Bentley Flying Spur gets new 388kW V8

Bentley has announced it is launching a more powerful V8 version of its Flying Spur limousine.

Called the V8 S, the new version will sit above the V8 and below the range-topping W12 in the Flying Spur range.

Using the same twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 as the base Flying Spur V8, the S version comes with an extra 15kW/20Nm, raising total power and torque to 388kW/680Nm.

This has a dramatic impact on the performance claims for the huge 5299mm-long sedan that still weighs in at 2417kg.

Now, from rest, Bentley claims the V8 S can sprint to 100km/h in just 4.9 seconds and top out at an incredible 306km/h -- 0.3 seconds faster than the standard V8 with an 11km/h faster top speed.

Despite the bump in power and performance, average fuel consumption of the V8 S is claimed to be 10.9l/100km while emitting 254g/km of CO2 -- exactly the same as the base V8.

Differing from its less powerful sibling, Bentley says the V8 S version has been created to offer a more “focused, precise driving experience”.

That’s why, under the skin, the more powerful version of the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 offers sharper throttle response, while the eight-speed automatic transmission dishes up more engine braking for a sportier driving experience.

The V8 S also receives its own chassis tune that is claimed to offer improved handling and better body control thanks to a recalibration of the Bentley’s adaptive dampers.

Ride comfort, meanwhile, is unaffected by the chassis changes, claims the British car-maker.

Since Bentley expects the V8 S to be driven in a more spirited manner to the rest of the Flying Spur range, optional carbon-ceramic brakes are also now available on the S version, with buyers given the choice of either red, or a more subtle black, finish for the callipers.

Finally, completing the upgrades, engineers have tweaked the electronic stability control system to allow more wheel slip at higher speeds and enable engine torque to be reinstated more quickly after ESC invention.

It’s not known if this is Bentley’s polite-speak for making the big Flying Spur more driftable.

Inside, the Flying Spur is as luxurious as ever with the V8 S gaining piano-black wood, a sporty three-spoke steering wheel and a knurled finish on the gear lever and paddles. The sportier V8 S limo also comes with two-tone leather seats that have ‘V8 S’ head restraint stitching.

Externally, apart from some new badges, the V8 S styling is limited to a black radiator grille and rear diffuser.

Pricing will be revealed at its official launch at the Geneva motor show on March 1. In the UK it’s expected the Flying Spur V8 S will be priced above $280,000.