As you'd expect, the Continental Flying Spur's list of available comfort and convenience items is extensive. Leather upholstery is standard equipment, and the power-adjustable front seats feature settings for both heating and cooling. The four-zone climate control system includes rear-seat controls. There's an AM/FM stereo audio system with a CD player, and it can be tuned through controls integrated into the steering wheel. A connection to Sirius satellite radio is standard, as is a Bluetooth-compatible telephone connection. A satellite navigation system is also standard. There's a power latching system for the trunk and all the doors. Keyless entry is included.
Standard performance features begin with the turbocharged 6.0-liter W-12 engine. It drives through a six-speed automatic transmission that can be controlled through either a conventional lever mounted on the center console or fingertip-actuated paddles that are mounted on the steering wheel. Full-time all-wheel drive with a torque-sensing center differential is standard. The suspension can be electronically tuned for comfort or performance with a knob that is mounted on the dash.
The five-seat model of the Flying Spur has a rear bench seat that accommodates three and includes a pull-down center armrest that reveals lockable pass-through access to the trunk. The limousine-like four-passenger model features two, electronically adjustable, bucket-style seats that are separated by a console. Controls for the climate and audio systems as well as a connection for a rear-seat telephone are located on the console.
Convenience and appearance options are limited only by the imagination of the customer and they include such things as rear-seat picnic tables that drop down from the back of the front seats. Our test car was equipped with more typical optional equipment, including a power sunroof ($990), deep-pile carpet floormats ($490), a gear lever finished in chrome and leather ($590), a steering wheel trimmed in two-tone leather ($490), and a valet parking key ($240). Our test car also carried a set of aluminum alloy wheels finished in chrome ($4240).
Passive safety is provided by dual-stage front air bags, front-seat side-impact airbags designed to provide torso protection, and curtain-type air bags designed to provide head protection for both front- and outboard rear-seat passengers. Seat-belt pre-tensioners and load limiters are standard. There's also a system that monitors the air pressure of the tires.
Active safety measures begin with an electronic stability program (ESP) to help maintain vehicle control during emergency maneuvers. Antilock brakes (ABS) help enhance steering control during emergency stops. To optimize braking and shorten stopping distances, electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) improves stability under braking, while Brake Assist maintains full braking force during a panic stop even if you inadvertently relax pressure on the brake pedal. Meanwhile, all-wheel drive also contributes to all-around driving safety.
For 2007, the premium Mulliner model has been added to the Flying Spur line, an even more luxurious level of trim named for Bentley's long-time supplier of custom coachwork. It's most notable for the use of special diamond-quilted seat leather for the interior and 20-inch wheels with high-performance, 275/35YR-20 Yokohama Advan Sport tires for added driving performance.
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