Well, it is a bit unclear what Bentley is trying to achieve here but it sure looks like the company is following the philosophy of more money spent, less features you get. I'll tell you why I say that. The top-of-the-line Mulsanne crosses the $100000 mark when it comes to price and yet has less power, fewer cylinders and lower top speed when compared to the smaller Flying Spur.
Granted, that the Mulsanne does have more of exclusivity and more of torque and that is why the arrival of a new Speed variant promises modest increases in both of those crucial areas. So what is so great about the all-new Mulsanne Speed?
Bentley has packed in the ultimate version of the 6.75-litre pushrod V8. Yes, it is an old engine, one that was launched about 55 years ago but it now comes with twin turbochargers and complies with the modern emission norms.
Changes to the engine include new combustion chambers, intake ports, injectors, and spark plugs which has a significant effect on the performance. Horsepower has gone up to 530 and the torque is just a massive 1100Nm.
Bentley claims that the revised top-end has had an effect on the fuel efficiency which is up 13%. The engine has been mated to a standard eight-speed autobox which has been tweaked to deliver quicker shifts, and the Sport mode has been retuned to keep the engine above 2000 rpm to minimize lag.
Of course we will tell you the performance figures now and the Bentley Mulsanne Speed can do 0-100km/h in 4.8-seconds and hit a top speed of 305km/h.
Visually, the Speed has a few changes to its name. It comes with darkened steel used for its grilles and a partial black tint on the front and rear lights. The 21-inch wheels are directional-a first for Bentley-with their design specific for each side of the car.
Ninety individual options will be available and customers can choose from 24 different hide colours will be used to line the cabin of every Mulsanne Speed. It will be the first Bentley to offer carbon-fibre interior trim.
We will see the Mulsanne Speed make its official debut at the Paris Motor Show before it goes on sale next year.
