Bentley SPIED Testing V8 PHEV Pwrtrn from Porsche

Offer W12 Levels of Power

Our covert photographers situated in the north of Europe today stumbled across an immensely fascinating prototype. A group of Bentley automobiles was seen carrying out testing with minimal camouflage; amongst the squad was a black Flying Spur trial model. Our informants revealed that whenever the convoy anchored, the chauffeurs hastened to cover the car, which appeared slightly suspicious. Subsequently, it emerged that the vehicle had been exposed to carrying out tests on public thoroughfares in winter climates for a motive.

Speculation has been active that Bentley may be producing a V8-powered, plug-in hybrid edition of its iconic saloon vehicle — of which this could be our initial view. The forepart is not the same as the existing Flying Spur V6 PHEV, and the exhausts have a varied configuration. Our photo personnel noted that this experimental automobile had an exuberant motor and exhaust roar, directing us to think that a V8 might be under the bonnet.

Rumours have it that Bentley is set to feature a version of Porsche’s electric V8 plug-in which presently resides in the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid. This amazing combination boasts a twin turbocharged 4.0 litre engine, partnered with an electric motor, giving a total maximum output of 690 hp (515 kw) and a whopping torque of 642 lb-ft (870 nm). If this engine carries over to the Flying Spur too, then it would make the new PHEV even more powerful than its W12 counterpart.

In reference to the formidable 12-cylinder engine, it is currently found solely in the Flying Spur Speed, owing to the fact that the regular variant featuring this powertrain has been discontinued. Its 626 horsepower (467 kW) and 664 lb-ft of torque (900 Nm) make for rapid acceleration from 0–60 mph (0–96 kph) in a mere 3.7 seconds, as well as a maximum speed of around 207 mph (333 kph). Even though we can’t anticipate that its plug-in hybrid successor will surpass these numbers, a comparable performance is anticipated, augmented by zero-emissions operation and an elevated overall efficiency.

Source: CarPix