Bentley announced new Mulsanne Speed
Bentley redefines the fastest ultra-luxury driving experience in the world with a new pinnacle flagship. The new Mulsanne Speed is tailored for the driver, with 537 PS (530 bhp / 395 kW), 1,100 Nm (811 lb.ft) and selectable sports suspension and steering on demand.
The pinnacle of performance
At the heart of the Mulsanne Speed is Bentley’s iconic 6¾-litre twin-turbo V8 engine. A totally redesigned combustion system promotes a much faster and more controlled combustion process. Through combining these advances with new variable valve timing and optimised turbocharger control, torque output of the engine has been pushed to record levels – 1,100 Nm (811 lb.ft) from 1,750 rpm.
The swell of torque from low engine speeds builds to a new peak power output of 537 PS, enough to drive the Mulsanne Speed to a top speed of 190 mph (305 km/h) – an unrivalled figure in the ultra-luxury sector. The 0-60 mph sprint is covered in 4.8 seconds, with 0-100 km/h taking just 4.9 seconds.
Designed to enhance the driving experience of the Mulsanne Speed, Bentley created a recalibrated gearbox to optimise instant torque delivery on throttle application. Moreover, a new “S” mode gives the driver even more control, and maintains the engine speed above 2,000 rpm so that the turbochargers are always ready to deliver instantaneous performance.
To deploy the effortless power and acceleration on offer in the Mulsanne Speed, an even more driver-focused Sport suspension mode is included. While the Bentley and Comfort suspension modes provide a comfort-focused and fully compliant chassis setup, the Sport mode stiffens the all-round air suspension for improved body control and adjusts the steering dynamics for greater feedback and accuracy.
Through this new setup, the Mulsanne Speed builds on the abilities of the signature Mulsanne model, being able to switch from a communicative and enjoyable car to drive at pace, to a relaxing, comfortable and exceptionally refined limousine.
Assertive design
The Mulsanne Speed reflects its ground-breaking performance with new and more assertive styling features that are marks of distinction for Bentley’s pinnacle flagship. With its dark tint finish applied to the exterior stainless steel matrix grilles, the radiator grille, lower bumper grilles and wing vents, the Mulsanne looks like a “floating ellipse”.
For the first time, Bentley introduced a directional style wheel, with a design that is handed for the right or left side of the car. Twin rifled exhaust tailpipes are the finishing touch to the revised powertrain, while solid, polished stainless steel Speed badging adorns the front fender and door tread plate areas.
Four new exterior paint colours are introduced for the Mulsanne and Mulsanne Speed: Spectre, Candy Red, Camel and Marlin. The “standard” paint range covers 25 shades, including Marlin, while the optional extended range features over 100 colours. A fully bespoke paint-matching service is available on request.
The cabin of the Mulsanne Speed is a contemporary reinterpretation of the exquisite interior of the Bentley flagship. To create a modern two-tone feel, a new and unique colour split is available, with new stitch lines, that balances diamond quilted light-colour hide with darker, smooth hide. A new technical veneer option is available, with Piano Black veneer panels now including expertly handcrafted carbon fibre inlays.
Customers choose from 24 different hide colours, in six different colour splits, and ten different veneers (seven as cost options) when specifying their Mulsanne Speed.
Finally, on-board technology and connectivity are discreetly integrated beneath the finest materials, created with unrivalled craftsmanship and exquisite handcrafted details: 60 GB on-board hard drive, electrically-operated tables, with recesses and connections for iPads, on-board Wi-Fi, a 2,200 watt Naim for Bentley premium audio system and two 8” screens and Bluetooth headphones.
