Bentley's luxurious Flying Spur sedan is set for an update, adopting the powerful plug-in hybrid V-8 engine from the newly revamped Continental GT.
The upcoming facelift for the Bentley Flying Spur will include significant changes under the hood. The updated Flying Spur will incorporate the plug-in hybrid V-8 powertrain found in the redesigned Continental GT. This new power unit combines a combustion engine with an electric motor and a 25.9-kWh battery, delivering a total of 771 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque. While Bentley has been planning to phase out the W-12 engine for some time, the impact on the Flying Spur has now been clarified. The luxury sedan will feature a refreshed design and the new hybrid V-8 powertrain from the Continental GT.
Dubbed the "Ultra Performance Hybrid" by Bentley, the powertrain pairs a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 engine, producing 584 horsepower, with a 187-hp electric motor integrated between the engine and the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Together, they achieve a combined output of 771 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque.
The electric motor draws energy from a 25.9-kWh battery, providing up to 51 miles of electric-only range according to the European WLTP test cycle, which likely translates to about 40 miles based on EPA estimates. In the Continental GT, the electric motor can propel the car up to speeds of 87 mph using solely electric power, though this might vary for the Flying Spur.
These specifications might sound familiar, as the potent hybrid powertrain is also featured in other Volkswagen Group vehicles. The recently introduced plug-in hybrid Lamborghini Urus SE boasts a slightly more powerful version of this setup, and Porsche's latest Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid also utilizes the same system.
Details about the facelifted Flying Spur beyond the powertrain are still scarce. Bentley has released a teaser image showing a subtly updated front end. The automaker has promised to reveal more information "in due course," so more details are expected soon.