Bentley launches a luxury saloon that thinks it's a supercar

In Geneva Bentley launched a car that saw its re-emergence as a purveyor of the fastest and most luxurious saloon cars in the world, the Continental Flying Spur. Sharing many parts with the phenomenally successful Continental GT, a car so popular Bentley delayed the launch of the Flying Spur whilst trying to keep up with its demand, the new car offers supercar performance combined with luxury car opulence.

The Flying Spur shares the heart of the GT, the W12 6-litre V12 engine with 48 continuously variably actuated valves, 560bhp at 6100rpm and 479lb.ft at a very low 1600rpm. This last figure ensures that the new Bentley is endowed with that famous eerie ability to gather pace without ever seemingly trying. The headline figures are 195mph, 0 to 60mph in 4.9 seconds and 0-100mph in 11.3 seconds, but it's the 4.6 second 30-70 mph time, quicker than a 997 Carrera S that is the real indicator of the car's real world pace; sufficient to keep many top line supercars in sight in a straight-line.

Making sure it maintains its pace and composure on twisty sections of tarmac the Flying Spur's engine drives all four 19-inch wheels, through a Tiptronic six-speed gearbox and torque sensing Torsen centre differential system. The chassis also features an advanced Electronic Stability Programme that can be switched off if the driver wishes, although the chassis' thorough engineering and mighty grip means that the system will only cut in in extremis.

The spacious and welcoming interior uses exceptionally high quality materials with flawless fit and finish. Leather and wood dominate, creating the contemporary classic feel you'd expect; 11 hides are used in its handmade manufacture, and not just any hides: they're imported from Europe where the lower number of insects benefits the quality of the leather, apparently. It was certainly very pleasant to sit into at the show.

The Flying Spur goes on sale in April with a price yet to be confirmed, but expect to pay a 10-20% premium over the Continental GT's £112,000.