Currently reading: Bentley Flying Spur Speed seen with plug-in hybrid system

Spy shots of sportiest Flying Spur show charging flap for hybrid powertrain, likely to be Porsche Panamera-sourced

Bentley is believed to be testing an upcoming flagship Speed variant of its new Bentley Flying Spur luxury saloon, and new spy shots show it running a plug-in hybrid powertrain. 

The new Rolls-Royce Ghost rival was revealed a few months back in standard form, but these prototypes are wearing cues of a yet-to-be-revealed sporting model. These include a honeycomb grille and lower air intakes (classic Speed traits), what look like larger brakes shod in new wheels and a rear-end disguise, possibly hiding a boot spoiler.

But the most informative object on view is a second filling flap on the left-hand side of the car. That's almost certainly a charging port used in a plug-in hybrid powertrain, set to debut on the normal Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid soon and seemingly also destined for the Speed.

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While nothing is confirmed, the Flying Spur shares its MSB platform with the Porsche Panamera, which is available with a 671bhp petrol-electric plug-in hybrid powertrain in the Turbo S E-Hybrid. That seems the natural bedfellow for the Flying Spur Speed, offering as it does a 0-62mph time of 3.4 sec in the 2.3-tonne Panamera.

With the Porsche managing a top speed of 194mph, Bentley may need to further develop the powertrain to allow it to beat the 207mph of the standard W12-engined Flying Spur. 

But the economy figure of the V8-engined Porsche are certainly an improvement on the twelve-cylinder Bentley, with a claimed 80.7mpg. Similar could likely be achieved with the Flying Spur, with ultra-low emissions attractive for business users (or owners, more probably). 

Expect subtle suspension revisions along with bespoke styling details inside and out for the Flying Spur Speed, along with a significantly increased price tag. A debut in 2020 is likely, although it's not yet clear if a lesser plug-in model will appear sooner. 

Read more: 

Exclusive first ride: Bentley Flying Spur 

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lambo58 13 September 2019

80.7 mpg my arse

80.7 mpg my arse

Stop talking crap and stop including the minimal battery range which is just a small benefit of moving such a heavy elephant

lambo58 13 September 2019

80.7 mpg my arse

80.7 mpg my arse

Stop talking crap and stop including the minimal battery range which is just a small benefit of moving such a heavy elephant