A prototype of the upcoming Bentley Flying Spur PHEV
has been outed during a recent round of winter testing. Unsurprisingly, most of its exterior
looks identical to other Flying Spur prototypes, except for a small plug on the
left rear quarter panel. We suspect that the Flying Spur PHEV will share its
powertrain with select Bentley Bentayga and Porsche Panamera models. That means
a 2.9-liter V6 plug-in hybrid that produces roughly 462 hp and offers up an
all-electric range of about 48 km.
Alongside the plug-in hybrid V6, Bentley is thought
to be readying the new Flying Spur to support a 4.0-liter petrol V8 and a
6.0-liter petrol W12. It is even possible that variants towards the top of the
Flying Spur family could use the powerful hybrid V8 system found in the
Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid and deliver a neck-snapping 680 hp.
Fitting the new Flying Spur with powertrains from
the Porsche Panamera will be quite easy for the automaker as the duo feature
the same MSB-F platform. This also means the Flying Spur will receive a number
of new technologies from the Panamera, including an updated infotainment system
and select semi-autonomous driving functions.
Like other recent prototypes, this Bentley Flying
Spur PHEV prototype does have some body cladding across the exterior. With that
being said, we’re provided with a reasonable look at the car’s design,
including its aggressive front bumper, large black grille, multi-spoke wheels,
and oval-shaped tailpipes. Expect the new Bentley Flying Spur to premiere in the middle of the
year.
