6.75-Liter V8 Upholds the Tradition of Silent Sports Cars

To describe the Mulsanne in one word is to say it is "elegant and, quite literally, extremely sporty" (Dr. Franz-Josef Paefgen, Chairman and CEO of Bentley Motors). The "literally" refers to the car's name, derived from the Mulsanne Corner at the Le Mans 24 Hours circuit.

The name Mulsanne has once again been chosen for this model, fitting for a luxury car manufacturer with a unique position, having continued its racing activities, exemplified by its participation in the Le Mans races, since before the war. Symbolic of the marriage of tradition and cutting-edge technology is the characteristic of the newly designed turbocharged V8. True to Bentley's heritage as a "silent sports car," the goal was to generate immense torque from low RPMs. In reality, it produces its maximum torque of 1,020 Nm from 1,750 rpm. The figure for this maximum torque itself is astonishing.

21-Inch Tires Available as an Option

The new generation engine was tasked with achieving the highest level of refinement, improving engine efficiency, and meeting not only current but also future stringent environmental standards. Therefore, along with high power, a variable cylinder system is employed to reduce CO2 emissions and improve fuel economy, with four cylinders deactivating during cruising.

The chassis, with its long wheelbase of 3,266 mm, is newly designed, providing a spacious and comfortable interior, including reclining rear seats, while also achieving the character of a sports sedan at a high level. The suspension system features continuous damping control, and the optional 21-inch tires allow for sporty handling.





Simultaneously, to achieve Dr. Paefgen's goal of "the world's most luxurious grand tourer," the Mulsanne is characterized by the abundant use of premium materials and the meticulous handcraftsmanship of British artisans, creating an unparalleled sense of bespoke quality.

Customers can choose from a wide array of options, including 114 body colors, 24 standard leather colors, and a rich selection of wood types with intricate inlays. As an example of the meticulous handwork, the stitching on the steering wheel alone takes 15 hours, or 45 hours if cross-stitching is selected. This is truly the pinnacle of luxury.

The interior is also highly detailed, with wood veneers encircling the cabin. "It was very difficult to achieve," says Robin Page, the interior designer who accompanied the Mulsanne on this visit. Nevertheless, realizing such unique designs is essential for ultra-luxury cars. "Nearly half of this car's manufacturing process, over 170 hours, is dedicated to the interior," he notes.

Deliveries Begin in Q1 2011

Externally, the large headlamps are striking. "An homage to the S-Type of the 1950s," says Page, the Mulsanne's unique front face features four lamps, with smaller lamps arranged around the main, larger ones. The main lamps incorporate LED technology, creating an unforgettable individuality. The central radiator grille is Bentley's traditional matrix grille, a remarkably intricate lattice design.

"The wheelbase is 15 cm longer and the overall length is 17.5 cm longer than the Arnage. However, the weight remains the same at 2,585 kg. For instance, the 8-speed automatic transmission is 10 kg lighter than the Arnage's 6-speed gearbox, reflecting our efforts in weight reduction throughout the vehicle. With features like the Drive Dynamics Control, which allows for customizable engine and suspension settings, this is a car designed to be enjoyed," stated Bentley Motors Japan. Deliveries are scheduled to commence in the first quarter of 2011.

BENTLEY MULSANNE | BENTLEY MULSANNE
Body | Length 5,575 x Width 1,926 x Height 1,521 mm
Engine | 6.75L V8 DOHC Twin-Turbocharged with Intercooler
Max. Output | 377 kW [512 ps] / 4,200 rpm
Max. Torque | 1,020 Nm [102 kgm] / 1,750 rpm
Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive
Transmission | 8-Speed Automatic
Price | ¥38.8 million