Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid drives across Iceland using only renewable energy

MANILA: An engineering prototype Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid has completed a daring test using only energy from waste straw and the power of the planet as part of the car’s sign off and the brand’s development of renewable fuels.

The Azure Purple Flying Spur Hybrid drove across Iceland in a single stint, fully on renewable energy, using a combination of 100% second-generation biofuel and geothermally sourced electricity from the Icelandic power grid.

The excursion validates both the grand touring range of Bentley’s new Hybrid—the second after the Bentayga Hybrid—and Bentley’s research into biofuels that can be used without engine modification. The fuel used meets the same EN228 standard as regular gasoline, but it is made entirely from waste biomass at no cost to food production or the natural ecosystem. Over the duration of the expedition, the combination of this gasoline and the Flying Spur Hybrid’s intelligent electric powertrain resulted in a 45% reduction in CO₂ emissions on a well-to-wheels basis.

In a statement, Iceland Tourism, Industry, and Innovation Minister Pordis Kolbrun Reykfjoro Gylfadottir said, “It was great to see the car make the 733-km journey across the country on renewable electricity and green renewable fuel. Driving through the countryside with waterfalls on your left, and volcanos to the right you can visually see where the energy is generated directly, from nature. I think this is the best definition of sustainable energy. Iceland wants to be part of the environmental solution and help others use the knowledge and renewable sources we have here.”

The Flying Spur Hybrid signifies the next phase in Bentley’s Beyond100 strategy, which aims to make the brand the world’s most sustainable luxury mobility company. Market introductions will begin in 2022. All models in the range will be available with a hybrid powertrain by 2024, ahead of the company’s first full battery electric vehicle in 2025.

Bentley’s newest hybrid model proves that hybridization does not mean compromising luxury or performance. Regardless of driving mode or style, refined tranquility is on offer, thanks to an imperceptible combination of internal combustion engine and electric motor.

The vehicle is powered by a combination of a 2.9-liter V6 petrol engine and an advanced electric motor that generates a total of 544 ps and 750Nm of torque. The new Flying Spur is the most fuel-efficient Bentley ever, with a range of 700 km when fully fueled.

The new Flying Spur features a class-leading suite of sophisticated and intuitive equipment designed specifically for the driver and the passengers. Its connected car services will include My Battery Charge, My Car Statistics, and My Cabin Comfort.

The driver instruments display additional information showing when the car is working purely in EV drive or using the combustion engine.

The automatic Start-Stop switch has been replaced with a control for the three E modes (EV Drive, Hybrid Mode, and Hold Mode), allowing the driver to manage battery usage while traveling. As soon as the car is switched on, It enters EV Drive mode, which optimizes the electric driving experience. This is perfect for city driving and short trips.

The flow of energy may also be observed on the infotainment screen, which also includes statistics and timers for charging the vehicle. The driver can get more e-motion information, such as range, battery level, and charging information, from the instrument panel, head-up display, and center screen.

“With the launch of the Flying Spur Hybrid we now have a hybrid range at Bentley, and with this challenge we’ve proved the real benefit of a hybrid — the ability to have an unimpeded grand touring reach of more than 450 miles, while still having usable electric-only range for urban environments,” Bentley Board for Engineering Member Matthias Rabe stated. “It’s truly the best of both worlds, especially when the use of innovative second-generation biofuel means a huge drop in CO₂ emissions. We’ll continue working with such fuels in the coming months as part of our development process, with the end goal of a customer-facing solution.”

Photos from Bentley

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