SPYSHOTS: Next-gen Bentley Flying Spur seen testing

Behold, the next generation Bentley Flying Spur, which ostensibly looks much like the current model. The new, upcoming Flying Spur’s previous outing was concealed in a Porsche Panamera bodyshell, as the new British luxury sedan shares its MSB underpinnings with the four-door Porsche. This, too, will be shared with the British marque’s new Continental GT coupé and upcoming GTC convertible.

Given its MSB roots, the next Flying Spur can be expected to share much with its stablemate the Porsche Panamera. There will be commonalities in the running gear as well, including the 4.0 litre biturbo V8 petrol which powers the Panamera Turbo. At the other end of the spectrum, the 6.0 litre biturbo W12 should also soldier on – in the new Continental GT, it produces 626 hp and a massive 900 Nm of torque.

Effortless cruising is a particularly desirable trait at this end of the market, so a 4.0 litre tri-turbo diesel V8 from the Bentayga Diesel with 435 PS and 900 Nm of torque can be expected to feature too. As should a plug-in hybrid model – although that will make its debut on the Bentayga first.

All models should get the new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission from the Continental GT, with a dual-mass flywheel replacing the torque converter. Given the rudimentary state of this test mule’s bodywork, an official release is some time away; our sources estimate a late 2018 or early 2019 debut for the all-new Bentley Flying Spur.

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