The three dots at the end of a Sangermani yacht; the smooth, continuous sweep of a Rolex's second hand; the extra button on an Ozwald Boateng cuff. If you know what you're looking for, most true luxury brands have a hallmark, a signature flourish by which connoisseurs recognise their favourites.
Though they are tiny, those three dots on the side of a Sangermani are all that is needed to tell the informed that this is a yacht of exquisite quality and distinction, one of the finest vessels afloat, traditionally built to exacting standards but with such fine and flowing lines that she will sail with an exceptional turn of speed. Spot those three dots bobbing quietly in a marina and you'll enjoy a little smile of recognition followed almost immediately by a slight pang of envy and a desire to join the party.
But the Bentley Flying Spur Speed? Ah, that is in a different league. There isn't a single thing about the exterior that tells you what it is. You'd need to be a really serious car geek or have memorised the entire contents of the bespoke options specifications sheet to recognise that the colour and the wheels are unique to the model. Otherwise, not a hint.
It is only when you open the door that you see the identifying mark - the word ‘Speed' etched into the stainless steel sill plate - that you are given a clue as to what is in store. Otherwise, everything is extremely restrained and sensible - a large, four-door sedan finished in an utterly discrete and businesslike dark navy blue, with a classically elegant ivory leather interior.
The wheels are extremely elegant, multi-spoke design, concealing what may be an important hint as to the true nature of this beast - carbon-ceramic brakes, the largest rotors ever fitted to a road car.
The secret
If you're really good, the presence of such mighty stopping power might make you pause and wonder ‘why?' So what is the secret? It's what lurks under the bonnet.
Producing 600 horsepower, the Bentley Flying Spur Speed is fitted with a tuned version of the regular car's twin-turbo W12 engine. In this installation, it now produces a whopping 600bhp at 6000rpm and 553lb ft at 1750rpm, up 48bhp and 74lb ft respectively.
This breathes through a new sports exhaust with twin stainless steel tailpipes that produce a distant rumble with the ominous portent of an approaching thunderstorm.
The Speed version of the Flying Spur also sits 10mm lower on its self-levelling air-suspension and has retuned spring and damper settings as well as thicker anti-roll bars. All these tweaks combine with the sharper version of the Servotronic power-steering system to create a surprisingly entertaining and engaging driving experience. The W12 blasts the Speed from 0-100kph in just 4.5 seconds, which is particularly impressive for a 2,475kg vehicle. What's also impressive is the fact that the engine can maximise torque, all 750 Nm of it, from only 1,750 rpm. Not only is there an immense amount of power, it's instantly available from almost walking speed.
Drive goes through a six-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels and can be operated by steering-wheel-mounted manual shift paddles should you feel the need. The all-wheel-drive system makes for excellent grip and the ride is smooth as silk and unsettlingly quiet. Bentley has equipped the Continental Flying Spur Speed with an array of high-tech equipment to minimise road noise and it works even at high speeds. Considering the speed can easily top 300kph, that's a very good thing.
An ultra-refined interior
Everything about the interior is sumptuous, from the quilting in the leather to the organ-stop vent controls. Refinement for the all-new Flying Spurs has been improved too, with new ‘acoustic glazing' making it all the easier to hear the new optional audio system designed by Naim.
Ultra-soft leather and gorgeous walnut trim are everywhere and being Bentley, you can customise just about everything the eye can see, from stitching to finishes to upholstery colours.
The seats themselves are superb - soft, diamond-stitched leather with dark blue piping to match the exterior. They are cooled, massaging and adjustable in almost every way you can imagine. Standard equipment includes the steering-wheel mounted gearshift paddles, Bluetooth connectivity, four-zone automatic climate control, walnut trim, drilled alloy sports pedals, six-disc CD changer, DVD navigation and Infotainment system with remote control and the new larger screen found in the updated Continental.
The Speed also gets a new and slightly edgier three-spoke steering wheel, and the ESP program now has a ‘Dynamic Mode' that provides a much greater degree of throttle adjustability for drivers to enjoy. Externally, the car is unchanged featuring twin bi-xenon headlights and standard 20-inch wheels - 21s are available, if you insist.
There's another aspect to the Flying Spur Speed that adds to the sense of pride in ownership and quiet satisfaction. At launch it was officially the world's fastest saloon, capable on the right track of reaching an astonishing 322kph. The pleasure comes from the fact that there's nothing about the appearance to suggest such phenomenal potential - as far as other motorists are concerned, you're sitting behind the wheel of quite a nice executive saloon, the sort of car as much appreciated by the CFO as the CEO. It is only when you sit in that beautifully quilted driving seat and flex your right ankle a little more than is entirely judicious, that you even begin to appreciate the fun that can be had.
Release the dogs of war
It's quiet, cossetting you like an exclusive gentleman's club, all subdued whispers and nothing to intrude on the calm and relaxation. Maybe there's a string quartet on the stereo and you're just deciding whether to have Darjeeling or Earl Grey. But then you give in to temptation, switch from Pachelbel to Metallica, bury your foot in the wilton and let loose the dogs of war.
The Flying Spur Speed responds without so much as a raised eyebrow, hurling you towards the horizon with a fury that is breathtaking. Time and again you'll want to experience this rush because it seems so unlikely. Surely this sort of performance only comes with two doors and a prancing animal on the bonnet? No, the boys in the shop at Bentley have never forgotten their heritage, the maverick spirit that would drive from the leafy squares of Belgravia, rampage through France and win at Le Mans.
The Bentley Flying Spur Speed is exactly the car you want it to be; discreet to the point of invisibility. You don't need to boast or brag about the potential, no need for spoilers or skirts or fancy paintjobs. Most of the world won't even begin to guess what they're looking at. But more importantly, those who understand will know immediately what you have in your control.
Inside info
Drive: Continuous all-wheel drive and 6-speed automatic transmission
Engine: Tuned version of the regular car's twin-turbo W12 engine
Price: Starts from Dh950,000
