Review: Bentley 3W2 Flying Spur (2013-19)

Review: Bentley 3W2.I Flying Spur (2013-15)

Overview

Released in October 2013, the Bentley 3W2 Series I (3W2.I) Flying Spur was a large, prestige sedan. Manufactured in Crewe, England, the 3W2 Flying Spur was powered by a 6.0-litre twin-turbo WR12 petrol engine which was mated to an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. From July 2014, the Flying Spur was available with a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine.

The Flying Spur was available in four- and five-seat configurations.

V8 and W12 engines

The 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine had an aluminium-silicon alloy block, a cast aluminium alloy cylinder head, direct injection, double overhead camshafts per cylinder bank, continuously variable valve timing for the intake and exhaust camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 10.5:1. Furthermore, the two twin-scroll turbochargers and had twin air- and water-cooled intercoolers. The engine also featured a ‘cylinder on demand’ cylinder management system which could deactivate four cylinders under part load throttle applications.

The 6.0-litre W12 petrol engine had an aluminium-silicon alloy block, a cast aluminium alloy cylinder head, a turbocharger for each ‘VR’ cylinder bank, double overhead camshafts (per cylinder bank), continuous vane-adjustable variable valve timing for intake and exhaust camshafts, four valves per cylinder, Bosch ME17 engine management and a compression ratio of 9.5:1. 

Dimensions and body

Compared to its 3W Continental Flying Spur predecessor, the 3W2 Flying Spur was 12 mm shorter (at 5295 mm), 58 mm wider (1976 mm) and 9 mm taller (1488 mm), though wheelbase length was unchanged (3065 mm). Revised styling also contributed to a lower drag coefficient of 0.29 Cd (0.31 Cd for the Continental Flying Spur). Furthermore, kerb weight was reduced by 50 kg to 2475 kg and its bodyshell achieved a four per cent increase in torsional rigidity to 36,500 Nm/degree.

Suspension

The 3W2 Flying Spur had four-link, double wishbone front suspension and trapezoidal, multi-link rear suspension; the suspension also included self-levelling air springs and continuous damper control.

4WD system

The Flying Spur’s permanent four-wheel drive system utilised a Torsen T-3 centre differential which, in normal conditions, provided a 40:60 front:rear torque split. If traction was lost, however, up to 65 per cent of the engine’s torque could be directed to the front wheels and up to 85 per cent to the rear. The system also included open front and rear differentials with electronic differential locks which could brake spinning wheels to enable cross-axle torque transfers.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the 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 and front and outer rear seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Brakes

The Flying Spur had 405 mm by 36 mm ventilated front brake discs and 335 mm by 22 mm ventilated rear discs. As an option, however, the Flying Spur could be fitted with cross-drilled, 420 mm carbon silicon carbide front brake discs and cross-drilled, 356 mm carbon silicon carbide rear discs.

Features

Standard features for the Bentley Flying Spur included 19- or 20-inch alloy wheels, an eleven speaker Naim sound system with a six-disc CD player, auxiliary input (MP3/iPod) and 30GB hard drive, an eight-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation and TV tuner, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, leather seats and upholstery, fourteen-way power adjustable front seats with heating and memory settings, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, a car phone, xenon headlights with washers, rain-sensing wipers, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with gearshift paddles, remote central locking with a proximity key, power windows and heated mirrors, power folding mirrors, a trip computer, tyre pressure monitoring, an alarm and immobiliser.

Brochure

• Brochure: Bentley 3W2 Flying Spur (April 2014)

Review: Bentley 3W2.II Flying Spur (2015-19)

Overview

Released in June 2015 and with Australian deliveries commencing in September 2015, the Bentley 3W2 Series II (3W2.II) Flying Spur introduced a variable displacement system for the W12 engine which enabled six of the cylinders to shut down at part throttle openings to reduce fuel consumption. Inside, the 3W2.II Fyling Spur featured updated instruments with contemporary graphics, a new steering wheel with a more sporting design and a knurled metal finisher for the optional gearshift paddles.

The Flying Spur was offered with new 20-inch six-tri-spoke wheels for V8 and W12 Flying Spurs, in three different finishes, while the Flying Spur W12 Mulliner was available with a 21-inch seven-twin-spoke design in polished or painted Graphite with bright machining finishes. Furthermore, the 3W2.II Flying Spur introduced three new paint finishes: Marlin (a rich metallic blue), Camel (a soft golden tone) and Jetstream (a light, metallic blue).

Features

Standard features for the Bentley Flying Spur were largely unchanged.

Related links

• Bentley Motors: Bentley Flying Spur
• Wikipedia.org: Bentley Flying Spur