2006 Bentley Continental Flying Spur Preview

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 at the 2005 Geneva Auto Show. The Continental Flying Spur is a four-door sedan version of the hot-selling Continental GT coupe.

Mission

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

Performance

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 gearchanges automatically, via the shift lever, or through paddles mounted to the steering wheel.

Interior

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.

Comfort

A bench seat is standard on the 2006 Bentley Continental Flying Spur, but individual, power-adjustable bucket seats like these 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.

Design

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.

History

Riding on an air suspension, the 2006 Bentley Continental Flying Spur derives its name from the original 1957 model, itself a derivative of the fastest four-seat coupe of its time: The 1952 Bentley R-Type Continental coupe.

Pricing

The 2006 Bentley Continental Flying Spur goes on sale in the spring of 2005. Pricing is not set, but is expected to adhere to the same structure as the Continental GT coupe, which means you'll need about $160,000 to own one of the finest Bentleys ever produced.

Photos courtesy of Bentley Motors