Hands on with the Bentley Flying Spur (Bluetooth)
The Bentley Flying Spur is Bentley’s four-door version of the popular coupe. Drastically changing the technology inside for the better made me want to take a more in depth look at what this car has to offer. Unlike the GT you no longer have to use a peasant Nokia phone as your car phone. Throwing away the standard Pop-Port connector and adding Bluetooth could not be a more welcome change. It gets better. This isn’t just bluetooth here, this is rSAP Bluetooth. Should I stop? No way. The Bentley Flying Spur also provides a SIM card reader in the armrest which works so flawlessly a tear started to roll down my face. The menu and GUI might not be the prettiest thing in the world, but it does what Bentley does best; keep it simple, keep it classy, and have it work perfectly. Click on for some more explanations of how this technology integrates into the car and more pictures than you probably care for.
This is the LCD screen that controls the Bluetooth. Beneath it is a simple directional wheel to select your options.
Here is the SIM card slot I was referring to. Simply drop the card right in, and your good to go! It uses the built-in antenna in the car so your reception is improved by at least 2-3 times.
This is the main control screen throughout the car. You can read text messages at anytime but you can’t compose one. I know, sad.
Oh look, a message from Bentley
On the steering wheel there are many different controls from voice commands, send/end key, select wheel, and the obvious volume buttons.
Here is the display you are most likely to look at while driving. It offers a slimmed down version of the main screen shown earlier.
if only i had the car!!
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That SIM card reader is the best thing since sliced bread!!!
@ Rag: The Continental Flying Spur is actually fairly affordable as far as Bentley automobiles go (unless it’s Mulliner), and being based off of the Volkswagen Phaeton and Audi A8 chassis it’s a solid vehicle. You can also count on the VAG engine to be solid.
@ BG: Were you able to attach one phone to BT and use a second SIM in the reader, or is it one or the other? Being able to use both would be super cool.
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I agree with Rag… this looks like a sweet ride..
mG
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I own this GT Bentley with this BT addon. It basically sucks. Everytime you start the car it reloads the rSIM data - taking about 3-5 minutes, then you get the stupid message sign. And the phone interface is simply horrible.
The car is a sweet ride, but the electronics and sw interface is nowhere near the calibre of the rest of the car.
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@ tf: What year is your GT? Also, what country are you in since I noticed you said RSIM?
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I don’t really notice that problem…once it is loaded initially it is all there. This is a 2007 model so maybe there was an issue with firmware before? I know what he is talking about to dial a number not in your phonebook you have to use the wheel and select each number one by one, its not as user-friendly as say a Mercedes # pad, or BMW 750 # pad. My statement was based upon the quality of the call, improved reception, and how stable it is. Also I do not believe you can use the SIM reader, and rSAP profile at the same time, you have to goto options and select either Local SIM, or rSAP Profile. Will check it out though
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Ohhh… I see what you’re talking about… The number pad on newer BMWs does make things really easy for dialing (I don’t have any experience with MB cars as I don’t like their reliability). I wonder if there is a difference between the GT and Flying Spur?
Anyway, I really am jonesing that SIM reader. I’ve been thinking of that concept for a long time as a way to not limit oneself with a single phone or with Bluetooth variations, and I’m glad to see a manufacturer finally do it.
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dcdc: I have an ‘06 Conti GT and the rSAP was installed in it in February. US model
The problem is that the SIM reloads everytime you start the car. So you have to wait everytime. Then you get the annoying message “Bentley rSAP” that the address book was loaded everytime you start the car (when using a local SIM)
It amazes me that to navigate the phone book it takes such a long time to select a name. It never remembers the last name you dialed, so you always need to re-scroll to name again.
And yes dialing by number is just plain wrong. I swear I’m going to get into an accident everytime I try.
Yep you have to select either rSAP or Local SIM profile. I’ve tried both and they both have the same UI issues.
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I see… That’s pretty interesting… How many numbers do you have on your SIM by chance?
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tf, ill make you feel better about your problem, ill trade you my bike for your bentley?
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The Porche Cayenne 4WD already has this. Minus the bluetooth becuase the car has a built in mic. I thought inserting your sim straight into the wagon was very impressive. Along with the GPS and other goodies
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Volvo has had the SIM-variant more than five years now, and bluetooth is available from 2006. Not both at the same time though…
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Can this setup be done in any car or is it only exclusive to Bentley (bluetooth mobile set up), cant afford that car but i want that system in my BMW 5 series
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I don’t believe that BMW AG cars offer a SIM reader. Only Bluetooth/BMW Assist.
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I just took delivery of a new Bentley Continental GTC (convertible). Very nice. I tried to get the car to recognize my Motorola SLVR, but it did not. Do I have the wrong version of Bluetooth? What type of phones are recognized?
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My wife has a 2006 Continental Spur. Any idea what handset works best? Looks like Verizon doesn’t offer SIM cards, but I’ll probably have to switch to Cingular in June anyway–that iPhone looks just way too useful.
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The rSAP bluetooth kit is just fine but the range of compatible phones is VERY restrictive. Also the kit is not compatible with 3G sim cards / phones. Not good for a £130k car!
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Couldn’t agree more. I can’t use my BlackBerry 8700 at all, nor could I use a Motorola I had. A few more phones have been tested and work apparently but it’s ridiculous that a £130k car is like this. I got a very snuffy reply from Bentley customer services just now abut this issue. I think I’ll email the CEO this url.
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I am trying to connect my Motoroloa SLV to my 2007 Continental GTC (USA). It works fine in my BMW X3, but no response at all from the Bentley. Bentley Newport Beach service told me that the ONLY phone I can use is a Nokia 6230. Can this be right? Say it aint so!
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Well, the SLVR I do not believe will work, and Newport Beach is misleading you telling you that only the Nokia 6230 will work. The Bentley Bluetooth kit uses the rSAP Bluetooth Profile. Therefor any phone with the rSAP Bluetooth profile will work. Not every phone supports this, but most Nokia’s do which is probably why they had told you that. Hope this helps
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A few of my friends and some of my customers have GT’s with the Bluetooth Kit…. Newer BT profiles should be supported… Even though BlackBerry’s don’t work at all (Even the Pearl and 8800) the GSM K1/RIZR Z3 and most of the s40/s60 Nokia phones… Including the E61……
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My Nokia 8800 works a treat on my ‘07 GTC. If you struggle with using the wheel to dial numbers, use the voice dialling - it’s the best voice recognition I ever used.
Great car, great hands free kit!
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I was talking about the Blackberry 8800. Nokia phones work great and the 07 GTC has newer BT firmware… (From what I understand…)
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Just in case you are all dying to know,the only PDA type phone that Benley lists as being compatible with the rSAP kit is the Siemens SK65
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I have a 2006 Spur and a Nokia 8010 phone .Does anyone know how to use call waiting? I am unable to answer a call if I am on the phone. The other problem that I have is with the missed calls . I have around 20 missed calls listed in the system in the car and cannot get rid of them. Does anyone know how? Why do my missed calls not list the time of the call and the name of the caller? I have the names listed in my phone book but it is not being picked up.Finally , I have cingular and am not able to check my voicemails while I am in the car. Any suggestions?
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