Gear -- 4 days ago
Bentley has added a new flagship model to its luxury range of automobiles; the Mulsanne Speed. Tailored towards drivers rather than those who prefer time in the back seats, the Mulsanne Speed features revised suspension, engine and steering systems to create an ultra-fast sports saloon.
With variable driving settings, the Mulsanne Speed’s ‘Sport’ mode is tailored to greater dynamic levels than ever before and stiffens the air-suspension while also sharpening the steering responses to create a better handling car. Despite this though, the ‘Bentley’ and ‘Comfort’ levels remain to allow the Mulsanne Speed to waft along in traditional style.
The improved driving dynamics match the upgraded 6.75-litre Bentley V8, which has been twin turbocharged and produces more torque than ever before. With a redesigned combustion system, changes to the variable valve timing and reconfigured turbochargers, the Mulsanne Speed now pushes out a titanic 811 lb ft of torque. This, combined with 537hp, allows the Bentley to accelerate from zero to 62mph in just 4.9 seconds – not at all sluggish for a car that weighs in at more than two and a half tonnes.
Despite the increased power and torque, the new engine is now more efficient than before. Thanks to a new gearbox and cylinder deactivation system – the latter turns the V8 to a V4 under light loads – it will now produce 342g/km of CO2 and an increase in range by 50 miles thanks to a fuel economy figure of almost 20mpg.
On the surface, the Mulsanne Speed has received treatment befitting its status as Bentley’s flagship model. Four new paint colours have been added to the palette while increased options are also available for the sumptuous interior. This can also be specified with a number of technological features including a 60GB media hard drive, 14 speaker Naim audio system, connections for iPads and an on-board WiFi router.
The Mulsanne Speed will be officially unveiled at next month’s Paris Motor Show with customer deliveries expected this coming winter.
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