Sun, May 24, 2015


Motoring
Mulsanne Speed drives into the Gulf


Bentley’s new luxury flagship, the Mulsanne Speed, has been unveiled on the roads of the Middle East and is now available at Bentley dealerships across the region. The new car 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 re-engineered powertrain, featuring Bentley’s mighty 6¾-litre twin-turbo V8, propels the Mulsanne Speed to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds (0100 kmph in 4.9 seconds) and on to a top speed of 190 mph (305 kmph). In modern Bentley tradition, the extra performance is matched by markedly improved efficiency; a 13 per cent gain means a range extended by 50 miles (80 km).

New and contemporary styling features define the Mulsanne Speed as a statement in quintessential British luxury. On-board technology and connectivity are discreetly integrated beneath the finest materials, created with unrivalled craftsmanship and exquisite handcrafted details.


TORQUE RECORD 

At the heart of the Mulsanne Speed is Bentley’s 6¾-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, which has been re-engineered for the new car as well as the signature Mulsanne. A redesigned combustion system promotes a 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 peak power output of 537 PS drives the Mulsanne Speed to a top speed of 190 mph (305 kmph) - an unrivalled figure in the ultra-luxury sector, says the UK carmaker. 

The 060 mph sprint is covered in 4.8 seconds, with 0100 kmph taking just 4.9 seconds.

The new engine is paired with a recalibrated gearbox designed to enhance the driving experience of the car. 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.

Meeting the new EU6 emissions legislation, and designed to also meet the upcoming US LEV III standards in the future, the new powertrain records 342 g/km of carbon dioxide (CO2) on the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle ) drive cycle – a 13 per cent improvement on the current Mulsanne. The ensuing fuel economy improvements have extended the fuel range of the new Mulsanne Speed by 50 miles (80 km).


CHASSIS SYSTEM 

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. The driver can also choose to individually match steering, chassis and engine tunes according to personal preference through the Custom setting.


ASSERTIVE EXTERIOR

The Mulsanne Speed boasts new and more assertive styling features.

A dark tint finish is applied to the exterior stainless steel matrix grilles, in a process unique in the automotive industry, with the radiator grille, lower bumper grilles and wing vents all featuring this exquisite treatment. 

The distinctive headlights of the Mulsanne show the same dark tint application, and at the rear of the car the taillights retain the “floating ellipse” design, but are similarly finished with a dark tint for a striking appearance, especially at night.

The Mulsanne Speed introduces Bentley’s first ever directional style wheel, with a design that is handed for the right or left side of the car. The 21-inch wheels, available in painted, polished and dark tint with machined accent finishes, are individually machined from solid forged blanks, before being perfected by hand.

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, while the optional extended range features over 100 colours. A fully bespoke paint-matching service is available on request.


CONTEMPORARY LUXURY

The cabin of the new car 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. These new, contemporary panels have been especially developed for the Mulsanne Speed and match the rich, lustrous finish of the Piano Black veneer.

The Mulliner Driving Specification interior features are fitted as standard to the Mulsanne Speed.

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. Included in these ranges is a new hide colour, Camel and a new veneer to the Mulsanne family, Tamo Ash.


TECHNOLOGY AND CUSTOMISATION

A 60 GB on-board hard drive can store the driver’s collection of music and films. Electrically operated tables, with recesses and connections for iPads and matching keyboards, can be fitted to the rear of the front seats, while wi-fi through a dedicated router keeps the car connected to the outside world. A frosted glass bottle cooler, complete with bespoke crystal flutes, may be installed behind the rear armrest. A 2,200 W Naim for Bentley premium audio system expands on the standard 14-speaker system and offers the best in-car sound experience in the world. Entertainment on-the-move can be provided through the Rear Seat Entertainment system, including two 8-inch screens and Bluetooth headphones.





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