With the new 2011 Bentley Mulsanne,there is a little grudge that Bentley has against its former sibling Rolls-Royce.The live display at the 2009 Frankfurt auto show reveals the car’s ambition even more clearly.
The car had its world debut at the 2009 Pebble Beach Concours in August.With its awesome looks Bentley is ready to challenge Roll’s Royce Phantom.Now they address Mulsaane as the ‘pinnacle’ of luxury cars.
The Mulsanne will be arri
ving in the middle of next year with the price tag approaching $300,000.It features a bold frontal design dominated by the traditional Bentley matrix grille and higly 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 style is not enough for such an imposing car.In this case Bentley’s engineers does not disappoint us.It features a 6.75 litre V-8 engine, which has been updated with cam phasing and variable displacement technologies to help reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.It has an improved engine response.
Overall the car has a healthy 505 horsepower and a massive 752 pound feet of torque,delivered at 1,800 rpm.Drive is sent to the rear wheels via a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission equipped with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.
A new air suspension system with continuosly variable dampers create an even more refined and comfortable ride at lower speeds, and can reduce ride height automatically at high speeds to reduce lift and aerodynamic stability.
Body Measurements
- Length:219 inches
- Width:75.8 inches
- Height:60 inches
- Wheel Base:128.6 inches