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| Flying Spur | |
|---|---|
| Name | Flying Spur |
| Manufacturer | Bentley Motors Limited |
| Production | 2005–present |
| Assembly | Crewe, Cheshire |
| Class | Full-size car |
| Body style | 4-door saloon |
| Layout | Front-engine, all-wheel-drive layout |
| Predecessor | Continental Flying Spur (2005) |
Flying Spur
The Flying Spur is a line of flagship luxury four-door saloons produced by Bentley Motors Limited at its Crewe, Cheshire factory. Positioned alongside the Bentley Continental GT and marques such as Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, the Flying Spur blends bespoke coachbuilding traditions with modern engineering from parent company Volkswagen Group. It has been exhibited at major events including the Geneva Motor Show and Goodwood Festival of Speed and used by dignitaries linked to institutions such as Windsor Castle and state visits involving the United Kingdom.
Bentley's Flying Spur series competes in the ultra-luxury segment against models from Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi as well as bespoke offerings from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and Maybach. It integrates handcrafted interiors featuring veneers and hides supplied by suppliers connected to the British automotive industry and global craftsmen associated with Hermès-level luxury. The vehicle's identity is tied to Bentley's racing heritage stemming from successes at 24 Hours of Le Mans and corporate strategy under the Volkswagen Group ownership era.
The Flying Spur name was revived in the early 2000s after Bentley's reorientation by new ownership. The first modern variant debuted amid a resurgence of interest in luxury performance saloons during the 2000s alongside competitors such as the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Bentley's product planning intersected with engineering developments derived from the Volkswagen Phaeton program and technology sharing within the Volkswagen Group. Subsequent generations were launched as part of Bentley's expansion into bespoke coachbuilt commissions and enhanced editions tied to milestones like the marque's centenary celebrations and partnerships visible at events like the Monaco Grand Prix.
Exterior and interior design has been overseen by designers who previously worked with studios associated with Pininfarina-adjacent projects and coaches tied to H. J. Mulliner & Co. traditions. Structural engineering leverages aluminium-intensive architectures influenced by platforms used across Volkswagen Group marques including Audi A8. Powertrain development has been coordinated with teams associated with the Volkswagen Group Power Engineering division, integrating turbocharged engines and all-wheel-drive systems similar to those in high-performance models from Porsche. Active chassis technologies draw on suppliers and partners that have contributed to racing programs such as Bentley Speed 8. Luxury appointments have involved collaborations with artisans tied to Savile Row tailoring standards and interior leatherwork sourced through suppliers linked to the British Isles craft economy.
Series have included long-wheelbase and short-wheelbase saloons, as well as limited-run editions commemorating events like Bentley's participation in Le Mans 24 Hours. Notable factory variants paralleled bespoke coachbuilt models from historic divisions such as H. J. Mulliner & Co. and modern coachwork programs associated with Bentley Mulliner. Powertrain variants ranged from twin-turbocharged V8 and W12 configurations with designations shared across platforms seen in vehicles from Audi and Porsche. Special editions were marketed alongside collaborations with luxury houses and cultural institutions like fundraisers involving the Prince's Trust.
Performance specifications evolved from grand touring focus to higher-output iterations emphasizing acceleration and top speed metrics comparable to rivals such as the Mercedes-AMG S 63 and BMW M760Li. Chassis calibration borrowed know-how from programs linked to Porsche dynamics teams and suppliers with pedigrees in endurance racing. Braking systems and electronic controls were developed with partners that have supplied components to Formula One and endurance prototypes. Interior specifications included handcrafted wood veneers, electronic infotainment systems integrated with standards used by Audi's MMI, and bespoke audio options co-developed with high-end firms similar to those contracted by Jaguar Land Rover.
Bentley positioned the Flying Spur through flagship showings at global motor shows such as Geneva Motor Show and through dealer networks in markets including London, New York City, Dubai, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. Reviews from automotive publications and critics who have covered models from Autocar, Top Gear, and Car and Driver emphasized craftsmanship, ride quality, and engine refinement, while luxury commentators compared bespoke features with offerings from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and Maybach. Bentley's customer programs and bespoke commissions were promoted via events with partners including the Goodwood Festival of Speed and luxury lifestyle showcases alongside maisons comparable to Baccarat.
Production has been consolidated at Bentley's Crewe facility, historically associated with coachbuilders such as W.O. Bentley-era teams and later operations connected to divisions like Bentley Mulliner. Output volumes targeted low-volume, high-value clientele with distribution through networks that serve markets characterized by high net worth individuals familiar with brands such as Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin, and Ferrari. Sales performance has tracked regional demand shifts in territories like the United States, China, and the Middle East, and has been influenced by corporate strategies within the Volkswagen Group concerning platform sharing and electrification roadmaps discussed alongside initiatives from companies like Audi and Porsche.
Category:Bentley models