The Bentley Flying Spur Speed has established a new winter lap record at Drivecenter Arena in northern Sweden, the world’s most northerly active racetrack. Located in Fällfors, approximately 100 miles from the Arctic Circle, the 2.05-mile circuit was completely covered in ice and snow during the event. Despite these challenging conditions, the vehicle achieved a lap time of 2:58, the fastest ever recorded at the facility during winter.
Highlights
- Record Time: The Flying Spur Speed lapped the 2.05-mile ice-covered track in 2:58.
- Top Speed: The vehicle reached a peak speed of 120 mph on a short 450-meter straight.
- Standard Specification: The record car was a standard production model equipped with studded 21-inch winter tires.
- Hybrid Powertrain: The car features an Ultra Performance Hybrid system delivering 782 PS and 1,000 Nm of torque.
Performance Under Extreme Conditions
The record-setting run was completed by a standard production Flying Spur Speed, modified only with the addition of studded 21-inch winter tires. The Drivecenter Arena track, a former military airbase, was covered in 12 inches of ice and snow.
Despite the low-grip surface, the vehicle reached a peak speed of 120 mph. This speed was achieved on the circuit’s longest straight, which measures only 450 meters. The lap time of under three minutes demonstrates the capabilities of the vehicle’s chassis systems in sub-zero environments.
Technical Specifications and Chassis Dynamics
The Flying Spur Speed utilizes an Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain. This system combines a 600 PS 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with a 190 PS electric motor integrated into the 8-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Powertrain Output (Sport Mode):
- Total Power: 782 PS
- Total Torque: 1,000 Nm
Standard equipment includes the Bentley Performance Active Chassis. This suite features Bentley Dynamic Ride, All-Wheel Steering, and an electronically controlled Limited Slip Differential. The record run was conducted with the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system switched off, relying on the car’s mechanical grip and balance.
The vehicle features a rear-biased weight distribution of 48.3:51.7. Traction is managed through active torque vectoring via a center differential and precision vectoring across each axle using the braking system.
Historical Inspiration and Design
The specific vehicle used for the record, registration Y15 BML, was specified to match a 1986 Turbo R from Bentley’s Heritage Collection. This design choice honors the Turbo R’s 40th anniversary and previous speed records, including the 1986 endurance record at Millbrook Proving Ground.
Heritage Design Specifications:
- Exterior Paint: Brooklands Green
- Detailing: Yellow fine lines
- Interior Colors: Linen, Cumbrian Green, and Open Pore Walnut
Electric Capabilities
While the record lap utilized the full hybrid output, the Flying Spur Speed also offers significant electric-only performance. The 25.9 kWh battery provides a usable electric range of up to 47 miles (76 km) on the EU drive cycle.
In pure EV mode, the electric motor generates 190 PS and 450 Nm of torque. Electric propulsion can be used at speeds up to 87 mph (140 km/h) with up to 75 percent throttle application. The combined range of the V8 engine and electric motor is 515 miles (829 km).
Learn more at https://www.bentleymotors.com/en.html.
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