Bentley has added another unconventional performance milestone to its history after the Flying Spur Speed set a new winter lap record at the world’s most northerly active racetrack. The luxury sedan completed a frozen 3.3-kilometer circuit in 2 minutes, 58 seconds, establishing the fastest winter lap ever recorded at the venue.
The record run took place at Drivecenter Arena in Fällfors, northern Sweden, a former military airbase located about 160 kilometers from the Arctic Circle. The entire circuit was covered by approximately 30 centimeters of ice and snow, transforming the track into a low-grip test of traction, balance and control rather than outright mechanical grip.
Despite the extreme conditions, the Flying Spur Speed reached a peak speed of 193 kilometers per hour. The challenge was heightened by the circuit layout, which features a longest straight of just 450 meters coated in polished ice. Bentley confirmed the car used for the run was mechanically standard, with the only modification being the fitment of 21-inch studded winter tires suitable for the surface.
The sedan’s variable four-wheel-drive system and rear-wheel steering played a central role in maintaining stability and agility on the ice. Bentley also disabled the Electronic Stability Control system for the record attempt, placing full reliance on the chassis, drivetrain and driver inputs to manage grip and power delivery.
The achievement draws on Bentley’s history of cold-weather and endurance records, including ice speed achievements in 2007 and 2011, as well as the marque’s Turbo R endurance record at Millbrook in 1986. The record-setting car was finished in Brooklands Green with heritage-inspired trim, reflecting the Turbo R specification as part of a 40th anniversary tribute.
Power comes from Bentley’s Ultra Performance Hybrid system, pairing a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 441 kilowatts with a 140-kilowatt electric motor integrated into an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. In Sport mode, the system delivers a combined 575 kilowatts and 1,000 newton-meters of torque.
The Flying Spur Speed also features Bentley Performance Active Chassis technology as standard, including dynamic ride control, all-wheel steering and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential. A rear-biased weight distribution and torque vectoring across both axles helped maximize traction on the ice.
The record reinforces Bentley’s ability to blend luxury with serious performance, even when conditions push the limits of conventional driving environments.
Via Bentley