The Flying Spur was originally named the ‘Continental Flying Spur’, as it shared the drivetrain and performance of the Continental GT. However, the "Continental" was later dropped from the car’s initials as Bentley shifted focus towards a 4-door sedan rather than the typical 2-door coupe. The 2018 Flying Spur W12 S marked one of the final releases of the second-generation Flying Spurs, by which time the model had fully embraced the AWD (All-Wheel-Drive) concept. The introduction of the ‘S’ variants in 2016 aimed to highlight their sporting capabilities, emphasizing exquisite driving performance alongside luxury amenities.
Bentley made a strategic shift towards luxury over performance in the early 2000s under Volkswagen's new ownership. This decision wasn't solely rooted in the company's luxury heritage or its desire to enhance luxury amenities; it also stemmed from its confidence in its engineering capabilities to produce high-powered engines. Bentley, historically a pioneer of British luxury, had substantial engineering capabilities, evident from its Le Mans race victories in the 1920s. The Flying Spur was a testament to Bentley's assertion that sedans could be powerful without compromising on luxury.
While competitors like the Mercedes-Maybach S650, Aston Martin Rapide S, or Porsche Panamera opted for V12 engines to offer more power and aesthetic exhaust systems, the 2018 Bentley Flying Spur W12 S chose a 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged W12 engine. This engine, capable of producing over 626 HP, was essential to propel the Flying Spur, weighing between 5,000 – 5,500 lbs, while also delivering an incredible torque exceeding 605 lb-ft. This substantial torque ensured the car remained firmly grounded, providing excellent grip to the driver. Despite focusing more on top-speed than rapid acceleration, the car could still manage 0-100 KPH in 4.2 seconds and achieve a top-speed of 202 mph (325 kph). This balance in the drivetrain was facilitated by the 8-speed automatic transmission, enabling manual shifting and equitable distribution of engine power to all four wheels, given the 2018 Flying Spur also featured AWD. However, the seamless driving experience wasn't solely attributed to the drivetrain. The car featured Continuous Damping Control (CDC) suspensions using air-springs to maintain optimal body weight for enhanced traction. Additionally, the car boasted advanced technology, including driver assistance systems and a digital instrument cluster. The assistance features, comprising adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and emergency braking, had significantly improved over the years, bolstering confidence in the car's driving capabilities. The digital instrument cluster, upgraded with the second generation of the Flying Spur, displayed crucial vehicle information, such as speed, navigation assistance, and driving features.
The glossy black finish on the rear and front bumpers, along with the side mirrors, accentuated the front-facing grill impeccably. The ‘S’ variants of the Flying Spur featured slightly rounded corners to minimize drag through aerodynamic excellence. The 21-inch alloy wheels, consistent with Bentley's production, provided serene aesthetics while also housing ventilated discs on either side for braking. Handcrafted upholstery was a hallmark of British luxury, epitomizing aesthetics with functionality. The handcrafted leather seats, equipped with heating, ventilation, and massage functions alongside electric adjustments, significantly contributed to consumer satisfaction. Moreover, the car boasted a multi-zone automatic climate control function accessible through the main 8-inch entertainment screen. Optional rear-seat entertainment screens were available for passengers, supported by a high-quality audio system from British conglomerate Naim Audio. Bentley's penchant for wooden paneling was evident, exemplifying luxury with shiny wooden veneers adorning the console and inside the front doors.
In 2018, the Bentley Flying Spur W12 S retailed at $265,000, drawing scrutiny for its higher price tag compared to competitors. However, the company's reputation proved to be a stalemate, as the car remained popular six years after its release. This enduring popularity can be attributed to the machine's sturdiness and the sporting suspension designed for the ‘S’ variants. In today's market, the opportunity to acquire a used 2018 Bentley Flying Spur W12 S within the $120,000 to $140,000 price range represents an exceptional value proposition for those seeking luxury, power, and comfort in their automotive experience. However, this holds true only if the car is properly maintained and valued accordingly, emphasizing the importance of involving Exotic Car Trader in buying and selling transactions. Utilizing the company's website to schedule inspection appointments and explore the extensive automotive variety ensures satisfaction tailored to individual tastes.
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