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2009 Bentley Continental Flying Spur Preview
Refinements made to the 2009 Bentley Continental Flying Spur and a new Continental Flying Spur Speed is introduced
The 2009 Bentley Continental Flying Spur is set to deliver even greater levels of refinement, comfort and opportunities for customer personalization. The 12-cylinder luxury saloon will also be joined by the 600 bhp Continental Flying Spur Speed. The most powerful four-door car ever produced by the British manufacturer, the Flying Spur Speed offers the pure driving experience and performance synonymous with all Bentleys bearing the Speed designation.The Continental Flying Spur, launched in 2005, combines performance, luxury, craftsmanship, style and four-door practicality. It has become the most successful 12-cylinder luxury saloon in the world and has played a pivotal role in the revitalization of Bentley.
For 2009, the style of the Flying Spur undergoes a subtle evolution with changes to the front and rear design. A new, more upright grille and bolder lower air intake accentuate the profile, while a new rear bumper delivers a more aggressive and sleek appearance.
A comprehensive range of noise-absorbent measures, including acoustic glazing, tri-laminate body undertrays and wheel arch liners, ensure that cabin refinement is best in class.
The new Flying Spur may now be specified with a sophisticated follow-to-stop, radar-based Adaptive Cruise Control system, which monitors traffic ahead and manages the throttle and brakes to maintain a pre-set time gap, up to a driver selected set speed. As a further option, the new Naim for Bentley audio system provides what the company calls the world's best in-car sound stage. Designed exclusively for Bentley by Naim, the British hi-fi manufacturer, the system features an 1,100-Watt amplifier, the most powerful unit offered in a production car, and 15 custom-built Naim speakers, including dual Naim subwoofers.
The aluminum-intensive suspension of the Flying Spur features revised spring and dampers and a new bespoke 19-inch Pirelli UHP tire for outstanding levels of ride quality, comfort and refinement.
Top speed of 195 mph (312 km/h) and acceleration is 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds (0-100 km/h in 5.2 seconds).
Customer personalization is highlighted with an enhanced choice of wood marquetry and chrome inlays. In addition, seat piping, a traditional Bentley feature, is introduced on Flying Spur together with two new hide colours. Three new colours and four duo-tone paint combinations are added to the exterior paint palette.The 600 bhp Continental Flying Spur Speed unleashes the same potent performance and intense levels of driver engagement as its highly acclaimed stablemate, the Continental GT Speed.
Inspired by Bentley's legendary `Speed' models that first appeared in 1923, the Flying Spur Speed offers a range of headline performance figures, including a 0-60 mph sprint time of 4.5 sec (0-100 km/h in 4.8 sec) and a top speed of 200 mph (322 km/h).
A lowered ride height, uprated and redesigned suspension as well as retuned steering improve agility and body control. Grip comes from 9.5Jx20 multi-spoke alloy wheels with bespoke Pirelli P-Zero UHP performance tires.
The Flying Spur Speed is distinguished by subtle design cues which emphasize its performance credentials, including dark-tinted radiator and air intake grilles, wider rifled exhaust tail pipes and unique 50-cm multi-spoke alloy wheels.
Bentley chairman and chief executive, Dr Franz-Josef Paefgen, explains the rationale behind the new range:
“The global success of the Continental Flying Spur has created a new generation of Bentley owners. Responding to their feedback, we have refined an already remarkable car and with the debut of the Flying Spur Speed we are extending its appeal.”
Director of Design, Dirk van Braeckel explains the styling evolution: “The Flying Spur is instantly recognizable on the road and we were keen to retain its individuality. The subtle styling changes have given the car a fresh look at the front and sleeker, more balanced appearance at the rear.”
FUEL CONSUMPTION/EMISSIONS
Fuel consumption:
City: 11.2 mpg (25.3 litres/100 km)
Highway: 24.3 mpg (11.6 litres/100 km)
Combined: 17.0 mpg (16.6 litres/100 km)
Carbon dioxide emissions 396g/km
Emission controls EU 1V and US LEV II
EPA Drive Cycle:
City Driving: 10.0mpg (US)
Highway Driving: 17.0 mpg (US)
Pricing was not announced at press time. Photos of the 2009 models will be posted when available.
Posted June 9, 2021
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