2006 Bentley Continental Flying Spur

Jackpot winners, corporate bigwigs, pop-culture icons, and Los Angeles-area Realtors will drool with anticipation for the new 2006 Continental Flying Spur. Named after the original 1957 version, itself the ultimate in grand-touring luxury, the new Continental Flying Spur is based on the Continental GT coupe, which has brought Bentley newfound success in a saturated super-luxury marketplace. While Bentley exceeds sales estimates, Maybach and Rolls-Royce are having difficulty meeting goals. The new 2006 Bentley Continental Flying Spur is certain to continue this trend.

One of the worst kept secrets in the automotive industry during the past year, the 2006 Bentley Continental Flying Spur, debuted to Americans at the 2005 New York International Auto Show. The Continental Flying Spur is a four-door sedan version of the hot-selling Continental GT coupe.

What it is

Exemplifying the Bentley tenets of ultimate luxury and unmatched performance, the 2006 Continental Flying Spur blends rapid acceleration, confident handling, and the ability for four filthy-rich people to travel long distances in unfettered comfort.

Why it matters

Nothing says snooty better than a Bentley. And while very few people could ever hope to afford one, the world without a Bentley Continental Flying Spur would be a sad, empty place indeed. For Bentley, this car matters because it is the next version of a successful model - the Continental. While competitors such as Maybach and Rolls Royce are having troubles, Bentley seems to have captured the imagination of rich folks everywhere. Photo courtesy of Bentley Motors

When you can buy it

The 2006 Bentley Continental Flying Spur goes on sale in the spring of 2006. Photo courtesy of Bentley Motors

How much it costs

Pricing for the 2006 Bentley Continental Flying Spur is not set, but is expected to adhere to the same structure as the Continental GT coupe, which means you'll need about $170,000 to own one of the finest Bentleys ever produced. Photo courtesy of Bentley Motors

How quick it is

Under the Bentley's bonnet is a twin-turbocharged, 12-cylinder engine that makes in excess of 550 horsepower. A locomotive's worth of torque comes on at 1,600 rpm, helping the hulking all-wheel-drive Continental Flying Spur achieve acceleration to 60 mph in about five seconds and a top speed of 190 mph. A six-speed transmission handles gear changes automatically, via the shift lever, or through paddles mounted to the steering wheel.

What it looks like

Designers wanted a clean, contemporary look for the 2006 Bentley Continental Flying Spur, rather than the ostentatious appearance of some competing models. That's why it looks much like the Continental GT coupe in front, right down to the traditional matrixed mesh radiator grille. Classic Bentley interior design cues include supple leather, wood veneers, and signature bulls-eye ventilation outlets. Every surface of the 2006 Continental Flying Spur's cabin is covered in wood and leather. In fact, it takes 11 hides to upholster this super luxury sedan. That oughta incense PETA.A bench seat is standard on the 2006 Bentley Continental Flying Spur, but individual, power-adjustable bucket seats are optional. When these seats are ordered, a wood-trimmed console runs the full length of the car. Four-zone climate control and a state-of-the-art information and entertainment system come standard on the Continental Flying Spur.

What we think

Bentley has found a sweet spot in the marketplace, priced just out of reach of commoners who can only afford a BMW 7-Series and comfortably below the outrageously expensive Maybach and Rolls-Royce Phantom. Given the success of the Continental GT, the stylish Continental Flying Spur should double Bentley's already stunning sales figures.

Show Specs

Price: TBD, but expect around $170,000 When available: Spring 2006 Amount of leather used for the interior: 11 hides Power: A 12-cylinder engine that makes in excess of 550 horsepower. Torque comes on at 1,600 rpm. Speed: Zero to 60 in around five seconds, a top speed of 190 mph. Transmission: Six-speed automatic

Photos by Erik Hanson and courtesy of Bentley Motors