Bentley Flying Spur Gets 4-Wheel Steering

Volkswagen AG’s Bentley unit says its all-new Flying Spur sedan will feature the marque’s first all-wheel-steering (aws) system.

Several other carmakers, including Ferrari and Porsche, also offer aws in low-volume performance models. All operate similarly by steering the rear wheels in the same direction as the front wheels at high speeds to enhance stability and in the opposite direction at low speeds to improve maneuverability.

The third-generation Flying Spur will share a platform, engines and other components with the Bentley Continental GT coupe. But there will be greater styling differentiation between the two models.

The Flying Spur also will feature a new all-wheel-drive system that sends 100% of the power to the rear wheels under normal driving conditions. If wheel slip is detected, power is diverted to the front wheels as necessary to enhance traction.

The new sedan will feature Bentley’s Dynamic Ride suspension. The system adjusts suspension stiffness based on road conditions to minimize body roll during cornering maneuvers.

Several engines will be available, including the Continental GT’s 6.0-liter twin-turbo W-12 that produces 625 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque. A 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 also is said to be in the works, along with a plug-in hybrid variant that teams a 2.9-liter V-6 with an electric motor.

Bentley will publicly unveil the Flying Spur next month. Sales are expected to launch later this year.