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• Bentley's flagship model has received an update.
• The Flying Spur is the British marque's largest and most luxurious model.
• Bentley has fitted the Flying Spur with the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine.
Bentley claims its updated flagship model, the Flying Spur, is "the best luxury sedan in the world". In order for it to bandy that claim about, it needs to back it up one would say.
Well, the recent update given to the four-door sedan is to keep rivals away from stepping on its toes.
Image: Motorpress
The newer model is now available with the firm's 4.0-litre V8 turbocharged engine. It produces 404kW and uses twin-scroll turbochargers to squeeze out 770Nm from below 2000 r/min.
The engine features cylinder deactivation under light-load conditions, when torque demand is below 235Nm and engine speed is below 3000 r/min.
Incredibly, passengers are unlikely to know the deactivation has occurred as it takes around 20 milliseconds (a tenth of the time it takes to blink).
Bentley says this results in fuel consumption benefit to the customer of up to 16%, which also means increased range, lower environmental impact and longer driving between fuel stops.
The engine weighs 100 kilograms less than the W12 while the adaptive chassis can feature the brand's 48-volt electric active ant-roll control system (Bentley Dynamic Ride) and Electronic All-Wheel Steering are available as an option.
"Based on our research, customer feedback and trends of customer usage, the new Flying Spur V8 has been engineered to deliver driver-focused ability, whilst offering passengers the refinement, comfort and technology expected from a grand limousine," says a member of the Bentley Board for Engineering, Dr. Matthias Rabe.
"The Flying Spur range is purposeful yet elegant. It has classic Bentley design, best-in-class execution, authentic materials and attention to detail. The new Flying Spur V8 also includes the latest driver assistance and infotainment systems for enhanced safety, security and relaxation on every journey."
Image: Motorpress
Infotainment level up
And don't for one second think the Flying Spur is not as technologically advanced as its rivals. It features an embedded Sim card which means customers don't need to connect their phone to access the 'My Bentley' connected car features.
The 'My Bentley' in-car and remote services is a continually-developing range of services available to customers through a dedicated app, available both on Apple iOS and Android mobile platforms.
Remote services - subject to regional availability - are accessible through the My Bentley app, including a range of features our customers now come to expect – from 'find my car' and 'lock my car', through to car status and statistics – including integration with other functions such as the park heater where fitted.
Other features via the vehicles infotainment system include Apple CarPlay, photorealistic landscapes through satellite maps and advance warning of changing road or traffic conditions.
Compiled by Sean Parker
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