allows the advanced air suspension system to regulate safely the handling and balance of a four-door with supercar performance: a top speed in excess of 190mph and 0-62mph (100km/h) in around five seconds. However, such is the breadth of its dynamic capability, the Continental Flying Spur also delivers supreme comfort for long, relaxed journeys.

“Over the course of its development the car was subjected to a rigorous drive programme that saw it complete nearly a million miles on proving grounds, test tracks and roads across the world,” reveals Dr Ulrich Eichhorn, member of the board, engineering. “The result is a car whose breadth and capability, in any weather, on any road surface, is simply awesome.”

Bentley’s renowned powertrain development was rightly praised at the launch of the Continental GT coupé and the combination of that phenomenal twin-turbocharged, 12-cylinder engine with a smooth, six-speed ‘paddleshift’ ZF gearbox with Tiptronic actuation is carried over into the Continental Flying Spur.

A Bentley engine is unlike any other in the world and the Continental Flying Spur’s is no exception. Maximum torque is available from just 1600rpm and continues unabated throughout the powerband, meaning the driver can call upon exceptional reserves of power in an instant.

The Continental Flying Spur's permanent all-wheel drive system ensures that even in poor weather and road conditions, the awesome power and torque remain accessible to the driver without the constant intervention of the traction control system.

The advanced six-speed transmission allows the driver to use the gearbox as a conventional automatic or opt to change gears ‘manually’ using either the gearlever or the paddles mounted behind the wheel. Whatever mode the gearbox is set to, the powertrain operates with seamless efficiency and provides brilliant shift quality. In its four-door application it has also been extensively recalibrated to provide almost imperceptible shifts when being used in a more relaxed fashion.

THE BENTLEY MODEL RANGE

The Continental Flying Spur perfectly complements the existing range of Bentley models. The Continental GT continues to fulfil our customers’ desire for a dynamic coupé that offers the very essence of Bentley: sporting prowess and Grand Touring performance. Similarly the Arnage range represents a unique proposition: the emotional purchase of a truly bespoke, hand-built and entirely individual limousine. The Continental Flying Spur will appeal to customers seeking a sumptuous four-door Grand Tourer sharing all the virtues of its coupé stablemate: high-performance, timeless design and superb craftsmanship.

Bentley chairman Dr Franz-Josef Paefgen says the distinction between the new Continental Flying Spur and the Bentley Arnage range is simple:

“As Continental Flying Spur production begins, the Arnage will retain its true position as the most exclusive limousine in the world. If you work in a major capital city you might see a Continental Flying Spur a few times a month, but you will only come across an Arnage a few times a year. The Arnage will continue to be a bespoke car with real exclusivity.

“With the Continental Flying Spur we are opening our doors to new customers who value that unique combination of luxury, style, excitement and practicality. Nowhere else will they be able to enjoy a car that possesses all this as well as the dynamic qualities and power of the Continental GT coupé. The Continental Flying Spur promises a new motoring experience and we look forward to welcoming a new breed of discerning customers to our marque.”

 

[fporto_br]

Man, this is one good-looking sedan...
This and the Maserati Quattroporte are, in my opinion, the most gorgeous luxury cars available today...

And what makes me real proud of it: designed by a fellow brazilian! (Raul Pires, the same guy that created the Continental GT).