2011 Bentley Mulsanne
2011 Bentley Mulsanne – click above for high-res image gallery Contrary to what you might expect, successfully keeping tradition alive in the automotive world isn't just about periodically mining one's stylistic back catalog or simply refusing to change altogether. To convincingly abide by the spirit of one's history without running the risk of extinction, or worse – self-parody – requires stealthy innovation, and to do so is a decidedly tricky undertaking. Just ask Bentley. The British automaker has a long history of artfully highlighting its considerable heritage, from the exploits of the fabulous Bentley Boys to the timeless craftsmanship employed in its interiors. And despite the upright look of its new flagship, the 2011 Mulsanne, much thought and effort has been exerted into making what is actually a very modern proposition seem... traditional. Accomplishing this in an authentic and timeless manner is particularly important for an automaker like Bentley. Given the rather lengthy model lifecycles that small-volume manufacturers are often forced to adopt, it's crucial to nail the entire package the first time. Follow the jump to see if they've managed the feat. %Gallery-93554% Photos by Chris Paukert / Copyright ©2010 Weblogs, Inc. A Familiar Presence Forgive the shock of its front end for a moment (those inboard lantern-like headlamps are more jarring in photos than they are in the flesh), and you'll note that the Mulsanne looks about the way you'd expect of an Arnage successor – big, upright body panels and grille, vertically stacked taillamps, outsized oval exhaust outlets, millionaire manhole-cover wheels, liberal use of chrome... it's all quite familiar. But look a little closer and you'll note some compelling details – the 'floating' mount of the rear window and the more pronounced haunch-lines of the rear fenders, for example. Of course, Bentley design is as much about scale as anything else, and the Mulsanne is no exception. With an overall length and width just shy of 220 and 76 inches, respectively, this is a big beast of a car – about a foot longer than a 2011 Audi A8L. It's so grand that it completely shadows its forbearer by nearly seven inches. A good portion of that increase can be found in the wheelbase, which stretches 128.6 inches – eclipsing Ye Olde Arnage by nearly half-a-foot. The elongation was made in order to increase space in the already capacious rear seat, perhaps a tacit acknowledgment of the limo-centric market in China being increasingly important to the marque's bottom line. Overall height is up a fraction to 59.88 inches, and all-in, this bit of Cool Britannia checks in at a heady 5,700 pounds, or about the same as the smaller exit car. But back, for a moment, to the Mulsanne's design. As Bentley reps dutifully point out, the oddball front headlamps are a historical artifact of sorts, an aesthetic hat tip to the 1950s S-Type. We see the intent, but not quite the same grace. Regardless, those lights are nestled into some pretty innovative front fenders. Like …
Full Review
2011 Bentley Mulsanne – click above for high-res image gallery Contrary to what you might expect, successfully keeping tradition alive in the automotive world isn't just about periodically mining one's stylistic back catalog or simply refusing to change altogether. To convincingly abide by the spirit of one's history without running the risk of extinction, or worse – self-parody – requires stealthy innovation, and to do so is a decidedly tricky undertaking. Just ask Bentley. The British automaker has a long history of artfully highlighting its considerable heritage, from the exploits of the fabulous Bentley Boys to the timeless craftsmanship employed in its interiors. And despite the upright look of its new flagship, the 2011 Mulsanne, much thought and effort has been exerted into making what is actually a very modern proposition seem... traditional. Accomplishing this in an authentic and timeless manner is particularly important for an automaker like Bentley. Given the rather lengthy model lifecycles that small-volume manufacturers are often forced to adopt, it's crucial to nail the entire package the first time. Follow the jump to see if they've managed the feat. %Gallery-93554% Photos by Chris Paukert / Copyright ©2010 Weblogs, Inc. A Familiar Presence Forgive the shock of its front end for a moment (those inboard lantern-like headlamps are more jarring in photos than they are in the flesh), and you'll note that the Mulsanne looks about the way you'd expect of an Arnage successor – big, upright body panels and grille, vertically stacked taillamps, outsized oval exhaust outlets, millionaire manhole-cover wheels, liberal use of chrome... it's all quite familiar. But look a little closer and you'll note some compelling details – the 'floating' mount of the rear window and the more pronounced haunch-lines of the rear fenders, for example. Of course, Bentley design is as much about scale as anything else, and the Mulsanne is no exception. With an overall length and width just shy of 220 and 76 inches, respectively, this is a big beast of a car – about a foot longer than a 2011 Audi A8L. It's so grand that it completely shadows its forbearer by nearly seven inches. A good portion of that increase can be found in the wheelbase, which stretches 128.6 inches – eclipsing Ye Olde Arnage by nearly half-a-foot. The elongation was made in order to increase space in the already capacious rear seat, perhaps a tacit acknowledgment of the limo-centric market in China being increasingly important to the marque's bottom line. Overall height is up a fraction to 59.88 inches, and all-in, this bit of Cool Britannia checks in at a heady 5,700 pounds, or about the same as the smaller exit car. But back, for a moment, to the Mulsanne's design. As Bentley reps dutifully point out, the oddball front headlamps are a historical artifact of sorts, an aesthetic hat tip to the 1950s S-Type. We see the intent, but not quite the same grace. Regardless, those lights are nestled into some pretty innovative front fenders. Like …
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Retail Price
$285,000 - $285,000
MSRP / Window Sticker Price
| Engine | 6.8L V-8 |
| MPG | Up to 11 city / 18 highway |
| Seating | 5 Passengers |
| Transmission | 8-spd auto w/OD |
| Power | 505 @ 4200 rpm |
| Drivetrain | rear-wheel |
| Curb Weight | 5,699 lbs |
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