The Flying Spur Sets a Winter Lap Record at the World's Northernmost Circuit

On December 11, 2025, Bentley Motors announced that the Flying Spur Speed has achieved a remarkable winter lap record at the world's northernmost active racing circuit, Drive Center Arena, located in northern Sweden. Situated just 100 miles (approximately 160 km) from the Arctic Circle, this unique track previously served as a military airbase, making it an extraordinary venue for automotive challenges.

The circuit spans 2.05 miles (3.3 km) and was covered in about 12 inches (30 cm) of snow and ice during the record-setting run. Despite these challenging conditions, the Flying Spur Speed clocked an impressive lap time of 2 minutes and 58 seconds, marking the fastest lap ever recorded at the venue under winter conditions.

Equipped with Bentley's variable all-wheel drive system and rear-wheel steering, the Flying Spur Speed exhibited exceptional stability and agility even on the slick ice surface. While the longest straight stretch of the circuit measures only 450 meters, the car managed to reach a top speed of 120 mph (approximately 193 km/h) during the record run.

This endeavor is steeped in Bentley's illustrious history of setting iconic records, harking back to the ice speed records achieved in 2007 and 2011, as well as a remarkable one-hour endurance run averaging 140 mph on a banked circuit by the Turbo R in 1986. The driving conditions for this latest challenge evoked memories of those historic ice speed records.

The vehicle used for this record was fitted with studded 21-inch winter tires, and aside from that minor adjustment, it remained unaltered from its retail specification. Matching the Turbo R from Bentley's Heritage Collection, the Flying Spur Speed celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Turbo R with a stunning Brooklands Green exterior accented by yellow fine lines and a luxurious interior crafted with linen, Cambrian Green, and open-pore walnut.

Unrivaled Performance of the Flying Spur Speed

The Flying Spur Speed stands out for its extraordinary driving capabilities across various terrains, thanks to its Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain and advanced chassis system. The vehicle sports a cutting-edge 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo engine which generates 600 PS, paired with a 190 PS electric motor integrated into the 8-speed dual-clutch transmission.

In Sport mode, the total output of the system reaches 782 PS and 1,000 Nm, delivering exhilarating acceleration thanks to the electric motor’s instant torque, complementing the robust performance of the cross-plane V8 engine. In its EV mode, the vehicle can operate solely on the 190 PS electric motor, ensuring adequate power for everyday driving situations. With a 25.9 kWh battery, the Flying Spur Speed achieves a practical electric range of up to 47 miles (76 km) under the EU driving cycle. Altogether, its combined range with both the V8 and E-motor reaches an impressive 515 miles (829 km).

The car can reach a top speed of 87 mph (140 km/h) in full electric mode, handling throttle openings up to 75 percent. Standard features of the Flying Spur Speed include the Bentley Performance Active Chassis, which augments driving confidence across all conditions. This system encompasses Bentley Dynamic Ride, all-wheel steering, and electronically controlled limited-slip differentials, enhanced further by next-generation ESC software for reliable traction across a variety of driving styles. Notably, this record attempt was conducted with the ESC system fully disabled.

The new model adopts a rear-biased weight distribution of 48.3:51.7, constituting a mechanically optimized foundation that allows its chassis system and ESC to perform at their peak. Active torque vectoring facilitated by the center differential combined with precision torque control through braking ensures high traction in all conditions. The capabilities showcased during high-speed laps on the snow-covered sheet ice underscored the significance of these advanced features.

For more details, check the video demonstrating the Flying Spur's record achievement.