- An updated Bentley Flying Spur Speed is the latest recipient of the British brand's Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain
- The powertrain replaces Bentley's venerable W-12 and consists of a V-8 plug-in hybrid setup
- The powertrain is tuned to deliver 771 hp in the Flying Spur Speed
Bentley is currently transitioning from its venerable W-12 engine to a V-8 plug-in hybrid powertrain, and the latest to make the switch is an updated 2025 Flying Spur Speed.
Unveiled on Tuesday, Bentley's updated Flying Spur Speed may look like the model that's been on sale since the 2023 model year, but there are plenty of changes in areas you can't see, including beyond the powertrain.
On the outside, new details include a revised grille and front fascia, a rear diffuser, a 22-inch wheel option, and a dark tint for the brightwork. And for the interior, there are new diamond patterns for the seat trim as well as on the door linings and B-pillars.
The big news is the new powertrain, referred to by Bentley as the Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain. It debuted in June in an updated Continental GT Speed, and replaces Bentley's twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W-12 which ceased production this summer after two decades. Bentley launched the coachbuilt Batur and Batur Convertible models to celebrate the W-12's run.
The Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain combines a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 with a single electric motor. The electric motor is integrated with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that directs the drive torque to all four wheels via an all-wheel-drive system.
Peak output for the Flying Spur Speed is 771 hp, which matches the output the powertrain delivers in the Continental GT Speed. The output represents an increase of 145 hp over the outgoing Flying Spur Speed's peak power, and thanks to a 25.9-kwh battery an electric range of more than 45 miles will also be possible. That range estimate is calculated using the WLTP test cycle used overseas and will likely be lower when measured using the stricter EPA cycle.
Bentley Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain
With the extra grunt, Bentley estimates the updated Flying Spur Speed will hustle to 60 mph from rest in just 3.3 seconds, down from 3.7 seconds in the outgoing model. Passing power should also be better, thanks to higher torque and power levels throughout the rev range.
To enhance the ride and handling, Bentley installs as standard a chassis package dubbed the Bentley Performance Active Chassis. This includes an electronic anti-roll system (Bentley Dynamic Ride), rear-wheel steering, an electronic limited-slip differential, and a suspension with new dual-chamber air springs and dual-valve dampers. The dampers enable adjustment of both rebound and compression, resulting in a wider range between comfort and handling control.
Updated Bentley Flying Spur Speed
Bentley said it also introduced a new electrical architecture with the update, allowing for new features that improve the user experience, like the addition of over-the-air map updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a range of connected services when a mobile phone is paired. These connected services include handy items like remote parking, remote charging status, and remote cabin pre-conditioning. Bentley said new features will be available each year.
Bentley also makes available a Wellness Seating Specification for all four seats. This adjusts the climate settings to help maintain the ideal body temperature while also varying the pressure on the occupants’ muscles to ensure they feel well-rested after a long drive. Other options include a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system and a 19-speaker Naim system with transducers in the front seats.
Updated Bentley Flying Spur Speed
Bentley hasn't said when the regular Flying Spur will be updated, though it will likely happen soon. The current Flying Spur was introduced in the U.S. for the 2020 model year and received its first hybrid powertrain for 2022. That hybrid system prioritizes fuel efficiency over performance, and pairs a turbocharged 2.9-liter V-6 with a single electric motor, delivering a combined 536 hp.
The current Flying Spur is also available with a standalone twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine, but this option should be replaced by a detuned version of the Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain in the updated range. In May, Bentley revealed special Edition 8 versions of the Continental GT, Continental GTC, and Flying Spur to commemorate the end of the line for models powered solely by a V-8 engine.
