They say you buy a Rolls when you want to be driven and buy a Bentley to drive one yourself. Ever wondered why? Well, it's cars (or perhaps automotive thoroughbreds) like the 2022 Bentley Flying Spur V8 that testify to such a paradox, standing defiantly at the crossroads of opulence and speeding exhilaration. So, lying beneath it is a sudden surge of power, a mighty 4-liter twin-turbo V8 pumping a furious 542 horsepower, which – in layman’s terms – translates to a 4.1-second 0 to 60 mph run and a sports-car-humbling 198-mph top-speed sprint. Of course, accompanying such exhilarating performance figures are plush, cloud-like seats, intuitive tech goodies (think massaging seats and individual climate control), and grain-rich wood veneers that add a timelessly elegant character to the lavishly appointed cabin. That said, the Flying Spur V8 isn't exactly for the faint of the wallet, with showroom prices gracing an 'entry-level' $200,825 before options are ticked in. So, is it truly worth paying supercar prices for a base-level Bentley? Let’s find out.
The ‘Flying Spur’ nameplate roared to life in 2005, debuting at the Geneva Motor Show as a four-door, saloon variant of the contemporary coupe-styled Continental GT. Despite the additional leg space at the back, the ‘Continental’ Flying Spur featured a similar heart, a mighty 6-liter twin-turbo W12 engine sourced from its VW corporate sibling. However, Bentley wasn't content to rest on its laurels and, in 2008, queued in the high-performance Flying Spur Speed variants, designed for those who craved a dose of adrenaline alongside their luxury. Eventually, in 2013, Bentley refreshed the Flying Spur lineup, unveiling the second generation of the luxury saloon. This time, the Spurs paired new, more cutting-edge technology and refined interior appointments for a luxurious experience. More importantly, though, newer engine options joined the lineup, including punchy twin-turbo V8s for those aching for an engaging, more thrilling ride. Fast forward to 2019, the Spur underwent its third mid-cycle update, bridging the gap between state-of-the-art tech and timeless elegance that one expects from Bentley.
The Flying Spur V8, as the name suggests, is powered by a throaty 4-liter twin-turbo V8 powerplant, churning a healthy 542 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque. Translating these numbers into action is a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission, channeling power to all four wheels through an intelligent AWD drivetrain. Bury the throttle, and a 0 – 60 mph time is no more than 4.1 seconds away. Meanwhile, on an open stretch, the Flying Spur V8 will gladly propel you to a staggering 198-mph top speed. Speaking of a cushion-like ride, the Spur V8 comes equipped with Bentley’s adaptive air suspension featuring three-chamber air springs, allowing various levels of suspension stiffness based on driver inputs. Still, the presence of torque vectoring, all-wheel steering, and active anti-roll systems ensures supreme handling and cornering, keeping the 5,100-pound Bentley flat and stable through any corner.
While the Flying Spur V8 may trade a few ponies with its W12 sibling, it certainly doesn’t miss out on opulence and handcrafted luxury. Step inside, and you’ll know. Here, endless individualization reigns supreme, allowing you to tailor the cabin to your exact taste and liking. Choose from a range of rich, supple hand-stitched leather – from the cool Imperial Blue to warm Cricket Baillie – enveloping the cabin from top to bottom. Meanwhile, meticulously selected genuine wood veneers add a touch of timeless elegance to the cabin’s classically appointed theme. Eventually, hints of chrome and solid metal knobs grace the cockpit in tactile delight, their glaze mirroring the soft ambient lighting as dusk descends. However, the Spur V8 doesn’t forget about modern conveniences, treating the occupants with multi-zone climate control, an expansive panoramic glass roof, heated/cooled seats with massage functions, and an intuitive infotainment touchscreen that allows access to the car’s 19-speaker NAIM premium sound system.
We get it; resisting the Spur V8's bewitching allure is hard. With graceful, quite elegant lines sporting its skin, like an artist's masterful brushstroke, the Spur elicits a timeless design. Towards the front, a majestic chrome-clad Bentley matrix grille stands proud, its distinct character announcing the car's arrival from afar. Sitting atop is an illuminated Flying B badge, adding an element of whimsy and tradition to the overall aesthetics. Meanwhile, flanking it are twin round LED headlamps, their adaptive LEDs dancing wherever they go. Moving down the flanks, 22-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels – sitting snug under the flared and muscular arches – scream for attention. At last, we move to the back, where the subtle chrome accents finally conclude, revealing chrome-showered exhaust tailpipes and elliptical LED taillamps housing a distinct ‘B’ motif, a subtle yet sophisticated detail.
However, the Spur V8 isn't just all about breathtaking allure and seat-sinking performance but a technological marvel that helps take driving experiences to newer heights. So, incorporating the cabin are luxury-oriented features like heated/cooled seats (also featuring massage functions), individualized climate control, ambient lighting, crisp heads-up display, and touchscreen infotainment system (allowing access to Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, phone connectivity, radio, and an upgradable 19-speaker NAIM premium sound system). Meanwhile, the Spur V8 treats the back-seat occupants with multi-zone climate control, heated/cooled and massaging seats, and a very own refrigerator for storing champagne flutes to celebrate your newest business acquisition.
The 2022 Bentley Flying Spur V8 is the entry point into the world of Flying Spurs, fetching a ‘base-level’ $200,825, excluding a list of options dying to be ticked on. These include attractive packages and extras like the Touring Specification (featuring the latest ADAS features and Bentley Safeguard Plus) and the Mulliner Driving Specification (for bespoke, more individualized touches). Looking for a Bentley that tailors to your exact desires and taste? Well, explore the Bentley listings at Exotic Car Trader to get your hands on a statement piece that reflects your refined taste.
With enough luxury-oriented tech to jealous royalty and enough power to satisfy anyone's hunger for speed, the Flying Spur V8 emerges as the pinnacle of automotive perfection. Exotic Car Trader is the online answer to your unique exotic car needs. It aims to simplify the car-buying journey, creating a streamlined car-buying process that ensures guaranteed peace of mind. Alternatively, Exotic Car Trader provides a user-friendly platform for selling your hot wheels, backed by a team of experts who utilize market-best trends and fraud detection tools to help land a fair value on your exotic car
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