The Bentley Mulsanne design is a unique fusion of sportiness, coach-built elegance and solidity. Drawing on the great Bentleys of the past, the Mulsanne features a bold frontal design dominated by the traditional Bentley matrix grille and prominent, round inner headlamps with chrome surrounds. For added distinction the chrome bezels are embossed with the Bentley name. To create as refined a car as the Mulsanne in the 21st century requires a blend of technology and craftsmanship that can only be found at a marque like Bentley. The car’s elegant form is created by experienced coach-builders hand-brazing different thicknesses of steel to create a seamless flush fit, alongside an advanced process known as Superforming, in which aluminium panels are heated to 500˚C and then forced into shape using air pressure. Racing is also clearly in the Bentley Mulsanne’s bloodline with classic sporting proportions distinctly evident. The long bonnet, short front overhang and longer rear overhang help to convey a sense of dynamism and movement, reinforced by muscular haunches and sharply sculpted lines that flow gracefully from the front wings to the rear.
The interior of the Bentley Mulsanne is unlike any other car in the world. Step inside and you immediately become immersed in a unique atmosphere where carefully positioned mood lighting and the aroma of leather are complemented by knurled stainless steel, smooth wood veneers and cutting-edge technology. All exquisitely packaged for your comfort. The attention to detail on show is befitting of a flagship Bentley. Take the sumptuous leather, handpicked from herds in cooler climates where the lack of insects means blemish-free hides. Soft and supple, they are then tanned in a traditional process, originally used during the construction of fine furniture pieces that optimises their natural aroma. A stunning continuous wooden waist rail surrounds the entire cabin and our world-famous mirror matched veneers make a perfect symmetrical pattern across the entire car. Only in a car like the Mulsanne could you achieve such a remarkable design signature.
Immense power and instantly available relentless torque are the hallmarks of every Bentley. Anyone who has experienced the effortless acceleration that arrives regardless of engine speed or gear selection will know just how astonishing the effect can be. Of course, Bentleys are not just capable of great speeds and impressive acceleration. They are also renowned for their impeccable levels of refinement, whether rolling quietly through town or racing across continents. For over 50 years Bentleys have been powered by exceptional V8 engines. The Bentley Mulsanne is no exception. Under its bonnet lies a twin-turbocharged 6¾-litre V8 engine that delivers the extreme levels of performance expected of it without sacrificing the graceful, refined power that a Bentley is renowned for.
In the Bentley Mulsanne, the V8 develops 512PS (505bhp/377kW) while the massive torque (1020Nm/)712lb ft) is now delivered at 1750rpm. This dramatic ability to provide maximum torque from just above idle and right through the rev range ensures that with a mere tap of the accelerator you are immediately rewarded with that characteristic deep, muffled V8 burble and unrelenting acceleration. These immense reserves of power and torque are complemented by an eight-speed automatic transmission and steering-wheel mounted paddleshift.
When developing the engine for the Bentley Mulsanne, our engineers set themselves three challenges. First, the engine needed to produce effortless torque from extremely low revs. Secondly, it should maintain the highest levels of refinement at any speed. Thirdly, and of equal importance, it would need to satisfy strict environmental emissions standards for years to come. Challenge accepted. While other powertrain configurations were considered by the Mulsanne engineers, it became clear that these targets, along with the massive torque that is such a trademark of every grand Bentley, could be best achieved with a V8 engine. Every major component from the forged crankshaft to the pistons to the connecting rods are now designed to be light and strong to reduce internal loads and friction for even better engine response. To achieve a significant reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions plus improved refinement and torque, the Mulsanne’s V8 sees the introduction of two revolutionary control systems: Cam Phasing and, a first for the flagship motoring sector, Variable Displacement.
The pioneering use of these two technologies in combination allows the engine management system to adjust the V8’s breathing, thereby improving idle quality and increasing torque from low revs. The overall result is an improvement in fuel economy and CO2 emissions of up to 15 percent. Not to mention that massive 1020Nm of torque. Challenge, well and truly met.
Upon entering the cabin of the Bentley Mulsanne, it’s the impeccable craftsmanship that inevitably catches the eye. But behind those exquisite veneer surfaces, you’ll find an up-to-the minute infotainment technology that is also incredibly simple to operate. One that is totally unobtrusive, staying true to Bentley’s core design values. The face of the system is a hi-resolution, eight inch screen that’s completely concealed behind a beautifully-veneered panel when not in use. The heart of the system is a 60GB hard drive, with 20GB available to store thousands of your favourite music files. Bentley Mulsanne With a single command, the voice-activated screen illuminates enabling you to control a range of integrated applications. These include navigation, the audio system, iPod™ or other media connection, plus telephone and car functions such as the rear view camera and tyre pressure monitoring.
The latest 3D satellite navigation ensures you are never lost for directions, with full voice controlled postcode entry available. For even greater convenience, rear seat passengers can now exercise navigation control too. Bluetooth™ telephone connectivity is seamlessly integrated with the on-board systems to keep you in touch with the outside world at all times. The Bentley Mulsanne’s standard audio system comes with 14 speakers powered through 6 channels, digital sound processing and full iPod and MP3 compatibility including cover artwork display. It even has a unique hide-lined drawer to hold your iPod or other media devices. While for any audiophile, the option of an exclusively designed 2200W, 20 speaker custom-made Naim sound system is music to the ears.
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