The next-generation Bentley Flying Spur has been spied with a disguised version of its production body. These photos were snapped by a fan of Carscoops spy photographer in southern Europe, and give us our first good look at the new sedan’s overall shape.

The production car’s detailing is well disguised by a series of false body panels over the doors, fenders and boot. Last time we saw the Flying Spur it was wearing a stretched and disfigured version of the body shell used by the second-generation Porsche Panamera.

Although it seems an odd choice for a mule body, the two cars are actually built upon the same platform. Dubbed MSB, the new Porsche-developed rear- and all-wheel drive architecture will form the basis of Bentley’s sedan, coupe and convertible range over the coming years. 


The new platform should result in a lighter sedan. With high-strength steel, aluminium and other lightweight components, the new Flying Spur will be less portly than the 2475 kg behemoth plying the roads today.


While range-topping versions of the new Flying Spur will likely use an updated version of Bentley’s 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12, entry-level variants will probably be powered by a version of the Porsche’s 550 Hp/770 Nm direct-injection 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. The new Flying Spur is expected to make its global debut in either late 2018 or early 2019.