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. With those objectives in mind, the Mulsanne's engineers considered a variety of engine configurations before settling on a radically re-engineered version of Bentley's acclaimed 6¾-litre V8. Every major component from the forged crankshaft to the pistons are now designed 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 new control systems: Cam Phasing and, a first for the flagship motoring sector, Variable Displacement. Variable Displacement imperceptibly powers down four cylinders when cruising with a light load. The moment you press your foot down, however, it seamlessly brings all eight cylinders back into play.
The Mulsanne develops 512PS (505bhp / 377kW) while the massive torque (1020Nm / 752lb ft) is now delivered even earlier at 1750 rev/min. This dramatic ability to produce maximum torque from just above idle and then 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 relentless acceleration.
Specification Sheet - MULSANNE
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In a Bentley, the senses are tested by the use of contrasting material.Mirror finished brightware is artfully mixed with tactile knurling. Classic tones are set off by daring luxury accent colours. This is also used to help guide the driver – one touch to controls. Let your fingers run over the soft leather, feel the stitching.That authentic Bentley feel of the Mulsanne is created through the skills of our craftspeople in Crewe. We use the highest quality wood veneers, leather hides and solid stainless steel brightware, yet we start where others stop. Wriggle your feet into the deeper pile carpets, which we specially created to offer an unparalleled level of comfort. To bring out a richer leather smell, we reverted to a traditional tanning process. We are still even using ancient cabinet-making techniques—our cross-banding is still cut by hand and we are the only car maker to use 'mirror matching' when applying veneer.
The Mulsanne also retains classic Bentley heritage and styling cues such as its bullseye air vents and mixes them with the latest in 21st-century craftsmanship. A solid 'ring of wood' encases the entire cabin, drawing the occupants into unparalleled surroundings, while all-new glass-like switchgear is inspired by the classic Bentley interiors of yesteryear. But don't be deceived by this classic look. Beneath the surface you'll find the best technology available, from advanced electronic systems to four-zone air conditioning and state-of-the-art soundproofing. Music enthusiasts will love our latest premium audio system, designed exclusively for the Bentley Mulsanne by Naim®, a British company recognised by audiophiles as a world-class purveyor of specialist sound systems.
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The entire body is sculpted to create rich design contrasts. It appears to be solid, as if sculpted from a single block, yet simultaneously graceful and elegant. Solid yet sleek. Classic yet modern. The design is made to accommodate customised materials, not to reduce their usage. For example, the hand brazing of different thicknesses of steel is required to create that exclusive, seamless, flush-fit feeling. Imagine, for example, that it takes a full 45 minutes to braze one lengthy section of metal behind the rear doors.
By taking these extra steps, Bentley craftspeople can create a sleek work of art that further accentuates those classic British Bentley proportions: Sweeping lines flow into sporting, powerful haunches, hinting at capability in reserve.
Move up closer to the Bentley Mulsanne and you'll recognise a familiar face, yet something is different. The large round LED headlamps are set closer to the grille while the running lights are staggered, echoing the configuration favoured on our 8 Litre car of 1930. "To achieve this look, we spent a lot of time studying iconic Bentleys over time – the Bentley 8 Litre, Flying Spur of the 1950s, Brooklands, Azure and Arnage were all touch points," says Chief Exterior Designer Raul Pires. "We wanted a more sporting and distinctive Bentley look."
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There are even two SD memory card slots and, in available markets, a telephone SIM card slot. The Mulsanne's standard audio system comes with 11 speakers powered through six channels, digital sound processing and full iPod® and MP3 player compatibility. Music enthusiasts looking for the ultimate in-car audio, however, will opt for our exclusive Naim® for Bentley premium audio system. This renowned British company has collaborated with Bentley to create sound systems that are like a "mobile concert hall," as one journalist described. Featuring 20 channels, allowing individual control of the 20 custom-made speakers, with eight distinctive DSP modes and an Active Audio Enhancement function, it can fill the interior with up to 2200 watts of rich sound. All the Mulsanne's infotainment systems are controlled via a high-resolution 8" screen that is completely concealed behind a beautifully veneered panel when not in use. There is even a unique, leather-lined storage draw designed specifically for holding your iPod®.
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While other powertrain configurations were considered by the Mulsanne engineers early on in the project, it became clear that the massive torque trademark of every grand Bentley could be best achieved with a V8 engine. And though the base configuration is similar to the engineering design classic first built in Crewe fifty years ago, the Mulsanne V8 has been completely redesigned to integrate the latest technologies.
The result? A remarkable 6 ¾-litre, 90-degree V8 engine, an all-new 505bhp engineering marvel that generates 1020Nm of torque. All the major building blocks of the engine are new and have been designed to optimise performance. They also contribute towards meeting three key objectives: maximising torque, refinement and efficiency. Nowhere is this better demonstrated than in the introduction of two new electro-mechanical control systems: cam phasing and variable displacement. The pioneering use of these two technologies in combination allows the Mulsanne's engine management system not only to actively adjust the V8's breathing, but to effectively throttle back four of the cylinders entirely, independently of the others, when not required.
This ability to finely control the engine's fuel-air intake and timing allows for the maximum availability of huge amounts of torque. At the same time, it ensures that the engine operates in as economical and refined a manner as possible when more relaxed motoring is the order of the day.
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