Bentley flies more speed

JUST days before revealing its groundbreaking new “extreme” biofuel concept at the Geneva motor show next week, Bentley will reserve its limelight at the 2009 Melbourne International Motor Show for the Continental Flying Spur Speed.

In a scene that will echo the British brand’s presence at the first Melbourne motor show in 1925, Bentley will display four Continental models at the Exhibition Centre on Friday, led by the $400,176 Speed sedan – the first Australian deliveries of which arrived in November.

Like its coupe and convertible Speed stablemates, the four-door Flying Spur Speed is powered by a more powerful 449kW/750Nm version of the standard car’s 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 engine.

That’s enough to propel the big all-wheel drive sedan to 100km/h in a claimed 4.8 seconds (three-tenths slower than the slightly more expensive GT Speed coupe) and on to a staggering 322km/h top speed.

As previously reported, specific Speed equipment includes 20-inch alloy wheels, lambswool floor mats, a Breitling clock, and rear picnic tables with integrated mirrors and lights.

The Continental Flying Spur Speed sedan will be shown at Melbourne alongside the Continental GT Speed coupe, as well as two examples of the Continental GTC convertible.

Bentley says it is one of just four exhibitors from the 1925 show – along with Ford, Peugeot and Renault – to still be in business and exhibiting at this year’s 75th running of the Melbourne show.

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