The new Bentley Flying Spur, the world's most refined performance sedan, maded its global debut at the Salon International de l'Auto in Geneva. Bentley's showcase of luxury and performance continues with the European debut of the GT Speed Convertible, an enhanced specification for the flagship Mulsanne, and the Continental GT V8 and GT W12 on display. Dr.Wolfgang Schreiber, Chairman and Chief Executive, said: “The new Bentley Flying Spur marks a big step forward. We have re-designed and re-engineered almost every part of the car. In simple words, we have created the best luxury sedan in the world – a perfect combination of exquisite refinement, effortless performance, elegant styling and state of the art technology. The Flying Spur meets the desires of our customers perfectly and is a car only Bentley could make – timeless design inside and out, elegant lines, ultimate material quality, attention to detail, class leading refinement and, of course, effortless performance.” Establishing a new luxury sedan benchmark . With its unrivalled blend of effortless driveability, exquisite luxury and craftsmanship, sculpted design and state-of-the-art technology, the new Flying Spur takes the worldwide success of its iconic predecessor further. Bentley's styling team has developed an athletic design for the new Flying Spur that combines traditional Bentley styling cues with a sporting stance and contemporary details. Sharp feature lines complement muscular rear haunches, while LED day-time running lights, dipped headlights and taillights characterise the front and rear profiles. The interior designers have created a luxurious, spacious cabin that dresses advanced acoustic and electronic technologies in exquisite handcrafted leather hides and wood veneers. Driver and passengers alike interface with the car and the outside world through touch-screen infotainment, mobile connectivity including Wi-Fi, a Rear Seat Entertainment suite and a new bespoke hand-held Touch Screen Remote which allows rear-cabin occupants to control an extensive range of features from the comfort of their seat. An eight-channel, eight-speaker audio system with Balanced Mode Radiators provide high quality sound clarity, with the 1100W Naim for Bentley premium system available as an option. Powering the new Flying Spur is Bentley's renowned 6.0-liter, twin turbo W12 engine, coupled to a ZF eight-speed transmission. Developing 625 PS (616 bhp) and 800 Nm of torque, the new Flying Spur features more power than any other Bentley four-door in history. A 14 per cent improvement in the power-to-weight ratio over the outgoing model delivers a breath-taking 0-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds and a top-speed of 200 mph (322 km/h). In the modern Bentley tradition, power is delivered to the road via all-wheel drive with a 40:60 rear-biased torque split for a sure-footed, engaging drive in all road and weather conditions. Also on the Bentley stand and making its European show debut is the new GT Speed Convertible, combining the sensory pleasures of roof-down luxury touring with the shattering performance of a 625 PS (616 bhp) twin-turbocharged 6.0 liter W12, while delivering a 15 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency. The close-ratio eight-speed transmission, uprated and lowered suspension and retuned steering provide exhilarating acceleration and sharp, communicative handling without detriment to the renowned ride comfort of Bentley's Continental convertible. Permanent all-wheel drive ensures optimum traction and power delivery whatever the road conditions. Taking its place at the pinnacle of the Bentley Continental range, the new GT Speed Convertible has a top speed of 202 mph (325 km/h) and in true Bentley style, no compromises have been made in craftsmanship, luxury or refinement to deliver this unrivaled performance.— SG
