Bentley has unveiled the flagship of its lineup, the 530hp Mulsanne Speed, ahead of its world premiere early next month at the Paris Auto Show.
Packing 25hp more than the standard Mulsanne, the Speed delivers improved performance as well as efficiency. The reengineered 6.75-liter twin-turbocharged V8 now produces a monumental 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft) of torque from just 1,750 rpm, allowing the Mulsanne Speed to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and to reach a top speed of 305 km/h (190 mph).
Despite these remarkable figures for a vehicle with a curb weight of 2,685 kg (5,919 lbs), Bentley says the Mulsanne Speed is 13 percent more fuel-efficient than the standard Mulsanne, which means the driving range is extended by 50 miles (80 km). However, don’t expect miracles, as the combined fuel economy is 14.6 l/100 km (16.1 mpg US). Engine upgrades have also been applied to the standard Mulsanne, which is now 13 percent more economical.
Besides the upgraded engine, the Mulsanne Speed also gets a selectable sports suspension and steering on demand. The suspension’s Sport mode stiffens the all-round air suspension for improved body control and adjusts the steering dynamics for greater feedback and accuracy.
In terms of design, the Mulsanne Speed features an understated exterior with changes over the standard model including a dark tint finish applied to the exterior stainless steel radiator grille, lower bumper grilles and wing vents. The headlights and taillights also feature a darker treatment.
The Mulsanne Speed debuts Bentley’s first ever directional style wheel, with a design that is handed for the right or left side of the car. The 21-inch wheels are available in painted, polished and dark tint with machined accent finishes. Finally, twin rifled exhaust tailpipes and polished stainless steel Speed badging on the front fender and door tread plate areas complete the exterior changes.
Inside, the Mulsanne Speed features a new and unique color split with new stitch lines, that combines diamond quilted light-color hide with darker, smooth hide. The Piano Black veneer panels now include handcrafted carbon fibr inlays, with the model also getting the Mulliner Driving Specification interior features as standard.
Available for customer delivery this winter, the Mulsanne Speed is offered with four new exterior paint colors, also available for the Mulsanne: Spectre, Candy Red, Camel and Marlin.
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