Fans of the 1960s Supermarionation television series Thunderbirds will never forget the high-speed piloting of Lady Penelope Creighton-Ward’s chauffeur Parker at the wheel of her unforgettable pink car.

FAB1 was, of course, a Rolls-Royce, but how much happier ‘Nosey’ Parker might have been at the wheel of a Bentley. But not just any Bentley – a Flying Spur V8 S to be precise.

For this four-door, all-wheel-drive saloon seamlessly blends performance and comfort to create an awesome car for working on the move combining a limousine-like ride with remarkable dynamic ability.

Those inside the sumptuous interior are surrounded by a combination of hand-stitched and hand-finished leather upholstery and mirror-matched wood veneer that rivals the quality of fine furniture.

All this rides on a self-levelling air suspension system that has been re-tuned for the Flying Spur V8 S to improve handling and body control, while maintaining the car’s legendary on-road refinement.

Technology plays its part too thanks to a suite of onboard systems. A touchscreen remote, accessed from the veneered rear centre console at the touch of a button, allows control of the car’s climate and infotainment systems from the comfort of the rear seat, while a rear seat entertainment system is an option. The Flying Spur is also available with a Wi-Fi hotspot for connectivity while travelling.

So while Lady Penelope can stretch out in the rear, it is Parker that is in for the real treat.

The agile V8 S sits between the Flying Spur V8 and the flagship W12 with a 4.0-litre V8 engine that has had its power increased to 528 horsepower. This can hurtle the near 2.5-tonne car from 0-62mph in under five seconds and on to a potential top speed of 190mph.

Clever technology in the design of the Bentley V8 engine allows four of the eight cylinders to shut down when cruising, to reduce fuel consumption without any loss of refinement. When more power is required, the engine automatically and seamlessly switches back to the full eight cylinders. Fuel saving is a welcome feature on a car that can cost more than £110 to refuel.

Revisions made to both the engine and transmission have sharpened throttle response and made the Flying Spur V8 S’s power accessible lower down the rev range. In ‘S’ mode, you will find a sharper-still throttle response and additional engine braking from the transmission. Eighth gear is locked out when ‘S’ mode is engaged and the knurled paddle shifters are synchronised with the car’s new, sportier side.

To match the edgier performance of the V8 S model, the car has been given a number of sporting styling cues, including a black radiator grille and rear diffuser along with a body-coloured grille insert. V8 S badging on the rear wings, V8 S treadplates and 20-inch open-spoke painted wheels add to the sports styling.

Needless to say personalisation options are extensive, both for the interior and exterior.

Those wishing to display an even more menacing look can opt for an array of aggressive, dark styling elements. Dark-tint lights front and rear, black gloss exterior mirror covers and Mulliner 21-inch black machined six-spoke wheels can all be specified.

By the way, the company which delivers the cars from Bentley’s factory in Crewe is based at Upper Heyford, which was once home to US F1-11 jets that would give Thunderbird 1 a run for noise and speed. The firm is called Parkers, no coincidence surely.

Auto facts

Model: Bentley Flying Spur V8 S

Price: £142,800

Insurance group: 50E (1-50)

Fuel consumption (combined): 25.9mpg

Top speed: 190mph

Length: 529.9cm/208.6in

Width: 192.4cm/75.6in

Luggage capacity: 16.7cu ft

Fuel tank capacity: 19.8 gallons/90 litres

CO2 emissions: 254g/km

Warranty: Three years/ 100,000 miles