Boston Common - Niche Media - A side of Boston that's anything but common.
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CARNOISSEUR Spurred On T he second generation of the Bentley Flying Spur takes luxury and performance to a new level. Originally introduced in 1957, the car fuses elegant design with the underpinnings of an all-wheel-drive vehicle that can be driven daily. What's new with this car is the updated 6.0-liter W12 engine, which now produces 616 horsepower and goes from zero to 60 in 4.3 seconds, with a top speed north of 200 mph. Fuel economy is also improved, and if the Flying Spur is driven at moderate speeds, 20 miles per gallon is a possibility on the highway. The car's new styling is reminiscent of Bentley's top-of-the-line Mulsanne, giving the Flying Spur an athletic look that combines the traditional Bentley aesthetic with a sporting stance and contemporary details. The interior is luxurious and spacious, incorporating advanced acoustic and electronic technologies in handcrafted leather hides and wood veneers. A new Mulliner Driving Specification package adds more quilted leather in a choice of five premium colors. Backseat drivers can have a little more fun with this Bentley thanks to a touch-screen, multifunctional controller for rear-seat passengers, which I enjoyed testing on my drive. This device controls climate settings, infotainment functions, and the sunshades. It also 132 BY CRAIG CARLSON monitors the driver with a digital reproduction of the speedometer. Joining me as I picked up an Onyx Black Flying Spur at Bentley Boston in Wayland was former Sports Car Club of America pro driver John Pappas. I hit the start button and could feel the Bentley come to life more than I could hear it (the subtle engine sound is aided by a new exhaust system with additional insulation). We pulled onto Route 20 and began our trip to Boston for lunch at Smith & Wollensky at Atlantic Wharf. Next was Route 128, where I briskly accelerated into traffic. The Flying Spur gives a driver great confidence as it provides a firm but comfortable ride in near silence. After lunch, Pappas had his chance behind the wheel while I tested the new features in the rear. First was the audio system. I selected a few tracks by Led Zeppelin, and as I turned up the volume I felt like I was at a live show, an almost out-of-body experience. Next were the rear shades and climate system, which all worked flawlessly. The ride was exceptional, and there was very little sensation of speed. While it was great to be a pampered passenger, I still prefer being behind the wheel in this car. The new Flying Spur is truly a driver's Bentley. Bentley Boston, 533 Boston Post Road, Wayland, 888-215-9684; bentleyboston.com BC PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF BENTLEY BOSTON'S TRAFFIC WILL SOUND FAR AWAY IN BENTLEY'S LUXE NEW SEDAN. BOSTONCOMMON-MAGAZINE.COM 132_BC_HP_Carnossieur_LateFall13.indd 132 9/16/13 10:35 AM