Bearing the same title as the legendary Le Mans turn, Bentley’s new flagship, the Mulsanne, honors traditional Bentley design and maintains the marque’s superior standards of luxury and performance.
Power, class, and elegance embody the design and character of the new Bentley Mulsanne. Capturing design cues from the 1950s Bentley S-Types, the Mulsanne features classic highlights such as the Bentley matrix grille, round inner headlamps with chrome surrounds, and a long, striking hood. Superforming, a technology used in the aerospace industry, is used to create the aluminum front wings. The Mulsanne’s D-pillars are formed by skilled craftsman and create a smooth and fluent rear design. Fluid shoulder lines flow to the rear and form a refined shape. New LED “floating” taillights mirror the large oval tailpipes. Bodywork is emphasized through the use of “brightware” in polished stainless steel, unique to Bentley. The famed “Flying B” retractable mascot is available as an option, completing the traditional Bentley image.
The traditional 6 ¾-liter Bentley V8 has been reengineered to produce effortless and graceful power. A forged crankshaft combined with lightweight pistons and connecting rods allow for a more responsive engine, and boosts power output to 505 bhp. At just 1800 rpm a massive 752 lb-ft. of torque is available across the powerband, effortlessly powering the rear wheels. Cam phasing and variable displacement provides a reduction in emissions and fuel consumption. The new eight-speed ZF automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted gearshifters further increases fuel efficiency and lowers emissions by 15 percent. No longer will owners have to plant a tree or buy a Prius to be environmentally friendly.
The interior of the Mulsanne is a flawless union of modern technology and handcrafted Bentley traditionalism. Vintage features such as mirror-matched wood veneers, hand-finished stainless steel, bulls-eye air vents, and inverted dial needles create a true Bentley interior. A ring of wood wraps around the interior of the Mulsanne and flows into the dashboard. An almost limitless selection of veneers and paint colors are available with a large collection of leather hides, that have been produced using the traditional tanning process of vintage Bentleys. A team of experienced craftsmen and women dedicate over 170 hours to fabricating the interior of the Mulsanne.
Housed in the upper dashboard is an 8-inch multimedia screen supported by a 40 GB multimedia system with satellite navigation. A 14-speaker Digital Signal Processing (DSP) audio system with 6-disc CD changer is standard. Optionally, a premium Naim audio system, featuring a 2200-watt amplifier, 20 custom-made speakers, and eight dedicated DSP modes creates an orchestra of sound. A state-of-the-art keyless entry system can be configured to automatically set seat preferences, radio stations, phone book, steering column and seatbelt settings, as well as blinds for the rear of the car. For the first time, the system operates the Mulsanne’s stainless steel door handles employing touch points for authentication.
The 2011 Bentley Mulsanne features a new chassis, designed to be lighter and stronger than prior Bentley flagships. The new Drive Dynamics Control system integrates the new air suspension and steering control systems, and features four modes: Bentley, Sport, Comfort, and a Custom mode that allows the driver to tune the system to their driving style. To retain stability at high speeds the air suspension automatically reduces ride height to decrease aerodynamic lift. Standard 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 265/45 ZR 20 tires compliment the Mulsanne’s powerful and classic design. Optional 21-inch wheels with 265/40 ZR 21 tires are available in two different designs.
U.S. deliveries of the Bentley Mulsanne are set for fall of 2010, with an expected price of $300,000.
Bentley Mulsanne Gallery
2011 Bentley Mulsanne Specifications
Engine
Type: Twin-turbocharged V-8
Installation: Front, longitudinal, rear-wheel drive
Construction: Alloy heads and block
Capacity: 6750 cc
Power: 505 bhp
Torque: 752 lb-ft.
Transmission
Type: Rear-wheel-drive
Gearbox: ZF 8-Speed automatic
Body & Chassis
Length: 219.49 in
Width: 75.80 in
Height: 60.01 in
Wheelbase: 128.60 in
Front Track: 63.20 in
Rear Track: 65.00 in
Weights and Volumes
Fuel tank capacity: 25.36 US Gallons
Wheels and Tires
Standard: 20×9 with 265/45 ZR 20 tires
Optional: 21×9 with 265/40 ZR 21 tires
Is the Bentley Mulsanne the ultimate luxury car?
