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Continental Flying Spur V8 S gives Bentley buyers another way to satisfy the need for speed

The latest addition to Bentley's lineup packs 521 horsepower and all the luxurious trimmings expected in a car of this caliber.

Andrew Krok Reviews Editor / Cars
Cars are Andrew's jam, as is strawberry. After spending years as a regular ol' car fanatic, he started working his way through the echelons of the automotive industry, starting out as social-media director of a small European-focused garage outside of Chicago. From there, he moved to the editorial side, penning several written features in Total 911 Magazine before becoming a full-time auto writer, first for a local Chicago outlet and then for CNET Cars.
Andrew Krok
2 min read

Prior to this moment, if you wanted a Bentley Continental Flying Spur, you had a choice between a decently powerful eight-cylinder engine and an immense 12-cylinder. Realizing there's a bit of a gap in the lineup, Bentley's released the Flying Spur V8 S, adding power and sporting pretension to the luxury automaker's "smaller" sedan.

Resting under the hood is a 521-horsepower, twin-turbocharged eight-cylinder engine, which is 21 hp more than the standard V-8 model. Revisions to the engine and transmission programming speed up its throttle response and give the driver better access to the car's 502 pound-feet of torque. With power going through all four wheels, this car will scoot to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, putting it toe-to-toe with some of Bentley's fastest sedans.

The suspension's been upgraded for additional sportiness, as well. Of course that comes with the drawback of "minimal degradation in ride comfort," as Bentley puts it. That said, its adaptive air suspension will try its best to keep the ride as smooth as possible. If you want to push the car hard, you can opt for carbon-ceramic brakes to bring the speed down in a hurry.

2017 Bentley Continental Flying Spur V8 S
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2017 Bentley Continental Flying Spur V8 S
Bentley


It wouldn't be a sporty model without some aesthetic tweaks, and the V8 S delivers in that regard. The rear diffuser and grille are painted black, and you have the option to choose from a number of blacked-out trim pieces for additional aggression. As one would expect, V8 S badges are everywhere.

Inside, the car's packing a piano-black wood veneer and a three-spoke steering wheel. Picky buyers can further customize the car's interior with a unique two-tone color scheme with a contrasting roof. Rear seat occupants can control various car systems with a touchscreen remote, and an available Wi-Fi hotspot will let you get some work done from the comfort of any seat.

The Flying Spur V8 S will debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. Pricing and availability have not yet been announced.

Bentley's Continental Flying Spur V8 S is a luxurious rocketship (pictures)

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