Bentley extracts 474kW from Flying Spur

Bentley has wound the volume of its Flying Spur W12 sedan up to 11 with the release of a more powerful 'S' version that slams down 474kW of power and 820Nm – 16kW and 20Nm more than the standard version.

That might not sound like much of an increase, but Bentley says it's enough to push the 2400kg British saloon to 100kmh in 4.5 seconds (a tenth quicker than the regular W12), and – for the first time in a Bentley four-door -- to more than 200mph.

For the record, the official top speed of the Flying Spur W12 S, first deliveries of which will take place late this year, is 325km/h.

Bentley says the extra oomph from its twin-turbo 6.0-litre 12-cylinder engine comes courtesy of "precise calibration and tuning", which results in full torque delivery from just 2000rpm.

An all-wheel-drive system with a 40:60 rear-biased torque split remains, but a specific "new responsive" suspension damping tune and stability control calibration is claimed to improve handling and provide more traction, while optional carbon ceramic brakes are available with red or black painted callipers.

Naturally, there's a host of dark-themed cosmetic upgrades to go with the extra performance, and to justify the unspecified price premium over the regular Flying Spur W12, which costs $423,160 plus on-road costs in Australia.

As seen on the Flying Spur V8 S, these include a suite of 'Beluga' gloss-black body detailing – for the window surrounds, the grille, rear bumper, door-handle inserts and headlight washer caps.

There's a sportier front bumper design, a rear diffuser, optional carbon-fibre veneers, dark-tinted front and rear lamps, lower bumper insert and a new W12 badge with black S on the D-pillar.

Rounding out the exterior uplift are 21inch seven-spoke items with a new gloss-black finish, or a new optional 21-inch Sports five-spoke directional wheel finished in either gloss black or a dark tint.

Inside, there's unique leather stitching, a wider palette of colours, a new black 'engine-spin' fascia finish, a W12 S head restraint emblem in contrast or blind stitching, W12 S treadplates front and rear, a three-spoke Sport Plus steering wheel and knurled gearshift paddles, which are optional on other models.

A unique new colour theme for the Flying Spur W12 S comprises a single tone with accents in one of 17 hide colours, and unique contrast stitching to the diamond quilting, the Sport Plus steering wheel and the interior.

“The Flying Spur W12 S is the ultimate luxury performance sedan," said Bentley Motors chairman and chief executive Wolfgang Dürheimer. "It combines sharper dynamics and an increase in power from our renowned W12 engine with a more assertive exterior and interior design for customers looking for a Flying Spur with extra attitude.”