Bentley teases 2020 Flying Spur ahead of June 11 reveal

Bentley is celebrating its centennial this year with new versions of its core models, having recently introduced an all new Continental GT. Next, the British luxury automaker is unveiling the 2020 Flying Spur, having just let loose a couple of teaser shots ahead of the sedan’s June 11 debut.

Based on the same platform as the Continental GT, the new-from-the-ground-up Flying Spur will be the first Bentley with four-wheel steering, improving high-speed stability and maneuverability in the city. At speed, the electronically controlled system turns the rear wheels in the same direction as the fronts for more confident lane changes and overtaking. When driving at urban speeds, the rear wheels steer in the opposite direction for a tighter turning circle.

Like all modern Flying Spurs made since Bentley has been part of the Volkswagen Group, the new car also has all-wheel drive, though the new Spur’s system has an all-new calibration that keeps the big Bentley in rear-wheel-drive mode in most road conditions for more sporting cornering. The front wheels are powered only when the AWD system senses tire slip in the back.

Also new to the Flying Spur is the Bentley Dynamic Ride system, that adjusts suspension stiffness and minimizes body roll for better handling and more comfort.

The Flying Spur will likely launch with a version of the 600+ horsepower 6.0-liter W-12 engine shared with the Audi A8, the Continental GT, and the Bentayga SUV, with a V-8 powered model arriving sometime later, per Bentley’s practice. Based on spy shots of a Flying Spur mule getting recharged, published at Motor1, there will probably also be a plug-in hybrid version, in anticipation of proposed European regulations for operating cars in urban areas. If Bentley does release a PHEV Flying Spur, it will probably share EV technology with Porsche’s Panamera 4 E-Hybrid.

Bentley has set up a dedicated website for the new car at www.NewFlyingSpur.com, and released a video of the new Flying Spur undergoing high speed track testing.