Bentley is preparing to build a 4x4 SUV, the new CEO Wolfgang Durheimer confirmed tonight. Speaking at a select dinner in Crewe, the Bentley boss said the luxury car maker would build a crossover SUV as a priority.
But in a revealing address, Durheimer also spelled out plans for diesel Bentleys, hybrid Bentleys and a return to the race track for Britain's famous luxury car marque.
Bentley SUV: project BY736
CAR understands the Bentley 4x4 already has a codename: BY736. It will be related to the modular architecture of the next-generation Audi Q7/VW Touareg/Porsche Cayenne - a lightweight matrix, which is designed to trim 200-400kg from the bulk of today's SUV.
Durheimer confirmed that future Bentleys would feature both diesel and hybrid technologies. We'd say the new Bentley 4x4 would be as good a place as any to start the new powertrain innovation.
Durheimer on Bentley's SUV
'I am a believer of SUVs in different markets,' said Durheimer, who was previously Porsche's R&D director who worked on the launch of the Cayenne. 'If Bentley were able to sell an SUV with the same level of craftsmanship as a Continental or Mulsanne, we could have an interesting success on our hands.
'I believe our version of the Cayenne could become our biggest selling vehicle... With an SUV, Porsche doubled in size.'
Durheimer is still working on the business case, but go-ahead is likely from Wolfsburg in 2011. He said from conception to launch would take around three years.
Although he refused to rule out a precise sales target with a big-selling SUV added to the range, he admitted the Volkswagen group wanted to push Bentley sales beyond its existing, pre-recession record of 10,000 a year. He even claimed that 30,000 Bentleys a year wouldn't devalue the brand.
What will the Bentley 4x4 look like?
Thanks to the aluminium spaceframe construction, Bentley's SUV can look quite different to its mainland European brethren. A five-door shooting brake is how insiders describe the 4x4 - a luxurious yet sporty four- or five-seater which features all available mod cons from air suspension to a complete set of driver assistance systems.
The Bentley crossover will be priced higher than the Cayenne or Range Rover. Project BY736 will be a coupe-like soft-roader will be much better at scoring street cred points than at making room for a third row of seats. Imagine our artist's impression with a dash more sporting style, and you're not far off.
The engineering story
Engineers at the VW group confirm the proposed Bentley 4x4 would be based around the MLB Evo matrix. The latest group architecture is so efficient, it would share around 60-75% of its parts with partner off-roaders by VW, Porsche and Audi.
Fixed points include the wheel diameter, the suspension geometry complete with steering assembly and brake system, the crash performance (front/rear/side) complete with airbags and seatbelts, the electronic platform and the drivetrains. Variables within a given bracket are wheelbase, height, length, width, track, overhangs and the exterior/interior design.
What will power Bentley's SUV crossover?
CAR understands a plug-in hybrid assembly will be available, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 borrowed from the 2012 Conti GT looks like the logical base unit for BY736.
Diesel is a dead cert. Durheimer admitted the biofuel experiment by Bentley had been a mistake, although an interesting detour. No further E85 development will take place, the company instead investing in the group's diesel and hybrid tech.
Although a more highly tuned 375bhp edition of the 4.2-litre V8 TDI should offer plenty of go and grunt, an EU6-rated V12 TDI would be a more natural fit for Bentley, which is becoming the VW group's centre of excellence for 12-cylinder engines, Durheimer revealed. The uprated direct-injection twin-turbo W12 is also there for the taking, although it would have little appeal in Europe.
[Source : http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/Secret-new-cars/Search-Results/Spyshots/Bentley-SUV-2014---confirmed-by-CEO/]
Showing posts with label Bentley. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bentley. Show all posts
A Bentley Extravaganza
|Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Bentley Drivers Club (BDC)CREWE : June 21, 2011 - Bentley Motors today rolled out the red carpet to welcome over a hundred members of the Bentley Drivers Club (BDC) – and their fifty Bentleys - to its headquarters in Crewe.
The visit is part of the “Britain by Bentley” tour which celebrates the club’s 75th anniversary by emulating the tradition of the grand tour and traversing some 3,000 miles of UK roads in a range of models that span 80 years of Bentley’s history.
Drivers have travelled from around the world to take part in the event: Syd and Nikki Reinhardt have travelled from Australia with their 1927 6 ½ litre Mulsanne whilst others like Jenny Ford and her Blower Bentley are already based in the UK.
The drivers arrived at Crewe Hall on Monday evening for a gala dinner with executive members from Bentley Motors. They then travelled to Bentley’s Pyms Lane site under an honorary police escort this morning for a tour of the factory where new models such as the Mulsanne and new Continental GT are now in full production.
Richard Charlesworth, Bentley’s Director of Royal and VIP Relations, who hosted the visit said:
“No grand tour of Britain by Bentley would be complete without a visit to our headquarters here in Crewe”.
“We are delighted to welcome so many members of the Bentley Drivers Club and their vehicles today. It is a unique and very special occasion to have so many rare and historic Bentleys gathered here in Crewe.”
“Bentley and its drivers have always enjoyed a unique friendship which very few other motoring marques have been able to emulate. We hope that our visitors will also enjoy the factory tour and the opportunity to see the next generation of our cars which will create a new and exciting chapter for Bentley.
Jenny Ford, Chair of the Bentley Drivers Club said:
“The Bentley Drivers Club was set up 75 years ago by Bentley owners who revelled in driving their cars. We are proud to maintain that tradition today and have greatly enjoyed the warm welcome extended to us and the opportunity to see the Bentley factory flourishing.
Images : A Bentley Extravaganza
2015 Bentley Turbo R Concept Design
|Thursday, May 19, 2011
Some time ago Bentley Motors has announced that they will make a sports car with wrought-sit style that aims to rival Italy's Ferrari 458, not only in terms of performance, but also in terms of design. Legendary car maker to build a sports racing car with slick style and have the signs are clear. Future cars to be built by Bentley Motors when they were baptized in 2015 Bentley Turbo R which will compete with other world-class car models such as Ferrari. Bentley has a storied past races and is currently growing thanks to the company to sell high models like the Continental GT. The company is ready to re-invest the bulk of their profits towards the development of this new car and has enlisted the help of its parent company, Volkswagen, and they do Cup team racing to develop certain components.
The last year has seen the Bentley pushing the envelope in terms of power and performance, especially with the introduction of models such as the Continental GT Speed. Consider also that for no apparent reason, Bentley broke the record at the Ice World Speed conversion powered by bio-fuel. Now it appears that this introduction is more than just publicity stunts, but it may have been used as a testing technology that will be used in the new model "R Turbo".
Rumors are circulating around the Crewe factory, Britain seemed pointed toward a new model of legendary Turbo R rose moniker. The latest model to hold this name was built between 1985 and 1997. It uses 6.75-liter turbocharged V8 engine, which can push the car from 0-60 mph in 6.7 seconds, with a top speed of 152 mph. This is something that is very proud back in the day, but expect the new model to be a different animal.
This could certainly be a new chapter for Bentley Motors and if they are able to successfully develop a car that can challenge the Ferrari 458 and others like the McLaren MP12-4C than they may begin racing once again. The last Le Mans series that Bentley was in was 2003 and with the development of new performance and racing technology, we hope that the brand will return to the track in the next several years. We’ll be sure to pass along any more information revealed as soon as we get it.
2011 Bentley Mulsanne
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2011 Bentley Mulsanne very nice, this car is a variant of the Bentley car that is constantly updated for 2011. Features of this car is too much. The Mulsanne design as a merger "unique sportiness, elegance Capucines, and strength.
On the exterior of this car using contras design and very strong in terms of coloration. The design is made to accommodate customized materials, not to reduce Their usage. For example, the hand brazing of different thicknesses of steel is required to create That exclusive, seamless, flush-fit feeling. Imagine, for example, that it takes a full 45 minutes to braze one lengthy section of metal behind the rear doors.
This engine is using a type 90-degree v8 engine, all-new 505bhp engineering marvel That generates 1020Nm of torque, in conjunction with the new eight-speed automatic transmission with a quick-shift, reduces CO2 emissions and offers a potential 15 per cent saving in fuel compared to the previous V8.
2011 Bentley Continental GT
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2011 Bentley Continental GT comes with a new design and very beautiful. This car represents the second generation cut to success, which was established 8 years ago. This car has 567 horsepower and 516 pounds-feet hitting, 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12 engine makes this car more complete. This engine is also found playbook and capacity gains flex-fuel, which can be combined with gasoline and E85.
2011 Bentley Continental GT is an all-new model, not simply a refresh. Yes, its body Is not a drastic reinterpretation of Dirk van Braeckel’s original design, but there are new, Seductive details, like the staggered bi-xenon headlamps and jeweled LED daytime running lights. As of next year, the nominally eco-conscious will be able to get their Continental GT with a 4.0-liter V8. Numbers haven’t been released yet, but you can expect it to register high on the horse and torque while getting significantly better gas mileage than its big brother.
2011 Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible
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Do not want to miss a single intense competition, Bentley now has a new product they are ready to compete in the market, namely 2011 Bentley Continental Convertible Supersports. This car will debut at the Geneva Motor Show which will take place March. New Continental Convertible Supersports are siblings of the soft-top coupe newest marque, with re-packaging that uses the same engine with a 6.0-liter W12 turbochanged, 621 horsepower and torque 590. The Supersports Convertible capable of driving mileage 60 mph in 3.9 seconds with a speed of 202 mph, and no matter what fuel is used.
Other transfers of all-wheel drive and automatic transmission source ZF six-speed, power sends four 20-inch wheels with 10 spokes with high performance Pirelli rubber (275/35Z R20) shod. Unlike the hard-top, the rear seats remain, with buckets of carbon fiber and matching upholstery, Alcantara and a variety of indoor facilities.
Do not expect massive vision for Super Sport convertible. Bentley is not the time for parts not improve performance. The few changes that the Supersports differs from its venerable sibling smoked less steel finish on the radiator grille, hood grilles and a new Physical Vapor Deposition completed (PVD) process, the evaporated metal deposits on stainless steel surfaces. Bentley, the Super Sport is the first automotive application of PVD, which was fully used terms such as luxury watches in the past.
Inside, Bentley traditional wood with carbon fiber pieces and parts of Alcantara fabric replaced. Perhaps our favorite feature in the Super Sport is impressively simple, the front seats. Sparco bucket save about 100 pounds more than the regular seats Bentley and wear beautiful diamond-quilted Alcantara accents. If this sounds like the ultimate Continental to you, go to your local dealer Bentley soon. Continental Convertible Supersports should begin arriving in showrooms in July this year and we are betting there is already a waiting list below in the healthy development of Beverly Hills Bentley dealer.
Bentley is not the pricing on the Super Sports Convertible posted yet, but given the coupe starts at $ 270,000, you and three friends share the $ 300k tab, if it goes on sale this summer.
Bentley Motors creates a luxury limited edition of The New James Bond Book, Carte Blanche
|Tuesday, April 26, 2011
The New James Bond Book, Carte BlancheCREWE, England : April 26, 2011 - To celebrate the release of Carte Blanche, the new James Bond book by Jeffery Deaver, on May 26 2011, publisher Hodder & Stoughton has partnered with Bentley Motors to create an exclusive Bentley special edition: the ultimate luxury edition of the highly anticipated new James Bond adventure. The 500 limited edition copies are available for pre-order from today, Tuesday 26 April 2011, exactly a month before publication date. Huge worldwide demand is anticipated for this new special edition after Bentley’s collaborative bespoke book for the previous Bond novel, Devil May Care, by Sebastian Faulks, sold out within days.
Ian Fleming always admired the stately beauty of the Bentley and, as a result, James Bond owned three Bentleys over the course of the 14 original Bond novels. In Carte Blanche, award-winning thriller writer Jeffery Deaver reunites Bond with this classic marque. In this contemporary adventure, the agent will be behind the wheel of the beautifully sculpted and sophisticated new Bentley Continental GT.
The design team at Bentley worked closely with Hodder & Stoughton to capture the spirit of Bond and Bentley. A team of seven designers submitted proposals for the edition and the final design came from Bentley Senior Designer Brett Boydell. He comments: “As a designer it doesn’t get much better than a brief of ‘Carte Blanche’! The design features radical concepts that we feel reflect the name of the book, the ideas inherent in the Bond legacy, and the design principles we are passionate about.”
This special edition links the legendary hero with the iconic automobile in the most spectacular way. Each copy of the special edition is custom-produced to Bentley’s exacting standards and arrives inside a stunning metal case. The result is a striking and unique collector’s item. The special edition is strictly limited to 500 copies worldwide at a price of £1,000 each. They will be available to pre-order worldwide through www.007carteblanchebentley.com. The editions will be delivered after publication date.
The Design:
The case of the Bentley special edition is inspired by the deserts of Dubai – one of the exotic locations Bond finds himself in within the new novel – and the new Bentley Continental GT, Bond’s car of choice in the book.
Like the exterior of the GT, the case is made from polished aluminium, giving it a seamless and aerodynamic shape. More sculpture than car, it evokes the GT’s signature outline, its metal skin making it look like the car has risen from the desert sand. To ensure the finished case meet Bentley’s renowned standards of quality, an automotive supplier was employed to create the case to automotive standards using a specially commissioned machine.
In deference to the title Carte Blanche, the book itself is bound in white Nappa leather, the same outstanding grade of leather used in a Bentley’s interior, mimicking the interior of the GT with its contrast of white leather trim and Pillar Box red edging. The title, author’s name and the familiar wings of the Bentley logo are carefully embossed into the front and foil-blocked onto the spine. The text is printed in two colours, black and red, on sumptuous ivory paper, with endpapers of a matching red leather. The pages are expertly cut and trimmed to reflect the handcrafted techniques of the Bentley construction process. As with the other details of the special edition, the colours are carefully selected from the Bentley range. The book sits on a base of black anodised aluminium, chosen not to mark the white leather.
In one last twist, playing on the idea of an agent being given Carte Blanche, is one of the most dramatic features of the design: a die-cut bullet hole that pierces pages of the book. Hidden within the pages is a single polished 9mm bullet, individually marked with a number distinct to each copy, making the edition truly unique.
Brett Boydell adds: “Bond destroys as well as he creates and saves. It was this element I needed to convey in my design. The reader has the excitement of finding the bullet housed in the centre of the pages with the text positioned so that the reading experience is undisturbed. I hope they find the book as exciting to hold and look at as the unfolding drama itself.”
[Source : BENTLEY]
Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible ISR
|Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible ISR- Dramatic ISR Mulliner option introduced
- Celebration of Bentley’s world ice speed record-breaking Supersports convertible driven by rally champion, Juha Kankkunen
Driving the all-wheel drive, biofuel-powered 6-litre, 12-cylinder Continental Supersports convertible on the perilous frozen Baltic Sea, off the coast of Finland, Kankkunen achieved a speed of 205.48 mph (330.695 km/h) eclipsing his own ice speed record of 199.83 mph (321.6 km/h) set in 2007 in the Continental GT.
The new Supersports Continental Convertible ISR made its debut on the Bentley stand at the 2011 Geneva Show. Wolfgang Duerheimer, Bentley’s new Chairman and Chief Executive, said:
“Juha Kankkunen’s drive was a remarkable achievement and worthy of a very special car. The Continental Supersports ‘Ice Speed Record’ is a true driver’s car that captures that unique Bentley spirit. It offers extreme performance, agility and an extrovert personality, while retaining the refinement, handcrafted luxury and comfort our customers expect.”
The new Bentley convertible is available in three distinctive colours, reinforcing its muscular styling, while its leather and Alcantara-lined cabin features high-gloss carbon fibre with a unique red weave. For an even more extrovert appearance, customers may specify the ISR Mulliner design package (available at no extra cost) with its bold ‘Supersports ISR’ graphics and red-accented detailing. The Supersports Continental Convertible ISR is now available to order at Bentley dealerships and is priced at £189,300 (inclusive of VAT).
Bentley’s most powerful 6-litre W12 engine with FlexFuel technology
The 6-litre, twin turbo-charged W12 engine, produces 640 PS (631 bhp / 471 kW) - the most powerful Bentley ever - and 800Nm (590lb ft) of torque. Paired with a Quickshift six-speed automatic transmission, it launches the convertible ‘Ice Speed Record’ model from 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.0s) and reaches 100 mph from a standing start in only 9.5 seconds (0-160 km/h in 9.4s).
The additional engine power of the new convertible is the result of fine tuning of the engine to optimise the benefits of the new free-breathing air intake ducts, intercooler system and the exhaust system.
And true to the Bentley tradition of delivering instantly available and exhilarating performance in real world driving conditions, the ‘Ice Speed Record’ convertible will sprint from 50-75 mph (80-120 km/h) in just 2.5 seconds.
In common with its Continental stable mates, the new Supersports model runs on both petrol (gasoline) or E85 bio-ethanol or any combination of the two. Pioneered in the Supersports coupe, this FlexFuel technology offers a reduction of up to 70 per cent in CO2 emissions on a well-to-wheel basis, a measure of a fuel’s net contribution to the atmosphere, not just tailpipe emissions. The on-board fuel supply system monitors the content of the fuel tank and ensures that power and torque remain constant regardless of the ratio of petrol to biofuel.
The all-wheel drive system provides outstanding traction in all weather conditions. The drive is transferred between the front and rear axles automatically via a Torsen centre differential. The standard 40 front/60 rear torque split provides optimum traction and modulation of line and attitude by ’throttle steering’ for more enthusiastic drivers.
The new exhaust system with reduced back pressure benefits gas flow while delivering a sporty baritone note under hard acceleration. On light throttle cruising, the new Supersports model remains impressively refined.
Large diameter (420 mm front, 356 mm rear), carbon ceramic brake discs, with eight-piston callipers at the front provide fade-resistant stopping power. This lightweight system also reduces unsprung and rotating mass, benefiting steering response and handling. As with all Supersports models the ‘Ice Speed Record’ is fitted as standard with Pirelli 275/35ZR20 ultra high performance tyres.
Dramatically extrovert styling
Just 100 examples of the ISR will be built at Bentley’s Crewe factory. The Supersports ‘Ice Speed Record’ is distinguished by its extrovert and muscular design cues that reinforce the uncompromising performance of this extreme Bentley convertible.
Bentley’s designers have selected three ‘stand-out’ exterior paint colours for the new convertible: Beluga, Quartzite and, fittingly, Arctica White. These colours are complemented by a Dark Grey Metallic soft top with Bentley’s refined three-ply composite construction.
The unique appearance of the soft top is created in the outer layer by a 'grey' acrylic fibre with a semi-transparent 'metallic look’ in a twill weave construction. The car’s potent performance is further accentuated by 20” inch, 10-spoke Supersports wheels with a dark tint finish.
For those customers seeking to accentuate the high performance credentials of the car further, Bentley offers a special ISR Mulliner design package as a no cost option. The 20” 10-spoke Supersports wheels can be specified in a vibrant red paint with a diamond turned finish to produce a lustrous metallic contrast. The dual-louvered dark bonnet vents, unique to Supersports models, are complemented by red accent surrounds. The extrovert Mulliner design is completed with a set of bold of Supersports ISR graphics that run down both flanks of the car.
Contemporary luxury craftsmanship and advanced technology
The dramatic character of the four-seat Supersports ‘Ice Speed Record’ continues in the cockpit in which traditional Bentley craftsmanship and fine detailing are given an even more bold interpretation.
Traditional leather hides sit alongside a range of contemporary materials for a distinctly sporting style. This includes diamond-quilted Alcantara to doors, quarter panels and seat facings, and ‘soft-grip’ leather on the steering wheel and gear lever.
Unique to the ‘Ice Speed Record’ model, the high-gloss carbon fibre on the dashboard, centre console and roof panel, features a red weave. The theme continues with Pillar Box Red piping to seats and doors, and Pillar Box Red contrast stitching to seats, door casings, steering wheel and gearshift paddles.
The front seats and floor mats also feature embroidered ‘Supersports’ legends while the signature Breitling dashboard clock also has a red accent.
The Supersports ‘Ice Speed Record’, despite its ice racing pedigree, is clearly no ‘stripped out’ racer. Its highly specified interior has the highly-advanced touchscreen infotainment system from the new Continental GT that provides rich map imagery and a 30GB on-board hard drive.
An 8-inch screen displays the car’s audio system, telephone, ride and comfort settings as well as the very latest navigation system, which uses both an in-car hard-disc drive and a DVD player to access route data. It also utilises dynamic navigation to avoid heavy traffic spots, locates destinations using geo-tagged photos from an SD memory card and is Google Maps-compatible for most markets.
The infotainment system, with 7-digit postcode entry, combines touchscreen controls and classic Bentley knurled rotary switches to offer instant usability. It is complemented by a new driver information panel (DIP) located in the main instrument cluster. The new wide-screen DIP employs TFT technology and enhanced graphics provide the driver with clear and easily accessible information about a wide range of car systems.
[Source : BENTLEY]
Bentley announces detailed specification of New Mulsanne
|Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Bentley MulsanneCREWE, UK : March 2, 2010 - “The new Mulsanne is a thoroughly modern flagship that captures the essence of the Bentley marque. It is elegant yet distinctly sporting in character, delivering effortless performance while within its sumptuous cabin, advanced technology sits discreetly with handcrafted luxury.” Bentley Motors Chairman and Chief Executive, Dr. Franz-Josef Paefgen
While paying homage to past Bentley greats, the brief for the new Mulsanne’s design and engineering teams was to create a Bentley that represents the pinnacle of British luxury motoring.
The new Mulsanne, designed and engineered at Crewe from the ground-up, reaffirms the marque’s intent to create a new flagship Bentley with refined performance, unparalleled levels of interior luxury and coach building skills to the fore.
The return of the Mulsanne name underlines Bentley’s sporting heritage and passion for power and speed. Nothing reflects that prowess better than the legendary Le Mans 24 Hours race. Bentley has enjoyed success on six occasions at Le Mans, where its powerful and reliable race cars have thundered down the long straight into the famous Mulsanne corner, from which the new model takes its name.
A pure expression of Bentley design
The design of the new Mulsanne is a unique fusion of sportiness, coachbuilt elegance and solidity. Echoing the Bentley S -Type of the 1950s, the Mulsanne features a bold frontal design dominated by the traditional Bentley matrix grille and highly prominent, classic round inner headlamps with chrome surrounds, flanked by two, smaller outboard lamp clusters, all featuring the latest in lighting technology. The iconic ‘Flying B’ retractable radiator mascot is available as an option.
The long bonnet, short front overhang and long rear overhang help to convey a sense of power and movement, reinforced by muscular haunches and sharply sculptured lines which flow gracefully from the front wings to the rear. Uniquely designed 20-inch (and optional 21-inch) wheels reinforce the Mulsanne’s powerful, sporting stance.
Design Director Dirk van Braeckel explains the inspiration behind the Mulsanne’s distinctive appearance:
“The opportunity to design a new flagship Bentley is something afforded to very few designers. The team set out to create a sculpted form that blended classic Bentley heritage cues with modern lines.”
The body is produced in a new manufacturing facility at Bentley’s headquarters in Crewe where traditional metalworking skills, developed over six decades, are still used extensively during the nine-week build process. It is the very opposite of volume-production car-building… but the very epitome of Bentley.
The rear screen, for example is fully enveloped by the coachwork. This provides a flowing, flawless line to the rear of the car, complementing the exquisitely formed D-pillars – whose complex curves can only be created by skilled coach-builders. The complex form of the aluminium front wings, impossible to achieve with normal pressing techniques, is created using superforming, a technology usually reserved for the aerospace industry. This also makes the wings lighter, stiffer and provides superb surface definition. New construction techniques meant the designers could also incorporate details such as the ‘floating’ elliptical LED tail lights, which uniquely echo the shape of the exhaust tailpipes.
To accentuate the beauty of the bodywork, the Mulsanne features ‘brightware’ exclusively in polished stainless steel, including sill treadplates and matrix grilles. Bentley is the only manufacturer in the world to do this.
The door handles incorporate the traditional Bentley ‘knurling’ to their inboard surface for enhanced grip, reflecting the company’s typical attention to detail, while .the sporting character of the Mulsanne is reinforced by front wing vents and wide oval tailpipe finishers.
Bentley customers have a world of infinite choice when commissioning their cars. There are over 100 paint colours in the range that include everything from unusual heritage colours, special satin and pearlescent finishes and duo-tone combinations. But the choice does not end there. Through the bespoke world of Bentley Mulliner, unique colours can exactly match a customer’s vision and taste.
Sumptuous interior meets advanced technology
The latest in-car technologies are discreetly placed within the Mulsanne’s sumptuous interior. A multimedia system with 60GB hard disc drives satellite navigation, audio/video, personal data, telephone and Bluetooth® connectivity. The upper dashboard houses an 8-inch multimedia screen, positioned unobtrusively behind an electrically operated veneered door, while below sits a stylish, leather-lined media player stowage drawer with connectors for iPod, USB, Mini USB and 3.5mm aux.
A state-of-the-art 14-speaker audio system with Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and 6-CD autochanger is provided as standard while the Naim for Bentley premium audio system may be specified as an option. This forging of two British luxury brands provides customers with the world’s most powerful production in-car amplifier with 2200 Watts, eight dedicated DSP modes and 20 custom-made speakers, delivering an unparalleled sound quality.
A personalised keyless entry system allows multiple pre-programmed configurations and automatically sets radio stations, phone book, seat (including ventilation and massage modes, both front and rear), steering column and seatbelt settings and even the electrically operated rear-seat blinds for side and rear windows. The keyless system operates with the chrome door handles which incorporate touch points to initiate communication with the key for verification and entry. The Mulsanne also features keyless start, having a stop/start button on the centre console.
The Bentley interior design team has continued to develop and evolve the luxurious interiors for which their cars are renowned, based on a large-scale, research programme to identify the classic signature features that have defined Bentleys from the 1920s to the present day.
Armed with this invaluable resource, the Mulsanne’s design team set itself highly challenging targets for key interior characteristics such as material design, smell, colour harmony and handcrafting. Similar targets were set for the operational refinement and robustness of all control mechanisms. The result is a hand-crafted interior that fully reflects traditional Bentley values, executed to the highest possible standards.
As Head of Interior Design, Robin Page says:
“Over 170 hours – almost half the entire build process – goes into crafting the interior of the new Mulsanne. At Crewe, Bentley’s way of working is the opposite of mass production – we start where others stop.”
The use of wood and leather hides has increased significantly to create an even more refined and luxurious cabin. While classic design features such as bulls-eye air vents (now also fitted in the rear compartment), high-quality mirror-matched wood veneers, leather hides and hand-finished stainless steel are retained, they are mixed with new touches such as beautiful ‘glass’ switches.
The entire cabin is encased within a ‘ring of wood’ waistrail with an unbroken panel of wood gracing the Mulsanne’s dashboard. Inverted dial needles within the instrument cluster are evocative of early Bentleys while the entire dashboard and console design is a subtle reminder of the Bentley wings motif.
Customers may select from an extensive range of premium quality veneers, unbleached for a natural appearance, and two marquetry options: picture frame and contemporary crossbanding. True to the Bentley ethos, customers may also select from a virtually unlimited palette of leather hides, including 24 ‘standard’ colours, of which three are new for Bentley. This unrivalled choice of veneers, leather hides and paint colours ensures that the needs of all customers can be matched perfectly.
Following detailed customer feedback, a traditional tanning process has been re-instated to match the rich, worn leather smell that is so evocative of vintage Bentleys. Only a very few hide suppliers worldwide have the capability to do this.
The carpet of the Mulsanne is unique to Bentley, its increased fibre depth, density and feel enhancing cabin quality. It is available in a range of colours to complement each individual hide. Pure wool, deep pile Wilton-weave over mats can add a further touch of comfort and luxury.
These exquisite materials are fashioned by craftsmen and women with up to 40 years’ experience. Each steering wheel, for example, can take 15 hours to hand-stitch while stainless steel brightware gleams so perfectly thanks to an intensive 10-hour finishing process. A wood veneer takes five weeks to turn from a rough root ball into a full set of mirror-matched, fine-polished leaves.
Re-engineered V8 engine and new chassis: power, refinement and efficiency
The Bentley powertrain engineers were set three objectives for the Mulsanne:
1) To produce the effortless torque from extremely low revs that customers expect of a grand Bentley
2) To maintain the highest levels of refinement
3) To satisfy strict current and future environmental standards through improved engine efficiency
While other powertrain configurations were considered early on in the project, it soon became clear that these targets could best be achieved with a totally revised version of the 6¾-litre V8 engine – the very configuration that had been used so successfully in the past. However for the new Mulsanne, all the major building blocks of the engine would be comprehensively re-engineered to integrate the very latest technologies.
Dr Ulrich Eichhorn, Bentley Motors’ Director of Engineering, explains the reasons behind the Mulsanne’s V8:
“Using our V8 guaranteed the immense power at low revs and unstressed performance that are the hallmarks of a flagship Bentley. But we also set our engineers the challenge of maintaining high levels of refinement at any speed and, equally important, improving efficiency.”
To achieve a significant reduction in fuel consumption and CO2. emissions, the Mulsanne V8 sees the introduction of two new control systems: cam phasing and, a first for the ultra-luxury sector, variable displacement.
The pioneering use of these two technologies in combination allows the Mulsanne’s engine management system not only to adjust the V8’s breathing for improved engine idle quality and torque delivery, but also to close the valves of four of the eight cylinders for maximum fuel economy when cruising.
New lightweight componentry including pistons, connecting rods and forged crankshaft reduce reciprocating mass and internal friction for improved engine response.
In the new Mulsanne, the 6¾-litre V8 develops 512 PS (505 bhp/377 kW) while the massive torque (1020 Nm / 752 lb ft) is now delivered even earlier at 1750 rev/min. This dramatic improvement in torque delivery from just above idle and right across the rev range ensures that with a mere tap of the accelerator the driver is immediately rewarded with that characteristic deep, muffled V8 burble and phenomenal acceleration.
These new technologies are complemented by the new eight-speed automatic transmission which, for the first time on a flagship Bentley, comes with steering-wheel mounted paddleshift.
Overall, CO2 emissions and fuel consumption are reduced by more than 15 percent, in line with Bentley’s environmental commitment.
Prodigious power and torque are complemented by an all-new chassis, unique to the new Mulsanne. Both lighter and stiffer than previous flagship Bentleys, the new chassis benefits both ride and handling.
A new Drive Dynamics Control system, operated by a rotary switch mounted next to the gearshift selector, can be used to choose from three standard modes – Bentley, Sport and Comfort – offering precise calibration of suspension and steering control systems.
A fourth mode, ‘Custom’, allows the driver to select bespoke settings via the multimedia system to ‘tune’ the Mulsanne to a preferred driving style.
A new air suspension system with Continuous Damping Control (CDC) creates an even more refined and comfortable ride at lower speeds, yet can reduce the Mulsanne’s ride height automatically at high speeds to reduce lift and improve aerodynamic stability. With 20-inch alloy wheels and 265/45 ZR 20 tyres as standard, dynamic handling is assured. Customers may also opt for 21-inch wheels, available in two styles, fitted with 265/40 ZR 21 tyres.
Summary
While the all-new Bentley Mulsanne pays respect to the past, it is a thoroughly modern luxury car that offers the world’s most exclusive driving experience – a unique fusion of power, refinement and elegance.
Bentley Motors Chairman and Chief Executive Dr. Franz-Josef Paefgen says:
“No other car maker can offer such a blend of performance and refinement in a single vehicle. The new Mulsanne is a car that evokes the Bentley philosophy of building the best luxury grand tourers in the world.”
Bentley Mulsanne – Technical Specification
Engine
- Type: Twin-turbocharged V8
- Installation: Front, longitudinal, rear-wheel drive
- Construction: Alloy heads and block
- Capacity: 6750cc
- Power: 512PS / 505bhp / 377kW at 4200 rev/min
- Torque: 1020Nm / 752 lb ft at 1750 rev/min
- 0-60 mph in 5.1 secs (0-100 km/h in 5.3s)
- 0-100 mph in 11.6 secs (0-160 km/h in 11.5s)
- Max Speed: 184 mph (296 km/h)
- conomy: 16.7 mpg (16.9 l/100km) Combined EU Cycle (figures are provisional and subject to Type Approval)
- US EPA Cycle (fuel consumption figures will be advised following Certification)
- CO2 emission: 393 g/km (figure is provisional and subject to Type Approval)
- Type: Rear-wheel-drive
- Gearbox: ZF 8-Speed automatic
- Length: 5575mm (219.49in)
- Width (mirrors folded): 1926mm (75.80in)
- Height: 1521mm (59.88in)
- Wheelbase: 3266mm (128.60in)
- Front Track: 1615mm (63.58in)
- Rear Track: 1652mm (65.03in)
- Wheels / tyres (standard): 9J x 20in. with 265/45 ZR 20 tyres
- (option): 9J x 21in. with 265/40 ZR 21 tyres
- Kerb weight: 2585 kg (5700 lb)
Images : Bentley Mulsanne
[Source : BENTLEY]
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