Monday 27 February 2012

BENTLEY MULSANNE FUSION OF EXTREMES EPITOME OF OPULENCE

Bentley Mulsane

Power & Refinement



Performance
A V8 for the 21st Century.
When developing the engine for the Mulsanne, the 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.




Exterior Design
Advanced and elegant in equal measure.
The Mulsanne’s 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 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.



INTERIOR
The interior of the 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






ENGINEERING PASSION
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 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 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.
However, words alone can never do justice to the experience of driving a Mulsanne first-hand. Only slipping behind the wheel yourself
can you truly appreciate the great effort that goes into making a Bentley feel effortless to drive.





Technology
Cutting-edge technology meets cutting-edge design.
Upon entering the cabin of the 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.
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 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.





CRAFTSMANSHIP
Craftsmanship – it’s probably the word that best sums up the extraordinary quality and finish of the Mulsanne. In an era where even some
luxury cars are assembled in a matter of hours, we work in a more meticulous manner – at a pace set by the attention to detail and commitment
that every one of our craftsmen and women bring to their jobs.
Virtually as much time is spent on trimming out the Mulsanne’s cabin as is taken on building the rest of the car. One look at the end result
and the reasons are clear. No stitch out of line. No shortcuts taken. No settling for great when perfection is possible.
Take something as seemingly simple as seatbelts. Not only are the seatbelts in the Mulsanne colour coded to match all of the 25 leather hide
colours available for the interior, but even the buckles are too. Everywhere you look in the cabin you’ll discover small finesses that signal
a more refined approach. For instance, you can choose contrast stitching or seat piping, or embroidered Bentley emblems. Even the carpets,
which are now even more luxurious with an extra thick pile for added comfort, are specified to match the shade of leather you choose. After all,
there’s nothing quite like putting your foot down in a Bentley.
Through Mulliner, you can have bespoke features such as personalised treadplates and personalised embroidery stitched into your headrests.
It’s about bringing your unique vision to life and creating a Bentley like no other.





                                                                          Technical
ENGINE
Engine Capacity 6752cc Twin-tubocharged V8
Max. Power 505bhp / 377kW / 512PS @ 4200rpm
Max.Torque 752lb-ft / 1020Nm @ 1750rpm
Cam phasing and Variable Displacement
Compression Ratio 7.8:1
Emission Level EU 5 / LEV II
Fuel EU 95 to 98 RON US/ROW 92 to 98 RON
DRIVELINE AND TRANSMISSION
Eight-speed automatic gearbox with electronic shift interface, sport mode and steering wheel mounted paddleshift.
Rear wheel drive
PERFORMANCE
Max. Speed 184mph / 296km/h
Acceleration 0 - 60mph 5.1 seconds
Acceleration 0 - 100km/h 5.3 seconds
FUEL CONSUMPTION
EU DRIVE CYCLE (EU drive cycle fuel consumption figures are provisional and subject to Type Approval)
Urban 11.2mpg 25.3 litres/100km
Extra-Urban 24.0mpg 11.8 litres/100km
Combined 16.8mpg 16.9 litres/100km
CO2 emissions (combined) 393g/km
EPA DRIVE CYCLE (US EPA fuel consumption figures are pending certification and not currently available)
City Driving 11 Usmpg
Highway Driving 18 Usmpg
Combined Driving 13 Usmpg
WEIGHTS AND VOLUMES
Kerb weight (Markets outside North America) 2685kg / 5919lb
Kerb weight (North America) 2711kg / 5976lb
Gross Weight (All markets) 3200kg / 7055lb
Front Axle Weight 1535kg
Rear Axle Weight 1640kg
Boot Volume 443L
Fuel tank capacity 96L 21.12 Gallons / 25.36 US Gallons
DIMENSIONS
Overall Length 5575mm 18ft 3in
Width across mirrors 2208mm 7ft 3in
Width with mirrors folded 1926mm 6ft 4in
Height 1521mm 5ft
Wheel Base 3266mm
Front Track 1615mm
Rear Track 1652mm


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