The very first spy shots from the new Bentley Continental Flying Spur testing in China. The new Flying Spur will debut internationally later this year on the Geneva Auto Show in March, its China-debut is expected for the Shanghai Auto Show in April.

The fact that the Flying Spur turns up in China for testing likely has to do with the same reason Porsche is testing the new 911 Turbo in Beijing. From 2015 each auto brands needs to meet new and very strict environmental standards. Failing to meet those standards means an automaker can import, and thus sell, less cars. Porsche therefore is working on a start-stop system and Bentley might be working on something similar. Furthermore, China will be the biggest market worldwide for Bentley this year, so the brand want to make sure everything worx well on Chinese roads…

Pics via: Sohu.