By Malusi Msomi

When Bentley adds “Speed” to their models, you know they mean business. Sitting above the Bentley Flying Spur S, the “Speed” has had a power bump resulting in more torque, faster sprint times and a higher top speed.

Sporty yet classy exterior

Aside from the badging “Speed” around the car, the Flying Spur Speed sets itself apart with unique 22-inch Speed wheels (with an option of spottier 22-inch wheels), dark tint finish to front grilles, carbon fibre front splitter, side skirts, rear diffuser and subtle bootlid spoiler. To add a dash of class (which it already exudes) the Flying Spur Speed also comes with jewelled fuel and oil filler caps. Bentley also has the Blackline Specification available as an option.

Luxurious Interior

Stepping inside, Bentley has gone with the use of Dinamica Pure material which covers all touch points. Bentley says the difference over regular Dinamica specifically, is that it is made from 73% recycled Polyester. Interior colour options have tripled from 5 to 15 with Piano Black veneer as standard, and Crown Cut Walnut, Dark Stained Burr Walnut or Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus as alternative no-cost options.

Both the front and back seats can be adjusted in 24 and 14 different ways, respectively. Every seat features heating, air conditioning, massaging, and two memory positions. In addition, the interior has illuminated Speed inner and outer treadplates, sports pedals, and fascia badges and emblems.

The powertrain

Power comes from a twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre W12 engine that produces 467 kW and 900 Nm. Power is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed ZF dual-clutch gearbox which equates to a 0 – 100 km/h sprint time of 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 333 km/h. The amount of torque it sends to the front wheels depends on which drive mode you’re in. When in Comfort it sends 480 nm to the front axle for greater grip and drivability. When in Sport it sends 280 Nm for a more dynamic feel.