Mulsanne [Official] Bentley Mulsanne


The rear interior is exact as seen in the spy pics ...

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With the all-new 2011 Bentley Mulsanne, there's reason to believe that Bentley has a little grudge against its former sibling Rolls-Royce. The Mulsanne had its world debut at the 2009 Pebble Beach Concours back in August, and Bentley makes no veiled references to challenging Rolls-Royce's Phantom with the new sedan. They're saying it outright, calling the Mulsanne the "pinnacle" of luxury cars. The ultra-luxury automaker has a lot riding on the car so it’s not surprising that each example takes a total of nine weeks to complete. After all, the Mulsanne is Bentley's first all-new car since the 1930s (The Continental range shares some minor pieces with other Volkswagen Group products). Named for the 90-degree turn at Le Mans, the Mulsanne arrives in the middle of next year with a pricetag likely approaching $300,000, before any custom finishes or materials are specified.

The design's a blend of a traditional silhouette with some modern detailing, less so than the smaller Continental range. Echoing the Bentley S -Type of the 1950s, the Mulsanne features a bold frontal design dominated by the traditional Bentley matrix grille and highly prominent round inner headlamps with chrome surrounds, flanked by two smaller outboard lamp clusters. The iconic ‘Flying B’ retractable radiator mascot is available as an option. Uniquely designed 20-inch wheels (and optional 21-inch) reinforce the Mulsanne’s powerful, sporting stance. But it’s not all about style. Such an imposing car needs an equally impressive powertrain and thankfully Bentley’s engineers didn’t disappoint in this area. Power in the Mulsanne comes from a totally revised version of the automaker’s 6.75-liter V-8 engine, which has been updated with cam phasing and variable displacement technologies to help reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Bentley’s ‘power-on-demand’ system simply closes the valves of four of the eight cylinders for maximum fuel economy when cruising. New lightweight componentry including pistons, connecting rods and forged crankshaft reduce reciprocating mass and internal friction for improved engine response.

The end result is a healthy 505 horsepower and a massive 752 pound-feet of torque, the latter delivered at just 1,800 rpm. Drive is sent to the rear wheels via a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission equipped with steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters. Complementing the new powertrain is an all-new chassis, unique to the new Mulsanne. Both lighter and stiffer than previous flagship Bentleys, the new chassis benefits both ride and handling. A new Drive Dynamics Control system operated by a rotary switch mounted next to the gearshift selector can be used to select from three driving modes--Bentley, Sport and Comfort--offering precise calibration of suspension and steering control systems. A fourth mode, ‘Custom’, allows the driver to select their own settings via the multimedia system to ‘tune’ the Mulsanne to a preferred driving style. A new air suspension system with continuously variable dampers creates an even more refined and comfortable ride at lower speeds, and can reduce the Mulsanne’s ride height automatically at high speeds to reduce lift and improve aerodynamic stability. Body measurements come in at 219-inches in length, 75.8-inches in width, 60-inches in height and 128.6-inches for the wheelbase.

It wouldn’t be a Bentley without a plethora of options and as such customers have a world of infinite choice when commissioning their cars. There are 114 paint colours in the range that include everything from unusual heritage colours, special satin and pearlescent finishes and duo-tone combinations. But the choice does not end there. Through the bespoke world of Bentley Mulliner, unique colours can exactly match a customer’s vision and taste. Customers can also select from an extensive range of premium quality veneers for the cabin: unbleached for a natural appearance, and two marquetry options, picture frame and contemporary crossbanding. True to the ‘customized’ theme, customers may also select from a virtually unlimited palette of leather hides, including 24 ‘standard’ colours, of which three are new for Bentley. Following detailed customer feedback, a traditional tanning process has been re-instated to match the rich, worn leather smell that is so evocative of vintage Bentleys. Only a very few hide suppliers worldwide have the capability to do this.

It’s not only about old-world themes, however. The latest in-car technologies are discretely placed within the Mulsanne’s sumptuous interior. The list includes a multimedia system with a 40 GB hard disc drive that incorporates the satellite navigation, audio/video, personal data, telephone, 8-inch touchscreen display and Bluetooth connectivity. A 14-speaker stereo system is fitted as standard but a 20-speaker Naim system is also offered. A personalized keyless entry system allows multiple pre-programmed configurations and automatically sets radio stations, phone books, seat (including ventilation and massage modes, both front and rear), steering column and seatbelt settings and even the electrically operated rear-seat blinds for side and rear windows. While the all-new Bentley Mulsanne pays respect to the past, as you have just read, it’s also a thoroughly modern luxury car that should offer one of the world’s most exclusive driving experiences.


- http://www.motorauthority.com/blog/1034300_2011-bentley-mulsanne-preview

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More photos @ PICTURES - Bentley Mulsanne Picture Thread
 
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The interior is a big letdown, sorry but this is not worthy of the new BIG Bentley, even the ghost looks more upscale in this regard, this interior is good for a jag not for a bentley. The exterior on the other hand looks mighty (bare the headlights that is).
 
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PRESS RELEASE

MULSANNE – FRANKFURT

"The new Mulsanne is a thoroughly modern flagship that captures the essence of the Bentley marque. It is elegant yet distinctly sporting in character, delivering effortless performance while within its sumptuous cabin, advanced technology sits discretely with handcrafted luxury."

Bentley Motors Chairman and Chief Executive, Dr. Franz-Josef Paefgen

While paying homage to past Bentley greats, the brief for the new Mulsanne's design and engineering teams was to create a Bentley that represents the pinnacle of British luxury motoring.

The new Mulsanne, designed and engineered at Crewe from the ground-up, reaffirms the marque's intent to create a new flagship Bentley with refined performance, unparalleled levels of interior luxury and coach building skills to the fore. The return of the Mulsanne name underlines Bentley's sporting heritage and passion for power and speed. Nothing reflects that prowess better than the legendary Le Mans 24 Hours, a race that Bentley has won on six occasions, where its powerful and reliable race cars thundered down the long Le Mans straight into the famous Mulsanne corner, from which the new model takes its name.

A pure expression of Bentley design

The design of the new Mulsanne is a unique fusion of sportiness, coachbuilt elegance and solidity. Echoing the Bentley S -Type of the 1950s, the Mulsanne features a bold frontal design dominated by the traditional Bentley matrix grille and highly prominent, classic round inner headlamps with chrome surrounds, flanked by two, smaller outboard lamp clusters, all featuring the latest in lighting technology. The iconic 'Flying B' retractable radiator mascot is available as an option.

The long bonnet, short front overhang and long rear overhang help to convey a sense of power and movement, reinforced by muscular haunches and sharply sculptured lines which flow gracefully from the front wings to the rear. Uniquely designed 20-inch wheels (and optional 21-inch) reinforce the Mulsanne's powerful, sporting stance.

Design Director Dirk van Braeckel explains the inspiration behind the Mulsanne's distinctive appearance:

"The opportunity to design a new flagship Bentley is something afforded to very few designers. The team set out to create a sculpted form that blended classic Bentley heritage cues with modern lines that allow the marque to stride confidently into the 21st century."

The body is produced in a new manufacturing facility at Bentley's headquarters in Crewe where traditional metalworking skills, developed over six decades, are still used extensively during the nine-week build process. It is the very opposite of volume-production car-building... but the very epitome of Bentley.

The rear screen, for example is fully enveloped by the coachwork. This provides a flowing, flawless line to the rear of the car, complementing the exquisitely formed D-pillars – whose complex curves can only be created by skilled coach-builders. All spot welds are performed by hand during the Mulsanne's construction and all panel joints are hand-brazed. These further enhance that 'hewn from solid' appearance and result in an extremely stiff body.

The complex form of the aluminium front wings, impossible to achieve with normal pressing techniques, is created using superforming, a technology usually reserved for the aerospace industry. This also makes the wings both lighter, stiffer and provides superb surface definition. Other lightweight materials, such as the composite bootlid, are used to remove mass wherever possible without compromising quality. New construction techniques meant the designers could also incorporate details such as the 'floating' elliptical LED tail lights, which uniquely echo the shape of the exhaust tailpipes.

To accentuate the beauty of the bodywork, the Mulsanne features 'brightware' exclusively in polished stainless steel, including sill treadplates and matrix grilles. Bentley is the only manufacturer in the world to do this. The stainless steel door handles also incorporate the traditional Bentley 'knurling' to their inboard surface for enhanced grip, reflecting the company's typical attention to detail. The sporting character of the Mulsanne is reinforced by front wing vents, large diameter tailpipe finishers and a choice of 20-inch or 21-inch wheels.

Bentley customers have a world of infinite choice when commissioning their cars. There are 114 paint colours in the range that include everything from unusual heritage colours, special satin and pearlescent finishes and duo-tone combinations.

But the choice does not end there. Through the bespoke world of Bentley Mulliner, unique colours can exactly match a customer's vision and taste.

Sumptuous interior meets advanced technology

The latest in-car technologies are discretely placed within the Mulsanne's sumptuous interior. A multimedia system with 40 GB hard disc drives satellite navigation, audio/video, personal data, telephone and Bluetooth connectivity. The upper dashboard houses an 8-inch multimedia screen, positioned unobtrusively behind an electrically operated veneered door, while below sits a stylish, leather-lined MP3-player stowage drawer.

A state-of-the-art 14-speaker audio system with Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and 6-CD autochanger is provided as standard while the Naim for Bentley premium audio system may be specified as an option. This forging of two British luxury brands provides customers with the world's most powerful 2200 Watt, in-car amplifier, eight dedicated DSP modes and 20 custom-made speakers, delivering an unparalleled sound quality.

A personalised keyless entry system allows multiple pre-programmed configurations and automatically sets radio stations, phone books, seat (including ventilation and massage modes, both front and rear), steering column and seatbelt settings and even the electrically operated rear-seat blinds for side and rear windows. As a world-first, the keyless system operates with the stainless steel door handles which incorporate touch points to initiate communication with the key for verification and entry. The Mulsanne also features keyless start, having a stop/start button on the centre console.

The Bentley interior design team has continued to develop and evolve the luxurious interiors for which their cars are renowned, based on a large-scale, research programme to identify the classic signature features that have defined Bentleys from the 1920s to the present day.

Armed with this invaluable resource, the Mulsanne's design team set itself highly challenging targets for key interior characteristics such as material design, smell, colour harmony and handcrafting. Similar targets were set for the operational refinement and robustness of all control mechanisms. The result is a hand crafted interior that fully reflects traditional Bentley values, executed to the highest possible standards, where customers may tailor their cars to their individual specification.

As Head of Interior Design, Robin Page says:

"Over 170 hours – almost half the entire build process – goes into crafting the interior of the new Mulsanne. At Crewe, Bentley's way of working is the opposite of mass production – we start where others stop."

The use of wood and leather hides has increased significantly to create an even more refined and luxurious cabin. While classic design features such as bulls-eye air vents (now also fitted in the rear compartment), high-quality mirror-matched wood veneers, leather hides and hand-finished stainless steel are retained, they are mixed with new touches such as beautiful glass switches.

The entire cabin is encased within a 'ring of wood' waistrail with an unbroken panel of wood gracing the Mulsanne's dashboard. Inverted dial needles within the instrument cluster are evocative of early Bentleys while the entire dashboard and console design is a subtle reminder of the Bentley wings motif. Customers may select from an extensive range of premium quality veneers, unbleached for a natural appearance, and two marquetry options: picture frame and contemporary crossbanding. True to the Bentley ethos, customers may also select from a virtually unlimited palette of leather hides, including 24 'standard' colours, of which three are new for Bentley. This unrivalled choice of veneers, leather hides and paint colours ensures that the needs of all customers can be matched perfectly.

Following detailed customer feedback, a traditional tanning process has been re-instated to match the rich, worn leather smell that is so evocative of vintage Bentleys. Only a very few hide suppliers worldwide have the capability to do this.

The carpet of the Mulsanne is unique to Bentley, its increased fibre depth, density and feel enhancing cabin quality. It is available in a range of colours to complement each individual hide. Pure wool, deep pile Wilton-weave over mats add a further touch of comfort and luxury.

These exquisite materials are fashioned by craftsmen and women with up to 40 years' experience. Each steering wheel, for example, can take 15 hours to hand-stitch (and three times longer if the customer opts for cross-stitching). Stainless steel brightware gleams so perfectly thanks to an intensive 10-hour finishing process. A wood veneer takes two weeks to turn from a rough root ball into a full set of mirror-matched, fine-polished leaves.

Re-engineered V8 engine and new chassis: power, refinement and efficiency

The Bentley powertrain engineers were set three objectives for the Mulsanne:
1) To produce the effortless torque from extremely low revs that customers expect of a grand Bentley
2) To maintain the highest levels of refinement
3) To satisfy strict current and future environmental standards through improved engine efficiency

While other powertrain configurations were considered early on in the project, it soon became clear that these targets could best be achieved with a totally revised version of the 6¾-litre V8 engine – the very configuration that had been used so successfully in the past. However for the new Mulsanne, all the major building blocks of the engine would be comprehensively re-engineered to integrate the very latest technologies.

Dr Ulrich Eichhorn, Bentley Motor's Director of Engineering, explains the reasons behind the Mulsanne's V8:

"Using our V8 guaranteed the immense power at low revs and unstressed performance that are the hallmarks of a flagship Bentley. But we also set our engineers the challenge of maintaining high levels of refinement at any speed and, equally important, improving efficiency."

To achieve a significant reduction in fuel consumption and CO2. emissions, the Mulsanne V8 sees the introduction of two new control systems: cam phasing and, a first for the ultra-luxury sector, variable displacement. The pioneering use of these two technologies in combination allows the Mulsanne's engine management system not only to adjust the V8's breathing for improved engine idle quality and torque delivery, but also to close the valves of four of the eight cylinders for maximum fuel economy when cruising.

New lightweight componentry including pistons, connecting rods and forged crankshaft reduce reciprocating mass and internal friction for improved engine response.

In the new Mulsanne, the 6¾-litre V8 develops 512 PS (505 bhp/377 kW) while the massive torque (1020 Nm / 752 lb ft) is now delivered even earlier at 1800 rev/min. This dramatic improvement in torque delivery from just above idle and right across the rev range ensures that with a mere tap of the accelerator the driver is immediately rewarded with that characteristic deep, muffled V8 burble and phenomenal acceleration.

These new technologies are complemented by the new eight-speed automatic transmission which, for the first time on a flagship Bentley, comes with steering-wheel mounted gearshift.

Overall, CO2 emissions and fuel consumption are reduced by more than 15 percent, in line with Bentley's environmental commitment. Prodigious power and torque are complemented by an all-new chassis, unique to the new Mulsanne. Both lighter and stiffer than previous flagship Bentleys, the new chassis benefits both ride and handling.

A new Drive Dynamics Control system operated by a rotary switch mounted next to the gearshift selector, can be used to select from three standard modes – Bentley, Sport and Comfort – offering precise calibration of suspension and steering control systems.

A fourth mode, 'Custom', allows the driver to select bespoke settings via the multimedia system to 'tune' the Mulsanne to a preferred driving style. A new air suspension system with continuously variable dampers creates an even more refined and comfortable ride at lower speeds, yet can reduce the Mulsanne's ride height automatically at high speeds to reduce lift and improve aerodynamic stability. With 20-inch alloy wheels and 265/45 ZR 20 tyres as standard, dynamic handling is assured. Customers may also opt for 21-inch wheels, available in two styles, fitted with 265/40 ZR 21 tyres.

Summary

While the all-new Bentley Mulsanne pays respect to the past, it is a thoroughly modern luxury car that offers the world's most exclusive driving experience – a unique fusion of power, refinement and elegance. Bentley Motors Chairman and Chief Executive Dr. Franz-Josef Paefgen says: "No other car maker can offer such a blend of performance and refinement in a single vehicle. The new Mulsanne is a car that evokes the Bentley philosophy of building the best luxury grand tourers in the world."

Technical Specification

Engine
Type: Twin-turbocharged V8
Installation: Front, longitudinal, rear-wheel drive
Construction: Alloy heads and block
Capacity: 6750cc
Power: 512PS / 505bhp / 377kW
Torque: 1020Nm / 752 lb ft

Transmission
Type: Rear-wheel-drive
Gearbox: ZF 8-Speed automatic


Body & Chassis
Length: 5575mm (219.49in)
Width: 1926mm (75.80in)
Height: 1526mm (60.01in)
Wheelbase: 3266mm (128.60)
Front Track: 1605mm (63.20)
Rear Track: 1651mm (65.00)
Wheels / tyres (standard): 9J x 20in. with 265/45 ZR 20 tyres
(option): 9J x 21in. with 265/40 ZR 21 tyres


Frankfurt 2009: Bentley Mulsanne makes 752 lb-ft of torque at 1,800 rpm. 'Nuff said — Autoblog


It does appear that VW/Bentley kept their word and made a bespoke platform for this car. RWD!!! Yes. None of the FWD/AWD converted nonense. 8-Speed ZF gearbox, but only a little over 500hp. Look out for the S, T, Mulliner versions with more power and options. Three cheers for Bentley!!!!


M
 
Body & Chassis
Length: 5575mm (219.49in)
Width: 1926mm (75.80in)
Height: 1526mm (60.01in)
Wheelbase: 3266mm (128.60)
Front Track: 1605mm (63.20)
Rear Track: 1651mm (65.00)
Wheels / tyres (standard): 9J x 20in. with 265/45 ZR 20 tyres
(option): 9J x 21in. with 265/40 ZR 21 tyres


Interesting. I got an impression the car was about 5cm lower (1470-1480mm).
 
Interesting. I got an impression the car was about 5cm lower (1470-1480mm).

And Bentley didn't dare to mention the Mulsanne's weight figure. It must be a fat bastard!

I'd be surprised if the Mulsanne weigh less than the Arnage. I hope I'm wrong.
 
Exterior's gorgeous, really managed to be in the same time a full-size über-luxury representative sedan, and a car that doesn't turn anybody driving it into the chauffeur. What the Ghost didn't, as it still looks like a chauffeur car.

But the interior seems quite a letdown. Disappointing so far.

Too bad, 'cause it was the interior that made 80% of the old Arnage's appeal...
 
It must be a fat bastard!

It should be expected for a car on this level of Luxury to be weigh a lot! Nothing is worse then a 2 pound luxury car. This doesn't serve the same purpose as a M3 CSL. It should be heavy and comfortable with the power to back it up. Thankfully if you want a 2 pound car Franfurt had plenty of lightweights this year.
 
The center console itself is quite plain and too thin on the outside, doesn't look like a precious piece of furniture but like... a car's centre console. Furthermore, dividing it into one area with wood and one with buttons make it look too short.
The climate controls area looks unimpressive, unimaginative.

The steering wheel is very, very average-looking.

The front armrest doesn't really invite your arm like it should (not deep enough). The rear armrest isn't particularly luxurious either. The shifter isn't really bespoke-looking.

The leather dashboard cover (above the wood) is not integrated by any means, and doesn't flow with the doorpanels at all. The area where this cover meets the doorpanels is very poorly executed.

The door panels are way too simple, and especially you have this big wood part that suddenly stops (to be more specific it stays horizontal) while the design of the panel lets you think it should go down to accompany the move of every other element. Between this wood part and the armrest, the whole is bit bland.

That, on a quick glance.
Surely the quality will be outstanding, but the design doesn't evoke supreme-luxury. The Phantom, or even Ghost, are more impressive in that respect.
 
^Thanks for the indepth explanation.

I guess it all comes down to personal opinions. Based on the Arnage, I think the interior is well done. It's not a BIG change like the Rolls-Royce had, but still looks very classy.
 
The center console itself is quite plain and too thin on the outside, doesn't look like a precious piece of furniture but like... a car's centre console. Furthermore, dividing it into one area with wood and one with buttons make it look too short.
The climate controls area looks unimpressive, unimaginative.

The steering wheel is very, very average-looking.

The front armrest doesn't really invite your arm like it should (not deep enough). The rear armrest isn't particularly luxurious either. The shifter isn't really bespoke-looking.

The leather dashboard cover (above the wood) is not integrated by any means, and doesn't flow with the doorpanels at all. The area where this cover meets the doorpanels is very poorly executed.

The door panels are way too simple, and especially you have this big wood part that suddenly stops (to be more specific it stays horizontal) while the design of the panel lets you think it should go down to accompany the move of every other element. Between this wood part and the armrest, the whole is bit bland.

That, on a quick glance.
Surely the quality will be outstanding, but the design doesn't evoke supreme-luxury. The Phantom, or even Ghost, are more impressive in that respect.

I also find the interior a bit disappointing in relation to marvelous exterior design. There are certain conflicting elements which confuses me over what message the interior bare. On one hand there is the vintage touches such as the dials for oil pressure, fuel and clock in the center console as well as the knob -- but then there is the clashing modern cues such as plain door surfaces lacking in details and finesse. Not to mention the big slab of buttons on the lower center console which has been poorly integrated. The interior fail to set a new standard in layout like the one in the Bentley CGT. In that respect the Phantom wins when it comes to creating an interior atmosphere of harmonising luxury.
 
Love it! Still wonder why only 505HP? I just knew we would see 550hp-600hp. Maybe their saving it for the Mulsanne T???
The way these cars are driven (and with that gigantic 1000 Nm torque) it's completely irrelevant whether it has 500 or 600 hp.
 
The way these cars are driven (and with that gigantic 1000 Nm torque) it's completely irrelevant whether it has 500 or 600 hp.

Depends on who is driving! I'm sure Bentley will give us what we need. Would make sense for Bentley to let it's cheaper models (Flying Spur and GT) beat it. Of course there have been a lot of questions raised about letting the lower to models use V12s and this one use a V8.
 
The way these cars are driven (and with that gigantic 1000 Nm torque) it's completely irrelevant whether it has 500 or 600 hp.

Exactly. Cars like Rollers and Bentley are all about torque, getting all that astronomical weight effortlessly moving with no or little drama. With 1020nm available at 1800rpm one couldn't have asked for a better engine. The engine powering the car is remarkable.
 

Bentley

Bentley Motors Limited is a British designer, manufacturer, and marketer of luxury cars and SUVs. Headquartered in Crewe, England, the company was founded by W. O. Bentley (1888-1971) in 1919 in Cricklewood, North London, and became widely known for winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1924, 1927, 1928, 1929 and 1930. Bentley has been a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group since 1998 and consolidated under VW's premium brand arm Audi in 2022.
Official website: Bentley Motors

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