- Effortless 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12 engine
- Comfortable ride
- Prestigious interior materials
- Spacious rear seat
- Weight blunts performance and agility
- Significant and ongoing depreciation
- Poor fuel efficiency
- High maintenance costs
Review: Bentley 3W.I Continental Flying Spur (2005-08)
Overview
Released in June 2005, the Bentley 3W Series I (3W.I) Continental Flying Spur was a luxury sedan. Manufactured in Crewe, England, the Continental Flying Spur was powered by a 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 petrol engine that was which was mated to a six-speed ZF 6HP26A automatic transmission.
W12 engine
The 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12 petrol engine had four rows of three cylinders that were formed by combining two 15 degree VR6 engine cylinder blocks with each cylinder ‘double bank’ at a 72 degree angle. The engine featured twin KKK turbochargers (providing 0.7 bar boost pressure), air-to-air intercooling, double overhead camshafts per ‘VR’ cylinder bank, continuous vane-adjustable variable valve timing for intake and exhaust camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 9.5:1.
Dimensions
Compared to the Continental GT on which it was based, the Continental Flying Spur was 500 mm longer (at 5307 mm), the same width (1918 mm), 89 mm taller (1479 mm) and had a 319 mm longer wheelbase (3065 mm). Although the Continental Flying Spur had five seats, four-seat models (i.e. with individual rear seats) were available as an option.
Suspension
The Continental Flying Spur had four-link, double wishbone front suspension and trapezoidal, multi-link rear suspension. The suspension also included self-levelling air springs (front and rear) and continuously variable dampers.
| Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flying Spur | 2005-12 | 6.0-litre twin turbo petrol W12 | 6sp auto | 411 kW at 6100 rpm | 650 Nm at 1600-6100 rpm |
4WD system
The Continental Flying Spur’s permanent four-wheel drive system utilised a Torsen centre differential which, in normal conditions, provided a 50:50 front:rear torque split. If traction was lost, however, the system could redirect torque to the wheels with grip.
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Continental Flying Spur included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners and front seatbelt load limiters.
Brakes
The Continental Flying Spur had 405 mm by 36 mm ventilated front brake discs and 335 mm by 22 mm ventilated rear discs.
Features
Standard features for the Continental Flying Spur included 19-inch alloy wheels, a twelve speaker sound system with a six-disc CD player, four-zone climate control air conditioning, leather upholstery, power adjustable front seats with massage and heating functions, satellite navigation, power sunroof, Bluetooth, cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, bi-xenon headlights with washer jets, leather-wrapped steering wheel with gearshift paddles, rain-sensing wipers, front and rear parking sensors, remote central locking with proximity key, power windows and door mirrors, heated and folding door mirrors, tyre pressure monitoring, a TV tuner, trip computer and an immobiliser.
Review: Bentley 3W.II Continental Flying Spur (2008-12)
Overview
Released in August 2008, the 3W Series II (3W.II) Continental Flying Spur had upgraded suspension with aluminium components and revised spring, anti-roll bar and damper settings. For greater refinement, the Continental Flying Spur was also fitted with acoustic side and rear glass, tri-laminate body undertrays and wheelhouse liners, and a retuned exhaust.
Visually, the 3W2.II Continental Flying Spur could be identified by its more upright and brighter grille, larger air-intakes, chrome headlight bezels, new rear bumper and tail-light bezels.
| Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flying Spur | 2008-12 | 6.0-litre twin turbo petrol W12 | 6sp auto | 411 kW at 6100 rpm | 650 Nm at 1600-6100 rpm |
| Flying Spur Speed | 2008-12 | 6.0-litre twin turbo petrol W12 | 6sp auto | 449 kW at 6000 rpm | 750 Nm at 1750 rpm |
Safety equipment
The 3W.II Continental Flying Spur was fitted with a Bosch 8.1 electronic stability control system which included a ‘Sports Traction’ mode. For the Continental Flying Spur Speed, the ESC system also included a ‘Dynamic’ mode that permitted increased wheel slip at higher speeds.
Features
Standard features for the 3W.II Continental Flying Spur were extended to include 19-inch five-spoke alloy wheels with Pirelli Ultra High Performance tyres, Bluetooth connectivity and a park assist display.
Continental Flying Spur Speed
Also released in August 2008, the Continental Flying Spur Speed was distinguished by its 20-inch alloy wheels with Pirelli P-Zero tyres, sports suspension settings (lowered ride height, uprated springs, dampers and anti-roll bars), faster Servotronic steering, lambs wool floor mats, Breitling clock and rear picnic tables with integrated mirrors and lights. Visually, the Speed was differentiated by its dark-tinted radiator and air intakes, wider exhaust outlet, three-spoke ‘Sport’ leather steering wheel, drilled alloy pedals, knurled chrome/hide gearlever, diamond-quilted hide seat facings and door panels.
Brochures
- Brochure: Bentley 3W.II Continental Flying Spur (May 2008)
- Brochure: Bentley 3W.II Continental Flying Spur (April 2010)
Related links
- Rolls-Royce and Bentley: Bentley 3W Continental Flying Spur
- Wikipedia.org: Bentley Continental Flying Spur
