Bentley’s Continental Flying Spur saloon has Grand Touring written all over it. If you were loading up the family and their luggage for a ‘Grand Tour’ across Europe, this is the car for you.
It’s about 20 inches longer than the coupe, and this affords amazing interior space. The legroom is incredible, and could easily accommodate an NBA player.
The Continental Flying Spur also oozes luxury from its beautifully-appointed interior, but what really stood out was the eerie quiet as we motored from San Francisco along the coast road to Half Moon Bay. Pull out to pass, and the Flying Spur zoomed along seemingly without straining, and yet on the twisty mountain roads in the hills above Half Moon Bay the 5500lb Grand Touring car was as agile as a gazelle.
Driving a Bentley seems to take no effort. It’s not like wrestling an intimidating, powerful sports car around a race circuit. In fact despite Bentley’s advertised power, and performance, the Flying Spur did not intimidate at all.
This is what designing a ‘driver’s car’ is all about. However Bentley has provided probably the ultimate combination of bespoke finishes, immense power, unmatched performance and precise handling which could easily double as a daily driver without concern.
Using the same W12, 552 hp engine and ZF 6-speed transmission as its other Continental siblings, the Continental Flying Spur’s big difference is interior space. The slightly longer wheelbase (304mm) also affords even more supple ride control, but this doesn’t detract from the handling – which remains precise and confidence-boosting.
Front suspension is a four link design, with a multilink rear suspension. The conventional springs are replaced by computer-controlled air springs which can be adjusted for comfort, or sporty driving dynamics. At speeds over 250 km/h, the Flying Spur’s nose is lowered automatically by 10mm,
and the rear by 25mm to reduce lift, gently aiding stability.
Moreover, because it’s a longer car with an underbody aerodynamic diffuser, the Flying Spur actually boasts a better CD (0.31) than its coupe sibling’s rating of 0.32.
Driving a Bentley is a very special experience, underscored immediately as we swept into the forecourt of the Ritz-Carlton hotel at Half Moon Bay.
The valet staff and the bell-boys stepped back in awe, and then rushed to service our group. The hotel management effusively greeted us with a respectful welcome, and my room key in a discreet envelope. “Never mind about checking in, sir, we’re delighted to welcome you to our hotel.”
Returning to the road, we drove east on Route 92, and then ascended to join Skyline Boulevard for a spirited drive across a mountain road which ducks and dives through rainforest-like vegetation, turning back and descending to the coast for stop at Santa Cruz for morning tea.
We then continued down the Pacific Coast Highway to Monterey, and took our lunch stop at Big Sur. Here is a road that was designed for the Continental Flying Spur. We silently cruised Highway 1 past San Simeon and Morro Bay for an overnight stop at Bacara at Goleta, just north of Santa Barbara.
Parked in the courtyard of this five-star resort the Continental Flying Spur looked completely at home. The Bentley was a great fit in these luxurious surroundings. This ‘presence’ is all part of Bentley’s history and tradition. It’s a big part of the appeal of Bentley to today’s wealthy young entrepreneurs, sports stars and recording artists who buy a Bentley to celebrate their accomplishments.
The imposing stance of the Continental Flying Spur, the hand-finished interior and the wonderful legends from its past separate Bentley from most of the other luxury car brands today and gives a Bentley owner a unique pleasure. That alone is worth the asking price. How much: $370,516.00
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