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Continue reading Video: Bentley Mulsanne filmed in Edinburgh and the Scottish borders

Video: Bentley Mulsanne filmed in Edinburgh and the Scottish borders

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 04 May 2010 19:24:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Videos, Bentley, Luxury

2011 Bentley Mulsanne - Click above to watch the video after the break

We've now seen the Bentley Mulsanne at several different auto shows since it made its debut at the Pebble Beach Concours last August, but we've never seen it motion. Bentley has now addressed that oversight with some running footage shot on location in Scotland.

Other than seeing it rolling in its natural habitat the video doesn't tell us anything new about the Mulsanne, but we're pretty confident its manners will be in keeping with its stately looks and craftsmanship. Check out the video after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Bentley Mulsanne

[Source: Bentley]

Video: Bentley Mulsanne filmed in Edinburgh and the Scottish borders originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 May 2010 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Bentley Azure ending production... to be replaced by four-door convertible?

Noah Joseph — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 18:40:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Sedan, Bentley, Rumormill, Luxury

Bentley Azure T - Click above for high-res image gallery

The current Bentley Azure may have only been in production for four years, but the platform that underpins it goes back to 1998. Developed back when both Bentley and Rolls-Royce were under Vickers ownership, it's the same platform that formed the basis for the Arnage saloon and Brooklands coupe. But with the introduction of the Mulsanne - as we reported back in September - the old platform is set to be retired altogether.

Now that Bentley is concentrating its efforts on the Mulsanne, the Azure is reportedly the next to be discontinued. But if you're super-wealthy and looking for a way to shuttle yourself and your company around the Riviera in open-air opulence, fret not, because a replacement is on the way.

According to new reports, however, the next-generation Azure (or whatever name Crewe selects for the model) may gain a couple of doors. If so, it would - not withstanding the likes of the Maybach Landaulet or Jeep Wrangler - bring back the long-dormant body-style of a four-door convertible, thus separating itself from the Rolls-Royce Phantom DropHead Coupe with which it will be competing.

Gallery: Bentley Azure T

[Source: BurlappCars.com]

Bentley Azure ending production... to be replaced by four-door convertible? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Apr 2010 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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28 Four Days Later: It takes 86 hours to paint the Bentley Mulsanne

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Etc., Europe, Bentley, Luxury

World's greatest paint? - click above for high-res image gallery

If we left the confines (and soft leather couch) of our west coast office (i.e. home) right now and drove at a reasonable pace, we could be in New York City within three days. We'd be exhausted, but we'd be there. And if the fine, love doing-stuff-by-hand folks in Crewe decided to start painting a new Bentley Mulsanne the day we decided to leave Los Angeles, they'd still be hard at work long after we're chowing down on arepas at this little Venezuelan joint we know in the East Village.

It takes them four days - literally - to paint Bentley's new biggie ultra-lux sedan. Why four days? Here's a partial explanation, straight from the mouth of the directer of the Mulsanne's bespoke paint shop, Dave Walton:

"Different colours have markedly different characteristics and your perception of a colour's shade changes according to how deep the coat is. Then there's the fact that no two expert sprayers would apply that colour basecoat in exactly the same way. You learn to trust each craftsman's eyes and skills, not just the process. It takes many months of in-depth training for a quality control inspector to learn how to identify defects that an owner might never notice, yet each one will be rectified, even if this means sending it around the entire process again. We always operate way above customer expectations of quality."

Sounds... exhausting. But you know what? If we were (able) to plop down $285,000 for a new Mulsanne, it had better damn well take four days to paint. At least! Press release packed with more luxurious, ridiculous and time consuming details after the jump.

Continue reading 28 Four Days Later: It takes 86 hours to paint the Bentley Mulsanne

28 Four Days Later: It takes 86 hours to paint the Bentley Mulsanne originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Mar 2010 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

All Bentley Continental models going flex-fuel in June

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 08:55:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Bentley, Luxury

2010 Bentley Continental Supersports - Click above for high-res image gallery

It may not be the most interesting news you read all week, but we now have a date at which all Bentley Continentals will be able to gulp down whiskey with the best of 'em: June.( Well, not exactly whiskey, but ethanol's pretty close.) Bentley had made the announcement (sans date) at the Geneva Motor Show when it showed off the Continental Supersports Convertible.

This move as a big first step toward reaching Bentley's stated goal of offering an entirely biofuel-capable lineup by 2012. In its latest form, as seen in the Continental Supersports, Bentley's twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W12 offers up 621 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. That's sufficient to push the Conti to 60 miles per hour in 3.9 seconds and onto to a top speed of 202 mph.

As the Continental family is easily Bentley's most popular offering, this means that over half of all cars the brand sells this year will be flex-fuel-compatible. For those keeping track, the Brooklands coupe (which will soon be discontinued), Azure convertible and the soon-to-be-released Mulsanne sedan (the replacement for the long-running Arnage) are still not yet biofuel capable. According to Automotive News, however, the Mulsanne will be E85-capable shortly after its launch later this year.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Bentley Continental Supersports

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

All Bentley Continental models going flex-fuel in June originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Mar 2010 08:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bentley Mulsanne specs finally revealed in detail

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:51:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Bentley, Luxury

2011 Bentley Mulsanne - Click above for high-res image gallery

Bentley just issued a press release, finally detailing all of the specs on their new Mulsanne sedan...and it's a big one. That applies to both the release itself and to the car, which will topple the scales at nearly three tons. The Bentley Mulsanne's curb weight is listed at 5,700 pounds, or roughly three Lotus Elises.

Pulling all of that luxury will be a twin-turbo 6.75-liter V8 producing 505 horsepower at 4200 rpm and a stump-pulling 752 pound-feet of torque at a very low 1750 rpm. There's an 8-speed ZF automatic doing delivery work, helping the Mulsanne glide from 0 to 60 in 5.1 seconds, to 100 in 11.6, and on to a top end of 184 miles per hour. Fuel economy is seldom a concern for owners of such vehicles, but the big Bentley has been rated at 16.7 mpg on the combined EU cycle.

No doubt about it, this is one big sedan. For a similar curb weight the Mulsanne ends up being about seven inches longer than the outgoing Arnage, an inch wider, a tenth of an inch taller, and a half foot more expansive between the axles. That's pushing it almost into Maybach levels, easily distancing it from top sedans from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar and Audi. Only the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe bests it, with the Phantom Sedan in a whole 'nother league. For those who buy their luxury by the pound, those kind of things matter. Follow the jump to read all of the details, and we do mean all of the details on this 2011 Bentley Mulsanne.

Gallery: 2011 Bentley Mulsanne

Continue reading Bentley Mulsanne specs finally revealed in detail

[Source: Bentley]

Bentley Mulsanne specs finally revealed in detail originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Write Hand Redux: Bentley Mulsanne pen by Tibaldi

Write Hand Redux: Bentley Mulsanne pen by Tibaldi

Noah Joseph — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 09:23:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Bentley, Luxury

Tibaldi for Bentley Mulsanne pen - Click above for high-res image gallery

Their pricing might be different (by order of magnitude), and their vehicles might be radically different as well, but Bugatti and Bentley largely cater to the same cadre of elite clientele. The two auto marques - both subsidiaries of the Volkswagen Group and both managed by the same CEO - share a common branding approach as well, so it should hardly come as any great surprise that, following Bugatti's collaboration with Italian pensmiths Ferrari da Varese, Bentley's gone a similar route with Tibaldi.

Fact of the matter is, like the timepiece collaboration with Breitling, Bentley and Tibaldi have been working together for several years already. We reported on one of their previous collaborations a few years ago, and now the Italian pen-maker has released their latest in honor of the new Bentley Mulsanne.

The Tibaldi for Bentley Mulsanne pen series includes roller-balls and fountain pens crafted in sterling silver and 18-karat rose gold. They feature knurled metal grips and wood trim in any of Bentley's three veneers: dark stained vavona, burr oak or burr walnut. With a clip reminiscent of Bentley switchgear and an emblem styled after the car's starter button, you can bet the Mulsanne pens have a feel to them as weighty as the car they're designed to compliment. And just to gild the lily, each comes in a specially crafted wooden box to match. Have a look for yourself in the gallery below and read the details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Bentley Mulsanne pen by Tibaldi

[Source: Tibaldi]

Write Hand Redux: Bentley Mulsanne pen by Tibaldi originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 06 Feb 2010 09:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

What Price One-Upmanship? 2011 Bentley Mulsanne available from $285,000

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Performance, Bentley, Luxury

2011 Bentley Muslanne - Click above for high-res image gallery

With a starting price of $285,000, Bentley's newest flagship model won't come cheap. Nor should it, with its 505-horsepower, 725 lb-ft, gasoline-fed 6.75-liter V8 engine sitting behind the automaker's trademark mesh grille and four round lights.

Also included in that price will be an eight-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission, 16.54-inch front and 15.5-inch rear carbon ceramic brakes and 20-inch wheels. And lest we forget, it will also come with a 2,200-watt stereo and the brand's new Driver Dynamics Control system, which comes with "Bentley," "Sport," "Comfort" and user-definable "Custom" modes.

Want one? Production is slated to begin at the Crewe factory in England in the second quarter of 2010, and the first deliveries will make it to America later than year in the fall. Get yours in one of 114 available paint colors, 21 carpet shades, nine wood veneers and 24 interior leather hides, but get your order in fast - Bentley reports that early customer interest has already exceeded 2010 production targets. Click past the break for the official press release.

Continue reading What Price One-Upmanship? 2011 Bentley Mulsanne available from $285,000

[Source: Bentley]

What Price One-Upmanship? 2011 Bentley Mulsanne available from $285,000 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

REPORT: Bentley Mulsanne to spawn coupe and convertible to replace Brooklands and Azure

Noah Joseph — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 15:33:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Bentley, Luxury

Bentley works on a two-tier system, with its entire product line-up based on a pair of platforms. At one end you've got the Continental family, including the GT coupe, GTC convertible and Flying Spur sedan. At the other sits the Arnage sedan, Azure convertible and Brooklands coupe (pictured above). Its separated step-sister Rolls-Royce is gearing up to follow the same formula with the Phantom range and the new Ghost, but with the introduction of the new Mulsanne, Bentley is expected to comprehensively shake up its top-tier offerings.

According to reports and substantiated by plain old logic, Bentley is planning to replace the Brooklands and Azure models with a new coupe and convertible to be based on the Mulsanne. That means that the Vickers-era platform will finally be retired, with the Mulsanne's more advanced chassis being put to further use for a pair of two-door models. No word on when the new Brooklands and Azure will debut, or for that matter what nameplate they'll carry, but expect them to evoke Bentley's golden racing era when they do.

[Source: Auto Express]

REPORT: Bentley Mulsanne to spawn coupe and convertible to replace Brooklands and Azure originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: 2011 Bentley Mulsanne looks better in blue

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Sedan, Europe, Bentley, UK, Luxury

2011 Bentley Mulsanne - Click above for high-res image gallery

So far, we've only seen the one champagne-colored Bentley Mulsanne. While not our first choice, it's the shade Bentley thought would drum up the most interest amongst potential customers. Not knowing too much about how the mega-wealthy think, we'll trust Bentley. However, us plebes ain't been too pleased with the Mulsanne in the looks department. Until now. We think the blue (one of 126 standard colors) helps tremendously. We know there will be disagreement on the matter, but let us remind you of one thing: 752 lb-ft of torque at 1,800 rpm.

Frankfurt 2009: 2011 Bentley Mulsanne looks better in blue originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 06:00:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Sedan, Bentley, UK, Luxury

2011 Bentley Muslanne - Click above for a high-res image gallery

We warned you the specs would be "staggering." And really that's all you need to know. Fine, we'll tell you a little more. First of all, despite the gumption, it's not a diesel. The Mulsanne generates all that thrust barely off-idle from a gasoline-powered 6.75-liter twin-turbo V8. 505 horsepower, too. The engine is all new, made from aluminum and lightweight internals including a forged crankshaft. It also features cam-phasing (variable valve timing) and variable displacement (cylinder deactivation). One benefit of all that tech is that the staggering torque number is available across the rev range, another is better fuel economy, as if that really matters to Bentley prospects. All that power gets routed through an eight-speed transmission (with paddle shifters) before hitting the massive rear wheels (265/45/20 standard, 265/40/21 optional).

Not convinced? How do (optional) 16.54-inch front carbon ceramic brakes - the largest ever fitted to a production car - with eight-piston calipers grab you? Probably like using a bank vault to anchor a Smart ForTwo. In fact, with the standard 20-inch wheels, there's about one pinky of clearance between the rotors and the rims. Don't fret though, as we'd imagine most owners will be taking the twenty-ones leaving plenty of space for two pinkies. Rear ceramic brakes are limited to just 15.5 inches and only four-pistons.

Now, being the unrepentant suckers for more power that we are, you'd imagine our favorite part of the new Mulsanne is the torque rating. And you'd be wrong. Our favorite part is that the new Driver Dynamics Control system has a mode simply called, "Bentley." That's cool. Imagine if your car had a setting for "Bentley." Keep dreaming. In addition to "Bentley," there's also "Sport" and "Comfort," but we can't imagine taking the Mulsanne out of "Bentley." But there is a fourth way. "Custom" allows you to tune the steering and suspension through the new multimedia system. Oh, and you can set the Driver Dynamics Control from the key fob.

Actually, we should spend a moment discussing this new key fob, for it ain't your rich great-uncle Archibald's Bentley key fob. Example: from the key fob you can set radio stations, phone books, seat position (including hot/cold ventilation and massage), steering wheel, seat belt position and even the rear window blinds. Think of it like this: you can program your fob with separate settings ranging from schlepping to 7/11 for Slurpees to storming Gold Beach. The Muslanne also sports the world's most powerful OEM stereo amp - 2,200 watts - though we'd imagine if you can afford the still-not-priced Mulsanne, you can afford to pay someone to enjoy music for you. And one more thing: if you're sitting in back, you have door-mounted controls to not only lower you window, but the one across from you as well. Much more info in the press release, after the jump.

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

Frankfurt 2009: Bentley Mulsanne makes 752 lb-ft of torque at 1,800 rpm. 'Nuff said originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

2010 Bentley Mulsanne puts in some face time at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Sedan, Bentley, UK, Luxury

2010 Bentley Mulsanne at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel - click above image for hi-res gallery

Bentley invited a few of us auto journo types down to the decadently posh Beverly Wilshire Hotel to meet its COO Christophe Georges and admire the company's new super land yacht, the 2010 Bentley Mulsanne. Not only that, but they spilled the beans on all the juicy technical details that makes the Mulsanne, well, special. And please trust us, the Mulsanne is special.

One small catch, however. All them juicy details are embargoed until next week during the Frankfurt Motor Show. So even though we know the exact, staggering amount of power the Mulsanne will be sending to its rear wheels - and trust us again, it is staggering - we can't tell you. Yet. Infuriating, no? But, we did learn a couple of juicy details that we can share with you in this here teaser post. Better than nothing, right?

Gallery: 2010 Bentley Mulsanne at the Bevery Wilshire Hotel

Continue reading 2010 Bentley Mulsanne puts in some face time at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel

2010 Bentley Mulsanne puts in some face time at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

REPORT: Bordeaux one of three Bugatti concepts proposed for next model

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 15:57:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Bugatti, Luxury

For some time now speculation about Bugatti's next megacar has been running rampant. The car world got nice and teased recently when a "teaser" shot of a new Bug got itself "leaked." Named the Bordeaux, very little is known about the concept past the point that it has eight tailpipes. However, Dr Franz-Josef Pfaegen, lord of Bugatti's Molsheim manor, sat down with Autocar and spilled some high priced beans.

Turns out that the Bordeaux is in fact most likely a four-door, and Bugatti will be showing the car to existing customers to gauge their reaction and make sure the Bordeaux is the type of vehicle the company should be building. That said, Pfaegen wants to crush rumors that the Bordeaux will share parts with the new Bentley Mulsanne into dust. Says Pfaegen, "A Bugatti saloon will have different dimensions and be a completely different concept. In fact it's hard to find any similarities at all [with the Mulsanne]."

However, as both high end marques are owned by Volkswagen, we wouldn't be surprised if a bit of platform sharing took place beneath the surface. Whatever it is, the eight pipes lead us to speculate that high performance is the Bordeaux's raison d'etre. Especially as it will probably be packing the Veyron's quad-turbo, 8.0-liter 1,000+ hp W16.

We don't have any info on the other two concepts at this time, except that one of the three will indeed be Bugatti's next model. We'll go ahead and guess that one of the remaining two is Veyron 2.0. Especially as the Grand Sport Sang Bleu is the last of the special edition Veyrons. Plus, with 250 out of the 300 total Veyrons already built and sold, mega-performance hypercars might just be Bugatti's preferred niche. As for the possible third concept, we don't know. Though, if we were in charge of conceptual Bugattis, a new Royale would be in the works. If you have any guesses as to what the third Bugatti concept might be, shout it in the comments below.

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Bordeaux one of three Bugatti concepts proposed for next model originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

VIDEO: Bentley Mulsanne #1 auctioned at Pebble Beach for $500,000

Noah Joseph — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 11:40:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Auctions, Videos, Bentley, Luxury

2010 Bentley Mulsanne - Click above to watch the video after the jump

After marking its highly anticipated debut at Pebble Beach, it was straight off to the auction block for the all-new Bentley Mulsanne, where Bentley CEO Franz-Josef Paefgen and Richard Charlesworth, head of the Bentley Heritage Collection, joined auctioneers Gooding & Company in selling off chassis #1 to the highest bidder.

The Mulsanne is touted as the first Bentley designed and produced entirely at the company's Crewe headquarters in England since the legendary 1920's-era 8-liter Bentley, and to mark the occasion, Gooding wheeled W.O. Bentley's own personal ride, the second 8-liter chassis ever made, onto the stage before bidding began. Gooding opened the bids for Mulsanne #1 at $500,000, but after receiving no bids at that price, bidding quickly stepped down to $300k, only to climb back up to the half-million mark where it sold to an undisclosed collector over the phone.

Proceeds from the auction are earmarked towards the Phil Hill Foundation, the official charitable organization of the Concours, and you can watch the bidding (and hear oh-so-British auctioneering) unfold in the video after the jump.

Continue reading VIDEO: Bentley Mulsanne #1 auctioned at Pebble Beach for $500,000

[Source: YouTube]

VIDEO: Bentley Mulsanne #1 auctioned at Pebble Beach for $500,000 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Monterey 2009: Introducing the Bentley Mulsanne

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Bentley, Misc. Auto Shows, Luxury

2010 Bentley Mulsanne -- Click above for a high-res image gallery

It's an all-new Bentley, it's called the Mulsanne, and it's a vehicle that more than a few auto aficionados have been waiting for. Introduced this afternoon at Pebble Beach, the Mulsanne is a clean sheet redesign of Bentley's ever-enduring flagship and according to Bentley CEO Franz-Josef Paefgen, when they sat down to figure out everything they wanted to change on the Arnage, by the time they were finished, nearly nothing remained.

The Mulsanne is about eleven inches longer than the Flying Spur and rides on a new, bespoke chassis that sits so low on its wheels you can barely get a finger between the top of the front tire and the wheel well. The swelling line of the rear-quarter panel is reminiscent of the Brooklands. However, we were told that since Bentley had a good idea of what the Mulsanne was going to be when they were designing the Brooklands, they incorporated features that became aesthetic stepping stones to the Mulsanne.

The headlight arrangement is an homage to the historic 8-liter Bentleys from the brand's pre-Rolls-Royce days, that had their smaller lamps mounted slightly outboard from the mains. The central headlight element is ringed by daytime-running-light LEDs - when you see the car coming at you, it'll be unmistakable. In back, the taillight treatment is Continental series, but if you step away, it doesn't look like a Continental at all; the mass is broken up by gentle curves and accent planes. And get a load of that C-pillar...

Inside, the overhaul continues. Gone are the mid-century ergonomics and design of the Arnage, replaced by a cabin that showcases chrome-accented dials and modern switchgear -- like a joystick controller for the screen - among a forest of wood. Oh, and a brand new steering wheel.

You can find the press release after the jump and the high-res photos below, but what you won't find are things like engine and powertrain details. Those will remain secret until the Mulsanne's European reveal at the Frankfurt Motor Show. For the time being then, we can probably all be content to feast on the Mulsanne's looks.

Continue reading Monterey 2009: Introducing the Bentley Mulsanne

Live photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Bentley]

Monterey 2009: Introducing the Bentley Mulsanne originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 16 Aug 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.