LUXURY car makers Bentley say they have been able to start full production of the new Flying Spur V8 this week after maintaining a Covid-free factory.

Work on the new model is at 100 per cent capacity after strict coronavirus protocols have ensured there have been no cases of on-site transmission at Crewe's Pyms Lane factory, and the first vehicles are on their way to the retail trade.

The new V8-powered Flying Spur builds on the firm's distinguished lineage - Bentley recently produced its 40,000th Flying Spur since production started back in 2005.

Each model takes over 100 hours of meticulous work to assemble each of the Flying Spurs by hand in 84 individual stages.

For example, it takes 141 Bentley workers using three kilometres of thread to combine 350 leather pieces to make the 60 components that form the interior of the car.

The Flying Spur V8 offers a more driver-centric experience as well as a 15 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions against its W12 sibling. The luxury limousine's performance figures include a top speed of 198 mph and a 0-60 mph range in just four seconds.

The Flying Spur V8 is 100 kg lighter than the W12 version and is available as both a four-seater or five-seater.

Member of the Board for Manufacturing, Peter Bosch, said: "The new Flying Spur V8 is the newest addition to our family of luxury grand tourers, built in our carbon neutral factory in Crewe.

"The Flying Spur V8 becomes our tenth model in production at the moment, and we're really looking forward to getting the first cars to their lucky new owners."