Bentley has begun testing a new modification of the Flying Spur. Motor1 believes the spy photos made in a snowy region of North Europe evidence that the company is working on a plug-in hybrid flagship spec.
The Flying Spur actually already has a chargeable hybrid option (see video). It uses a 2.9-liter V6 rated at 416 PS (410 hp / 306 kW) and an electric motor adding 136 PS (134 hp / 100 kW) straight into the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The resulting peak output is 544 PS (536 hp / 400 kW) and 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) of torque.
The prototype shown here sports a subtly redesigned front fascia and new tailpipes with large oval finishers at both sides of the rear bumper. The standard car had four smaller exhaust tips grouped by two. Additionally, the photographer said they heard the engine sound and it was noticeably louder than the V6 version.
As such, we assume the test car might be packing the same powertrain as the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid to which it is technically related. After a modernization in 2020, that platform delivers 700 PS (690 hp / 515 kW) to the wheels thanks to a boosted 4.0-liter turbocharged V8. Should it prove to be the case, the car will surpass the current king of the lineup – the V12-powered Flying Spur Speed with 635 PS (626 hp / 467 kW) at its disposal.