Automotive

Mulsanne Speed: Bentley's ultra-fast luxury barge just got faster

Mulsanne Speed: Bentley's ultra-fast luxury barge just got faster
The Mulsanne Speed sports a 6.75 liter 530 bhp twin-turbo V8 that’s good for a 0-60 (96 km/h) time of 4.8 seconds
The Mulsanne Speed sports a 6.75 liter 530 bhp twin-turbo V8 that’s good for a 0-60 (96 km/h) time of 4.8 seconds
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The new Mulsanne Speed is capable of hitting a top speed of 190 mph (305 km/h)
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The new Mulsanne Speed is capable of hitting a top speed of 190 mph (305 km/h)
The Mulsanne Speed sports a 6.75 liter 530 bhp twin-turbo V8 that’s good for a 0-60 (96 km/h) time of 4.8 seconds
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The Mulsanne Speed sports a 6.75 liter 530 bhp twin-turbo V8 that’s good for a 0-60 (96 km/h) time of 4.8 seconds
In “S” mode, the engine maintains revs above 2,000 rpm so the saloon’s twin-turbochargers are in a more ready state and less laggy
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In “S” mode, the engine maintains revs above 2,000 rpm so the saloon’s twin-turbochargers are in a more ready state and less laggy
S Suspension mode triggers the car’s all-round air suspension system to reduce and control body roll
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S Suspension mode triggers the car’s all-round air suspension system to reduce and control body roll
Mulsanne's fuel efficiency has been increased by 13 percent while significantly increasing the engine's torque output
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Mulsanne's fuel efficiency has been increased by 13 percent while significantly increasing the engine's torque output
Weighing in with a gross vehicle weight of 7,055 lb (3,200 kg) the Mulsanne Speed is one hefty piece of British/German engineering
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Weighing in with a gross vehicle weight of 7,055 lb (3,200 kg) the Mulsanne Speed is one hefty piece of British/German engineering
The new Mulsanne Speed features custom 21 inch directional wheels and performance rubbers
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The new Mulsanne Speed features custom 21 inch directional wheels and performance rubbers
Bentley’s Mulsanne Speed
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Bentley’s Mulsanne Speed
The Bentley Mulsanne Speed features a plethora of bespoke penthouse-on-wheels like luxury features including a ZF 8-speed gearbox and wheel-mounted paddleshifters
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The Bentley Mulsanne Speed features a plethora of bespoke penthouse-on-wheels like luxury features including a ZF 8-speed gearbox and wheel-mounted paddleshifters
From diamond quilted hide door panels and seats to indented hide headlining and embroidered Bentley emblems on the seats, the Mulsanne's interior space is definitely no Motel 6
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From diamond quilted hide door panels and seats to indented hide headlining and embroidered Bentley emblems on the seats, the Mulsanne's interior space is definitely no Motel 6
The Mulsanne’s reworked powertrain now develops a stump-pulling 811 lb.ft of torque and horsepower figures of 530 bhp
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The Mulsanne’s reworked powertrain now develops a stump-pulling 811 lb.ft of torque and horsepower figures of 530 bhp
View gallery - 11 images

The world’s fastest ultra-luxury saloon just got faster. Bentley’s new and improved flagship, the Mulsanne Speed, is not only faster than its predecessor but also surprisingly more fuel efficient.

Like the firm’s two-door GT V8 S, the Mulsanne Speed sports a 6.75 liter twin-turbo V8. But the similarities to the GT end when comparing power specs. The Mulsanne’s reworked powertrain now develops a stump-pulling 811 lb.ft of torque (vs 502 lb.ft) and horsepower figures to the tune of 530 bhp. While still not as fast as Bentley’s Continental GT Speed the sizable saloon (we are talking about a car that weighs 3,200 kg / 7,055 lb) is still good for a 0-60 (96 km/h) time of 4.8 seconds.

Weighing in with a gross vehicle weight of 7,055 lb (3,200 kg) the Mulsanne Speed is one hefty piece of British/German engineering
Weighing in with a gross vehicle weight of 7,055 lb (3,200 kg) the Mulsanne Speed is one hefty piece of British/German engineering

The new Mulsanne Speed is capable of hitting a leisurely top speed of 190 mph (305 km/h) when called upon. But even though torque figures are ridiculously high, the crew at Crewe somehow still managed to increase fuel efficiency of the ultra-fast sedan by 13 percent. Power to the Speed’s rear wheels is managed by a custom tuned ZF 8-speed gearbox with wheel-mounted paddleshifters, which Bentley recalibrated to provide faster power delivery when requested. A new “S” mode is designed to keep the engine revving above 2,000 rpm so the saloon’s twin-turbochargers are in a more ready state and less susceptible to lag.

The Mulsanne’s reworked powertrain now develops a stump-pulling 811 lb.ft of torque and horsepower figures of 530 bhp
The Mulsanne’s reworked powertrain now develops a stump-pulling 811 lb.ft of torque and horsepower figures of 530 bhp

A reconfigured suspension arrangement gives drivers the luxury ride they expect when cruising. However, when more enhanced driving is required, the car’s all-round air suspension system can be engaged to reduce and control body roll. At the same time, the Mulsanne’s steering-on-demand system adjusts steering feedback, delivering a more precise experience.

Steering, chassis and engine tuning can further customized by the driver through the car’s Custom mode program.

The Bentley Mulsanne Speed features a plethora of bespoke penthouse-on-wheels like luxury features including a ZF 8-speed gearbox and wheel-mounted paddleshifters
The Bentley Mulsanne Speed features a plethora of bespoke penthouse-on-wheels like luxury features including a ZF 8-speed gearbox and wheel-mounted paddleshifters

But while insane torque figures are nice, it’s the inside of the Mulsanne that draws the crowds. The bespoke penthouse-on-wheels features all the requisite luxury items. From diamond quilted hide door panels and seats, to a coined finish on interior door handles to indented hide headlining and embroidered Bentley emblems on the seats, the Mulsanne’s interior has more in common Montenegro-based yachts than most daily commuter offerings. Customers can choose from 24 different leather hide colors and 10 veneers as standard.

The Mulsanne Speed’s exterior has also been redesigned with what Bentley calls more aggressive styling elements. Ignoring the Speed’s big bulbous butt and colossal fenders, details like its new directional 21 inch wheels and customized grille do give the car a somewhat more assertive look.

We'll take a closer look at the Mulsanne Speed when it's unveiled at the Paris Motor Show on October 2. Deliveries are expected this (Northern hemisphere) winter with prices starting from £252,000 (US$413,000).

Source: Bentley

View gallery - 11 images
2 comments
2 comments
Cyndysub
How about on this planet lets take our heads out of the sand and quit building this type of fuel guzzling polluting trash like this. Human excess is putting nails in our coffins as well as the coffins of our children and grandchildren.
Bruce Williams
Cyndysub, not all of us want to drive tiny little econoboxes from tree to tree so we can get out and give them a hug. Real people drive whatever they want. Some of us do, however, give a salute to ecology while still enjoying the ride of our choice. Our Lexus LS600hL is a hybrid; a very large car that is efficient, spacious and practically silent. It is also an extremely low emissions vehicle. We just got a Jaguar XJL supersport which can beat the Bentley 0-60 by 6/10ths of a second while getting as much as 26 mpg. On the other hand, our Honda Element, a four cylinder suv gets only 23 mpg. Could you please explain to me how cars like these are "nails in our coffins"? Most are low emission vehicles. I'm sorry if it makes you unhappy, but it makes enthusiasts like myself very happy to drive them. Just go with it sweetie and get yourself a nice car. I hear those new Corvettes get as much as 30 mpg! ....What's in your garage?