Bentley Continental Flying Spur to get V8 engine

Bentley have revealed a more accessible version of their Continental Flying Spur Saloon model, with a smaller V8 engine as seen in the Continental GT. The company are well known for their two model lines, the Mulsanne which is available in essentially one form and the Continental family.

The Bentley Continental Flying Spur specs

Just like the Continental GT V8 coupe, the four door model features a 4.0 litre twin-turbo V8 engine. The new engine sits below the flagship W12 and still provides strong performance but also promises an improved fuel economy at a hefty reduction in price.

This unit produces 500 brake horse power and 660Nm of torque. Power is driven to all four wheels through an eight speed ZF automatic gearbox. This takes the model to 60mph from a standstill in 4.9 seconds and top speed has been pegged at 183mph.

Fuel economy is a claimed 26.4mpg and CO2 emissions are at 250g/km, although the 90 litre fuel tank allows for a possible range of 520 miles.

The new Bentley Continental Flying Spur styling

A number of styling changes have taken place, to set the V8 model apart from the W12. At the back there are twin figure-of-eight chrome exhaust tips, while the winged Bentley badges get a red centre, this is how the brand designates it's V8 models. The front bumper grille of the model is finished in black with a wing-shaped mesh insert.

In the Standard Flying Spur V8 model, you receive a single piece rear bench, 19 inch alloy wheels and a choice of seven exterior colours and four interior finishes. For more luxury, you can upgrade to the Flying Spur V8 Mulliner with diamond quilted leather seats, 20 inch five spoke alloys and a 2+1 rear layout with fully adjustable heated seats.

Other Bentley models set for introduction at Geneva

Alongside this model at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, the company are also introducing an upgraded version of the Continental GT Speed in both coupe and convertible form. The model's 6.0 litre twin turbo W12 engine has now been upgraded to produce 626 brake horse power, meaning top speed of the vehicle has risen to 206mph in the coupe variant and 203mph ion the convertible. The new model is also receiving new wheels and trim to distinguish it from the 'lesser' Continentals, which Bentley will be updating throughout 2014.

The new Bentley Continental Flying Spur V8 model's pricing won't be announced until the model launches at the Geneva Motor Show next week, though the price is expected to start at around £121,000 when it goes on sale later in the spring.