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Tag: Mulsanne

AT THE SHOW: Bentley Commemorates Historic “Blue Train” Race with 85th Anniversary Mulliner Limited Edition

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(Crewe, 15th April 2015) Bentley Motors is commemorating the historic ‘Blue Train’ race won by the Bentley Speed Six in 1930 with a Mulliner Limited Edition – the Mulsanne Speed ‘Blue Train’.

Debuting this week at the Techno-Classica show in Essen, Germany, just four examples will be hand-crafted in Crewe for customers in continental Europe.

85 years ago, Captain Woolf Barnato, Chairman of Bentley Motors and pioneering ‘Bentley Boy’, was staying in Cannes at the Carlton Hotel. He accepted a wager that not only could he beat the Calais-Mediterranée Express or ‘Blue Train’ back to Calais, but that he could be at his club in London before the train even reached the English Channel. He was, and the remarkable victory has been talked about ever since.

The ‘Blue Train’ Limited Edition is produced by the skilled craftsmen and women of Bentley’s bespoke coachbuilding division, Mulliner. Each features a number of delightful historical references and modern interpretations of  design details from the original Speed Six.

For example, the fluting pattern in the door panels and the rear quarter inserts echo the interior of Barnato’s original car. The dashboard facia features an expertly crafted veneer image of the original Bentley ‘Blue Train’ Speed Six. Meanwhile, the treadplate plaques bear the wording ‘Blue Train 85 Years’ and the front grille features a square mesh design inspired by original Speed Six.

Richard Charlesworth, Head of the Bentley Heritage Collection, comments: “The Blue Train is one of the most famous and celebrated cars in the world, and it perfectly embodies the racing spirit of the Bentley. Woolf Barnato was a three-time Le Mans victor, but winning the Blue Train race captured the public’s imagination, and fuelled the legend of the Bentley Boys. By beating the Calais-Mediterranée Express he forever guaranteed the Speed Six’s place in automotive history.”

The first ‘Blue Train’ Limited Edition delivered will also feature a personalised hamper, trimmed with Burnt Oak and Camel hide to perfectly match the interior of the car. Mulliner has crafted beautiful leather cutlery holders and a leather rug wrap-around, both featuring ‘Blue Train’ embroidery. The hamper contains exclusive Robbe & Berking silver plated cutlery, Haviland Limoges porcelain crockery, LINLEY crystal champagne flutes and a 100 percent Angora picnic rug, woven in Scotland.

Robert Engstler, Regional Director Europe, added: “The fact that we are producing just four of these Limited Editions is highly significant, as Barnato famously made it to the club in London four minutes before the train arrived in Calais. The unique design elements bring back nostalgic memories of one of the most legendary Bentleys of all times.”

The Mulsanne Speed Blue Train by Mulliner can be seen at the Techno-Classica Show in Essen (Hall 7). from the 15th to the 19th of April 2015.

IN THE NEWS: Bentley Announces 530-hp 811-lb.ft Mulsanne Speed

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(Crewe, 16th September 2014) 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 reengineered powertrain, featuring Bentley’s mighty 6¾-litre twin-turbo V8, propels the Mulsanne Speed to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds (0‑100 km/h in 4.9 seconds) and on to a top speed of 190 mph (305 km/h). In modern Bentley tradition, the extra performance is matched by markedly improved efficiency; a 13% 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.

Chairman and Chief Executive of Bentley Motors, Wolfgang Dürheimer, comments:

“The new Mulsanne Speed is the car that defines Bentley, as a flagship for driving luxury performance. Our customers don’t compromise, and we’ve adopted the same approach in the design, engineering and crafting of our new flagship. The Mulsanne Speed is distinguished, calm and relaxing, but always with a connection to the road and relentless dynamic performance on demand. In this car, every journey becomes a drive.”

The Mulsanne Speed will be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show on Thursday 2nd October, and will be available for customer delivery this winter.

Torque pushed to record levels

At the heart of the Mulsanne Speed is Bentley’s iconic 6¾-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, which has been re-engineered for the Mulsanne Speed as well as the signature Mulsanne. A totally redesigned combustion system (including combustion chamber, inlet ports, fuel injectors, spark plugs, and compression ratio) 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.

The new engine is paired with a recalibrated gearbox designed to enhance the driving experience of the Mulsanne Speed. The gear strategy is optimised for the new, higher wave of torque, and is designed for instant torque delivery on throttle application. The connection between the car and driver has been the focus, and extensive validation with both keen drivers and professional chauffeurs has proven the new setup. 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.

An extensive recalibration of the engine management system has yielded benefits beyond increased torque and power. The cylinder deactivation system, that runs the engine as a V4 during light load, has been retuned for smoother transitions between V8 and V4 for even greater refinement. This work combines with a new gearbox control strategy and the engine hardware improvements to give a new level of efficiency for the Mulsanne engine.

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 CO2 on the NEDC drive cycle – a 13% 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).

A Chassis System Tailored to the Driver

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.

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.

An assertive exterior

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.

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″ 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. These are:

  • Spectre: Seemingly black at first glance, heavy gold metallic and a hint of green result in a rich tone inspired by reptilian skin.
  • Candy Red: A rich and deep liquid red.
  • Camel: Reminiscent of golden sands, Camel has a bright metallic highlight with a butterscotch mid-tone.
  • Marlin: A rich blue with a hint of green, inspired by the shade of deep ocean waters and with a metallic shimmer.

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.

A Cabin of Contemporary Luxury

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. 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, and includes:

  • Diamond quilted hide door panels and seats
  • Indented hide headlining
  • Embroidered Bentley emblems to all seats
  • A coined finish to interior door handles
  • Knurling to the sports gear lever and “organ stop” ventilation controls
  • Drilled alloy sports foot pedals

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 (to match the new exterior paint of the same name) and a new veneer to the Mulsanne family, Tamo Ash.

Concealed Technology and Endless Customisation

Concealed beneath the exquisite materials that define the Mulsanne Speed cabin is a suite of technology to make any journey as productive or relaxing as one desires. 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 on-board Wi-Fi through a dedicated router keeps the car connected to the outside world. A frosted glass bottle cooler, complete with bespoke crystal champagne flutes, may be installed behind the rear armrest. A 2,200 watt 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” screens and Bluetooth headphones.

Signature Mulsanne updated for 2015

The signature Mulsanne ultra-luxury sedan has been updated for 2015, to complement the launch of the performance-focused Mulsanne Speed. The Mulsanne receives the same efficiency upgrade through new engine hardware, with its 512 PS (505 bhp), 1,020 Nm (752 lb.ft) 6¾-litre twin‑turbo V8 engine also now 13% more efficient. Changes have also been made to the gearbox calibration of the Mulsanne, focussing on smoother, relaxed gear changes that promote a comfortable and refined driving experience. New paint colours, hide and veneers options are also available across the Mulsanne family.

Bentley Mulsanne Speed
Engine
Type6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V8
Max Power537 PS / 530 bhp / 395 kW @ 4,200 rpm
Max Torque1,100 Nm / 811 lb.ft @ 1,750 rpm
Transmission
TypeZF 8-speed automatic with Quickshift, Block Shifting and wheel-mounted paddleshift
DrivelineRear wheel drive
Ratios1st: 4.71; 2nd: 3.14; 3rd: 2.10; 4th:1.67; 5th: 1.29;
6th: 1.00; 7th: 0.84; 8th: 0.67
Final Drive2.92
Brakes
Front400 mm ventilated iron
Rear370 mm ventilated iron
Wheels and Tyres
Wheels9J x 21″
Tyres265/40 ZR21
Steering
TypeHydraulic rack and pinion with speed-dependant variable assistance
Turns lock-to-lock3.3 turns
Turning circle12.9 m / 42.3 feet
Suspension
FrontDouble wishbone, anti-roll bar
RearMultilink rear suspension with toe and brake reaction control
DampingSelf-levelling air suspension with Continuous Damping Control, automatic ride height control and four driver-selectable modes
Dimensions
Wheelbase3,266 mm / 128.6″
Overall length5,575 mm / 219.5″
Width (across body)1,926 mm / 75.8″ (width with mirrors folded)
Width (inc. mirrors)2,208 mm / 86.9″
Overall height1,521 mm / 59.9″
Fuel tank96 litres / 21.1 gallons / 25.4 US gallons
Boot volume443 litres / 15.64 cu. ft
Kerb weight (EU)2,685 kg / 5,919 lb
Gross vehicle weight3,200 kg / 7,055 lb
Performance
Top speed190 mph / 305 km/h
0-60 mph4.8 secs
0-100 km/h4.9 secs
0-100 mph11.1 secs
0-160 km/h11 secs
Fuel Consumption (EU cycle)*
Urban12.4 mpg (22.8 litres/100 km)
Extra Urban28.4 mpg (9.9 litres/100 km)
Combined19.3 mpg (14.6 litres/100 km)
CO2 emissions342 g/km
Fuel Consumption (EPA cycle)**
City (US mpg)12
Highway (US mpg)19
Combined (US mpg)14
Emissions ControlsEU6 / LEV 11

* Fuel consumption figures are provisional and subject to Type Approval.
** Fuel consumption figures are provisional and subject to EPA certification.

AT THE SHOW: Bentley’s New Flying Spur and Updated Mulsanne Debut in New York

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(New York, 27 March 2013) The new Bentley Flying Spur, the world’s most refined performance sedan, makes its North American debut at the New York International Auto Show today.

“We’re excited to show the new Flying Spur in one of Bentley’s most important markets in the world – New York,” said Christophe Georges, President and COO, Bentley Motors, Inc.

“The Flying Spur meets the desires of our customers perfectly and is a car only Bentley could make – timeless design inside and out, ultimate material quality, attention to detail, class leading refinement, and effortless performance.”

Establishing a new luxury sedan benchmark
With its unrivalled blend of effortless driveability, exquisite luxury and craftsmanship, sculpted design and state-of-the-art technology, the new Flying Spur takes the worldwide success of its iconic predecessor further.

Bentley’s styling team has developed an athletic design for the new Flying Spur that combines traditional Bentley styling cues with a sporting stance and contemporary details. Sharp feature lines complement muscular rear haunches, while LED day-time running lights, dipped headlights and taillights complement the front and rear profiles. The interior designers have created a luxurious, spacious cabin that dresses advanced acoustic and electronic technologies in exquisite hand-crafted leather hides and wood veneers.

Driver and passengers alike interface with the car and the outside world through touch-screen infotainment, mobile connectivity including Wi-Fi, a Rear Seat Entertainment suite and a new bespoke hand-held Touch Screen Remote which allows rear-cabin occupants to control an extensive range of features from the comfort of their seat. An eight-channel, eight-speaker audio system with Balanced Mode Radiators provide high quality sound clarity, with the 1100W Naim® for Bentley premium system available as an option.

Powering the new Flying Spur is Bentley’s renowned 6.0-litre, twin turbo W12 engine, coupled to a ZF eight-speed transmission. Developing 616 horsepower and 590 pound feet of torque, the new Flying Spur features more power than any other Bentley four-door in history. A 14 per cent improvement in the power-to-weight ratio over the outgoing model delivers a breath-taking 0-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds and a top-speed of 200 mph. In the modern Bentley tradition, power is delivered to the road via all-wheel drive with a 40:60 rear-biased torque split for a sure-footed, engaging drive in all road and weather conditions.

The new Flying Spur has a base MSRP of $200,500. Commissioning is available now with arrivals to begin during the second quarter.

Bentley Mulsanne: the pinnacle of British luxury motoring

Bentley’s showcase of luxury, performance and technology continues with the North American debut of an enhanced specification for the flagship Mulsanne sedan. A range of new luxury features have been added to the Mulsanne and are on display for the first time in North America, offering a new suite of entertainment and communication system options.
An Entertainment Specification incorporates the latest in technological developments, with picnic tables designed for an iPad and wireless keyboard and the cabin of the Mulsanne becoming a Wi-Fi Hotspot.

A new Comfort Specification, including comfort headrests, footrests and duck down filled loose cushions has been introduced to reaffirm Mulsanne’s reputation as a truly bespoke grand tourer.

Additional enhancements include privacy curtains, which promise to broaden the experience for the Mulsanne rear cabin occupants, allowing them to maximise work or rest as they travel.
Other additions include three new paint options, extending the Mulsanne palette, and new bespoke fitted luggage.

Building on the Momentum of Success

The introduction of the new Flying Spur comes on the heels of a successful 2012 in which US sales were up 23% to 2,315 cars. Globally, the company achieved growth of 22% with 8,510 cars delivered to customers. The United States remains the number one market for Bentley worldwide and the region expects to continue to achieve double digit growth in 2013.

In 2013, the new Flying Spur and enhanced Mulsanne will be joined by the all-new Continental GT Speed Convertible, creating the strongest Bentley model line-up ever.

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