The Bentley Mulsanne is a large (performance) luxury saloon produced by Bentley Motors from 1980 until 1992, though derivative models including the Continental T and Azure continued in production into the 2000s.
Contrary to its predecessors, the Bentley Mulsanne was given an actual name instead of a letter, but otherwise started like just another rebadged Rolls-Royce model, this time copied from their Silver Spirit. However, with the launch of the 'Brooklands' version, and the 1982 Mulsanne Turbo – with 50 percent more horsepower – the Mulsanne did start the rebuild of an appealing individual Bentley brand image.
The Mulsanne initially shared the same carburetted 6+3⁄4-litre (6,750 cc; 412 cu in) Rolls-Royce V8 engine with aluminium alloy cylinder heads with the Silver Spirit, carried over from the Silver Shadow II and Bentley T2. In 1982 however, a turbocharged version with much more power and torque was also introduced – for Bentley only – in the Mulsanne Turbo.
From 1986, the two SU carburettors were replaced by Boschfuel injection on all cars. All Mulsannes use a 3-speed automatic transmission.
Mulsanne Turbo
Bentley Mulsanne Turbo (1984)
The Mulsanne Turbo was launched at the Geneva Motor Show in 1982 and produced until 1985. A Garrett AiResearchturbocharger provided a 50% increase in engine power – something not seen on a Bentley in half a century. The interior sported the usual highly polished, walnut veneered fascia, blemish-free leather upholstery, and pure wool for the carpets and headlining.
A total of 498 standard wheelbase and 18 long-wheelbase Mulsanne Turbos were built, until they were replaced by the Bentley Turbo R in 1985, which used a fuel injected version of the same 63⁄4 litre V8 engine since 1987.
The Mulsanne S was introduced in 1987. Although this model lacked its turbocharger, many of its other details were similar to the Turbo R, including that car's alloy wheels and interior, and the suspension was firmed up for a more sporting ride. The rectangular headlamps from the 1980s gave way to quad round units for 1989, and the model was produced until 1992.
Mulsanne V16
The BMW Goldfisch V16 engine was tested in the Bentley Mulsanne as a potential "upgrade" from the turbocharged V8 engine. Unlike the BMW 7 Series, the engine fit in the bay with room for radiator and ancillaries but it was never sold to the public.[1]
Derivative models
The Mulsanne was based on the Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit/Silver Spur introduced at the same time. It would be the basis for all Bentley models until the 1998 introduction of the Arnage.
Specifications
Model
Engine & Displacement
Horsepower
Torque
0-100 km/h (0-62 mph)
Top Speed
Kerb Weight
Mulsanne
6.75 L (6,750 cc) V8
170 hp (172 PS; 127 kW)
500 N·m (369 lb·ft)
10.2 seconds (10.9 seconds on certain models)
192 km/h (119 mph)(202 km/h (126 mph) on certain models)
2,245 kg. (4,949 lbs.) 2,259 kg (4,980 lbs.) for American models
Mulsanne S
205 hp (208 PS; 156 kW)
540 N·m (398 lb·ft)
10.6 seconds
202 km/h (126 mph)
2,320 kg (5,115 lbs.) (2,290 kg. (5,049 lbs.) for American models
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