Bentley reveals new Flying Spur The outgoing Flying Spur, launched in 2005, is the most successful four-door in Bentley's history, with 22,000 sold in seven years. But it was also something of an accidental success. "The first Flying Spur was a four-door GT," says Cameron Paterson, engineering project leader for the new car, "it was never intended to be a limousine, but its owners defined that role." The most dramatic change is the shape of the aluminium and steel coachwork, which is far more sporting and dynamic even though the new car is only marginally longer and actually higher than its predecessor. "It's been something of a tortuous process," says Christian Marshfield, senior exterior designer. That GT icon was hard to shift in our minds. But eventually we realised we did have the potential to push the boundaries and were inspired to design a car in its own right, which is why the Continental name has been dropped. The bonnet line has been changed, with the larger of the twin headlamps moved to the outside of the body. The wheelbase is longer and the rear side windows are reshaped to give the impression of a longer cabin and a lower boot line. The curvaceous rear three-quarter panels are a favourite with the development team and are seen as an exemplar of big-saloon design by the board of directors of Bentley's owner, Volkswagen. Under the bonnet is a development of the 6.0-litre W12 engine used in last year's Continental GT Speed, but tuned for torque and quieter performance. Power stands at 616bhp and there's 590lb ft of torque, all helping to make this the fastest Bentley four-saloon ever, with a 200mph top speed and 0-60mph in 4.3sec. Bentley claims it is also one of the most economical models in its class, achieving an EU Combined consumption figure of 19.2mpg and CO2 emissions of 343g/km. This is in part due to the latest ZF eight-speed transmission, which replaces the old six-speed unit. A lot of attention has also been given to quietening the driveline and there are new acoustic panels under the body and larger exhaust silencers. The cabin is virtually all new, with more than 600 new parts and, while the traditional Bentley mix of wood veneers and soft leathers is still present, there's a new seat design and a wraparound shape to the dashboard where it meets the doors. This is the last gasp for the old Phaeton/Continental four-wheel-drive chassis that underpinned the first Bentley Continental developed under VW in 2003. Future models will be developed under the auspices of the MLB platform strategy for longitudinal engined cars, which will be masterminded by Audi. The new Bentley Flying Spur goes on sale this year.