Skip to main content

2017 Bentley Flying Spur W12 S revealed with a top speed over 200 mph

These days, there are several ways to get to 200 mph in a car, but the Bentley Flying Spur W12 S might just be the most extravagant. The UK luxury automaker has revealed its fastest sedan yet ahead of a debut at this year’s Paris Motor Show.

Recommended Videos

The S to the Flying Spur W12 means “super,” evidently, as the estate creates 626 horsepower and 605 pound-feet of torque from a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W12 engine. Put the hammer down and you’ll see 60 mph arrive in just 4.2 seconds and the speedometer settle in at 202 mph (provided enough runway). Not only do those specs make this the fastest-ever Bentley four-door, it’s the only one to crack the 200 mph mark.

The Flying Spur’s massive motor delivers power to all four wheels (with some rear-wheel bias) via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The suspension is stiffer than that of the regular Flying Spur, though Bentley stresses that it still provides unrivaled comfort. For additional sportiness, carbon ceramic brakes are available at an extra cost.

Visually, the S-edition Flying Spur is distinguished by a gloss black trim on the grille, around the windows, and below the trunk lid. It also receives blacked-out lights on both ends, and a sportier-looking front bumper. Black, 21-inch alloy wheels, a model-specific emblem on the D-pillar, and a rear air diffuser round out the performance styling tweaks.

Read more: Bentley Continental GTC Speed Review

Inside, passengers are treated to the same quilted leather seats as the standard Spur, but with additional leather color options. Also included is a three-spoke sport steering wheel, knurled gear lever, and black trim. Carbon fiber trim on the dashboard and the door panels is available at a higher price point. Standard goodies include a Wi-Fi hot spot and touch infotainment display that pops out from the rear center console at the push of a button, allowing the occupants enjoying the Spur’s couch-like rear bench to adjust the climate control settings and navigation.

The Bentley Flying Spur W12 S is scheduled to arrive before the end of the year. Pricing information hasn’t been announced yet, but as the regular Flying Spur starts at over $200,000, the range-topper will likely carry a solid premium.

Miles Branman
Miles Branman developed a passion for cars early on thanks to a neighbor’s collection of rare and exotic vehicles. What…
Stellantis Debuts new hands-free, eyes-off autonomous driving
Stellantis unveils STLA AutoDrive tech
Stellantis AutoDrive

Stellantis-developed automated driving technology is ready for deployment
Hands-free and eyes-off (SAE Level 3) functionality available up to 37 mph (60 km/h), even at night and in challenging weather conditions
STLA AutoDrive also enables Level 2 (hands-on) and Level 2+ (hands-off, eyes-on) capabilities at higher speeds, including adaptive cruise control and lane-centering functions
Designed to evolve, with potential for higher speed operation up to 59 mph (95 km/h) and off-road capabilities

 

Read more
The importance of F1 tires: What every fan should know
What do the colors on the sides of F1 tires even mean?
Pirelli F1 tires on display, soft, medium, hard, intermediate and full wet compounds

Sometimes the difference between a winner and a DNF (did not finish) in Formula 1 racing is made where the rubber meets the road. What rubber drivers are using at any one time is vitally important and heavily regulated, and things can get complex. Luckily, we've written an F1 tires guide to help you get your head around it all.

Pirelli currently manufactures, mounts, manages, recovers, and ultimately disposes of all of the tires used in Formula 1. The Italian tire manufacturer’s current partnership with F1 began back in 2011, with its current contract running until at least 2027 -- and an option to extend for a further year. The storied company also had plenty of involvement with F1 before its current stint, having manufactured tires for the sport at various points from the 1950s onward.

Read more
Road tests start on solid-state EV battery developed by Mercedes AMG and F1 engineers
The range increases from weight reduction and passive cooling as well as energy density..
road tests start on mercedes solid state ev battery testing a race track with amg left front three quarter view

Road testing started this month on a Mercedes "621 mile" solid-state lithium-metal battery. Jointly developed by engineers from Mercedes AMG performance passenger cars and F1 groups and battery cell engineers from Factorial Energy Inc., the new batteries increase the available power for EVs while reducing battery weight.
Why build a solid-state EV battery

EV batteries with solid-state cells have multiple advantages in addition to range and weight. Solid-state batteries also improve driving efficiency and cell safety.

Read more