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Here's our first look at the new Bentley Flying Spur sedan

We've seen a few different versions of the new Bentley Continental GT coupe rolling around Europe, but now we have our first view at the Continental Flying Spur, the car's four-door variant. Just like the coupe, it looks a helluva lot like the outgoing model. Bentley has done just enough to keep the car looking fresh while retaining what are now characteristic traits of the Continental twins. The Flying Spur is really just a stretched version of the Continental GT, though the former no longer carries the Continental prefix. While we don't know exactly how much longer the wheelbase is, expect generous legroom for those in the backseat. Don't expect many changes from the B-pillar forward, including under the hood. Look for both a twin-turbo V8 and a meaty twin-turbo W12, both making copious amounts of horsepower and torque. These spy shots don't give us the best view of the front, but we can see that Bentley has stuck on fake headlights, just like the GT prototypes. The grille appears to be a little more upright than the current model. There looks to be significant differences between the front of the GT and the Flying Spur, but we'll have to wait for another look. The rear has the now requisite oval taillights and exhaust tips. The entire rear looks like a GT with wide hips. There's been no word on when the car will debut, but look for news as soon as this fall or early next spring. Related Video: Featured Gallery Bentley Flying Spur spy shots Image Credit: CarPix Spy Photos Bentley Luxury Sedan bentley flying spur bentley continental flying spur

Bentley considering smaller coupe

Only halfway through the year, Bentley reports that it's on track to post record sales. Thanks in no small part to the introduction of its new V8 engine in the Continental family, sales are up nearly a quarter over last year. And they only stand to increase even more with the introduction of new models currently in the pipeline. The upcoming SUV will surely form a large part of that, but it won't be the end of the story for the storied marque.
Car and Driver reports that, after the SUV, Bentley plans to introduce a new coupe line below the Continental to square off against the Aston Martin V8 Vantage. Details are few and far between at this point, but considering how much Bentley manages to do with the relatively heft Continental GT, a lighter and more nimble sports car sounds promising.
In related news, rumors are gathering pace that Bentley is planning to introduce a new Mulsanne Speed at the upcoming Paris Motor Show, its Jurassic-era 6.75-liter V8 massaged from 505 horsepower - already the most that engine has produced in its half-century history - up to around 550.

Weekly Recap: Auto execs face life in prison for recall delays under proposed legislation

The stiff punishments are part of broader transportation legislation, but clearly McCaskill has automakers in her sights.
Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill threw down the gauntlet this week, proposing a bill that could send auto executives to prison for life if they were found to have delayed a recall. She also wants to eliminate the limit for fines for auto safety violations, which are currently capped at $35 million.