After more than a decade in production, the final Bentley Mulsanne has been completed. During that time, more than 7,300 handcrafted units have been produced of what is undoubtedly the ultimate luxury sedan.
The Mulsanne’s lineage, which comes to an end, can be traced back through Bentley’s history, from the original 8 Litre of 1930 – the last car designed and developed by W.O. Bentley himself – as the most luxurious, coach-built Bentley of its time.
The final unit is a Mulsanne Speed ‘6.75 Edition by Mulliner’ finished in Rose Gold over Tungsten. It will soon be on its way to a lucky customer in the USA. However, it has also been revealed that there is one extremely special unit, a final Mulsanne but its future home remains a closely guarded secret.
A true icon
“The Mulsanne is the culmination of all that we at Bentley have learnt during our first 100 years in producing the finest luxury cars in the world. As the flagship of our model range for over a decade, the Mulsanne has firmly solidified its place in the history of Bentley as nothing less than a true icon,“ said Bentley Chairman & Chief Executive, Adrian Hallmark.
“ I am immensely proud of the hundreds of designers, engineers and craftspeople that brought the Mulsanne to life over the last ten years. Now, as we begin Bentley’s journey to define the future of sustainable luxury mobility through our Beyond100 strategy, the role of Bentley flagship is passed to the new Flying Spur.”
In the last 11 years, over 700 people have invested nearly three million hours crafting Bentley’s ultra-luxury sedan. Producing the Mulsanne bodies required approximately 42 million spot welds, and creating the sumptuous leather interiors took more than a million hours alone. Nearly 90,000 hours have been spent polishing cars, before a total of over four million individual quality checkpoints.
Mulsanne 6.75 Edition by Mulliner
In 2020, the final series production cars formed the unique ‘6.75 Edition by Mulliner’ signifying the end of Mulsanne’s reign. Taking its name from the legendary 6.75-litre engine which, this year, also came to the end of production after more than 60 years, the ‘6.75 Edition’ was limited to only 30 units.
‘Quality’ can be perceived in varying degrees and where cars are concerned, it would not be wrong to say that the more expensive the model, the higher the quality will be. The higher cost comes partly from using the finest materials and having the best workmanship and advanced manufacturing processes.
Precision is a key element in quality and at Bentley, maintaining precision is done in a large, airy and air-conditioned workshop packed with the kind of precision instruments you’d expect to find in a space agency facility or university science lab.
It’s here that Head of Metrology Michael Stockdale and his 25 colleagues measure every part of a Bentley to the highest standards of precision. Metrology is the science of measurement, and it’s fundamental to the quality, performance and longevity of every Bentley that each component is made to consistently precise dimensions.
Stockdale and his colleagues can measure every part of each model Bentley makes, from the smallest washer to body panels and interior trim, and ensure that no component strays from the close tolerances prescribed for it. “We have the tools to measure everything from the graining of leather to the surface of a cylinder bore, down to fractions of a micron” explains Stockdale.
Having measured components individually, they are measured again as sub-assemblies and once more as part of the finished vehicle. Thus, the Metrology team plays a vital role in ensuring that near perfection is repeatable.
Precise choreography
Measuring and enforcing the highest standards of dimensional accuracy is especially important for a vehicle, where multiple components become sub-assemblies. To take just one example, the retractable Flying B mascot on the bonnet of the Flying Spur, which smoothly deploys and retracts only because each component in its complex control assembly is made to close and consistent dimensions.
It is illuminated and linked to the keyless entry system as the driver approaches the car, yet it must also retract automatically in the event of an accident. To achieve this precise choreography and to ensure that it sits perfectly centred within its plinth, elements of the Flying B system have tolerances as low as 0.15 mm.
Finer than a single blood cell
Laymen use ‘a hair’s breadth’ as a description of the tiniest imaginable measure, but such a term would be too imprecise for Bentley’s Metrology team. As Stockdale points out, a human hair can be anything from 17 microns to over 150 microns thick. In contrast, there are instruments within Metrology that can measure down to 0.5 microns.
A micron is one millionth of a metre, and a human red blood cell is 5 microns in diameter. Not every component of a Bentley needs to be measured to tolerances of less than a micron, but there are some.
As an example, Stockdale cites the crankshaft of Bentley’s 6-litre W12 engine. Though invisible to the naked eye, each of the 12 machined bearing journal surfaces in which the crankshaft sits features minute grooves that hold a microscopic film of oil.
By using a high accuracy Perthometer (a tool designed to measure surface finishes), the Metrology team can verify that those minute grooves are within their defined tolerances, in turn ensuring that each W12 engine produces both the immense power and lifelong durability its owners would expect.
Scanning every millimetre
As well as measuring individual surfaces and components to microscopic levels of accuracy, the Metrology team measures entire vehicles. Every millimetre of the car’s body is scanned using high accuracy digital cameras to create a complete and precise map of the car.
Ensuring the contrencity of the brake disc is precisely within specifications.
“Imagine an issue at the prototype stage where the panel gap between grille and bonnet is a millimetre too large,” explained Stockdale. “Does the fault lie with the grille, or the bonnet? A special reference vehicle provides the answer, because it’s made to the precise dimensions of the CAD data.”
Precise temperature control
Materials expand when warm and shrink when cold, so it’s essential that measurements are taken at a consistent reference temperature. Within the Metrology area, air conditioning keeps the area at a steady 20°C. But for components that demand the highest levels of precision, there’s an inner sanctum called the High Accuracy Measurement area, where a dedicated climate control system ensures that the temperature never deviates by more than half a degree Celsius.
Within this area are three gigantic granite blocks to which components can be clamped for the ultimate in stability, essential for an accurate reading. But first, the components to be measured have to soak in the atmosphere – literally. “A large component like an engine block might have to soak at a consistent temperature for up to a week, so we can be sure that it’s 20°C all the way to the core,” said Stockdale.
Mulliner, Bentley’s bespoke commissioning division that is synonymous with exclusivity of the highest order, has come out with the new Continental GT Mulliner Convertible. Said to ‘redefine the pinnacle of roof-down automotive luxury’, the model is available with Bentley’s V8 (4 litres) and W12 (6 litres) powertrains.
With the twin-turbocharged W12, the Continental GT Mulliner Convertible is claimed to be able to go from 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, 3/10ths of a second quicker than the V8-powered version. Top speed is stated as 333 km/h for the V12 while the V8 can still cross 300 km/h (318 km/h).
On each corner of the car are all-new 22-inch 10-spoke painted and polished wheels with floating, self-levelling wheel badges that remain upright as the wheel rotates.
Taking pride of position between the cut-crystal inspired, precision-made headlamps, Bentley Mulliner introduces a bold new Double Diamond front grille which is further complemented by bespoke Mulliner branded side vents that continue the unique silver on black diamond theme.
Customers can choose from the extended Bentley Mulliner range of 61 exterior colours. or specify a personal shade which Bentley’s artisan paint specialists will colour-match to any item or sample.
The new Double Diamond design has been inspired by Bentley’s exclusive Diamond-in-Diamond interior quilting design concept, which adorns all four seats, the door casings, rear quarters and now, for the first time, furnishes the tonneau cover.
The Diamond-in-Diamond interior quilting itself has been tailored to include contrast stitching in two complementary colours to accentuate the thread against the quilting. It takes almost 400,000 stitches to deliver this quilting across the cabin of the car, with each diamond containing exactly 712 individual stitches – each one precisely aligned to point to the centre of the diamond it creates. Developing the embroidery process to deliver this process alone took 18 months.
Bentley Mulliner has combined traditional and modern coachbuilding techniques to introduce new contemporary and bespoke features. A contrast diamond milled technical finish has been applied to the centre console, which is finished with a new and exclusive brushed silver Breitling timepiece set within a quartet of chrome bullseyes to provide stunning interior jewellery.
For entertainment, the top of the range Naim for Bentley audio system is available. The state-of-the-art system features 18 speakers and 2 Active Bass transducers driven by a 2,200-watt, 20-channel amplifier and 8 DSP sound modes with Active Bass.
The Mulsanne, flagship of the Bentley marque, will be retired with the all-new Flying Spur taking its place as the pinnacle of the range of British luxury cars. With the Flying Spur to receive a hybrid powertrain by 2023, the move symbolises Bentley’s commitment to change and its journey to define the future of sustainable luxury mobility.
In fact, the company had already taken its first step on the road towards electrification with the launch of the Bentayga Hybrid – the luxury SUV sector’s first, true plug-in hybrid and the most efficient Bentley ever.
As a farewell, Bentley will produce the Mulsanne 6.75 Edition by Mulliner in just 30 examples, each one very exclusive. The car is inspired by – and takes its name from – the legendary 6¾-litre engine, which this year celebrates its 60th year in continuous production.
“The Mulsanne has played a pivotal role in maintaining Bentley’s position as global leader of the luxury limousine segment. The flagship of our model range, its longevity is a testament to our ongoing commitment to hand-building the finest motor cars in the world. The new Mulsanne 6.75 Edition is the culmination of that achievement,” said Chris Craft, Member of the Board, Sales, Marketing & Aftersales at Bentley Motors.
The truly unique Mulsanne 6.75 Edition by Mulliner celebrates one of the most iconic cars in Bentley’s illustrious history, and will be based on the existing 530 bhp, 1,100 Nm Mulsanne Speed. Subtle references to the 6¾-litre V8 are evident across the car:
The interior ‘organ stop’ ventilation controls are replaced by designs capped by miniature versions of the engine oil cap. A unique 6.75 Edition motif is stitched into the seats and recreated in chrome badging for the exterior and the engine bay. The same logo will be projected by the LED Welcome Lamps. The faces of the clock and minor gauges will feature schematic cutaway drawings of the engine itself.
On the exterior of the car, gloss black brightware will accentuate the individual customer’s choice of paintwork, but with headlamps and tail lamps wrapped in bright chrome. Dark tint treatments to the Flying B bonnet mascot, Mulliner Serenity radiator grille and exhaust finishers bring definition to the front of the car, while the 21-inch 5-spoke Mulsanne Speed wheel will feature a unique bright-machined finish with gloss black pockets.
Under the bonnet, the engine intake manifold will be finished in black in lieu of the traditional silver, and the Engine Number Plaque – traditionally signed by the craftsman that built the engine – will be signed by Bentley’s Chairman & Chief Executive, Adrian Hallmark.
Many unique features are offered, eg 4 single-tone hides and a centre console stack, together with the rear cabin console, finished in silver-painted veneer. A unique metal commemorative plaque is fitted to the front console and fascias and waistrails will be finished in high-gloss Grand Black, with the latter also featuring inserts in Dark Engine Spin Aluminium.
When it first appeared in 1980, the Mulsanne set the benchmark in the luxury sector. Its powerful V8 engine was first used in the 1959 Bentley S2 and although it has been redesigned many times over the decades, the basic principles and dimensions that have defined the engine for 6 decades remain the same.
Just as Lexus and Mark Levinson have had a long relationship (almost 20 years) in the area of audio systems, Bentley has collaborated with Naim for the past 10 years, in the development of the most powerful, best-in-class in-car audio systems. The latest ‘Naim for Bentley’ is said to set a global benchmark for interactive sound technology offering occupants concert hall quality sound.
Naim for Bentley delivers the world’s most advanced music systems, both inside the world’s most prestigious road cars and also for listeners at home. Bentley’s new Flying Spur has Naim’s superlative audio system seamlessly integrated into state-of-the-art British craftsmanship.
21 speakers and 2,200-watt amplification
The sound system features 21 speakers with 2,200-watt amplification and Active Bass Transducers. Eight DSP sounds modes are available and the car exhibits illuminated speaker grilles. Sound settings can be accessed via an elegant 12.3-inch HD touchscreen interface at the centre of the dashboard. Customers can configure this in a variety of ways: as a single display, split 2:1 or showing different functions at the same time. The overall designs highlights simplicity of use with a contemporary and elevated aesthetic.
Aiming to break sonic boundaries
Bentley Motors and Naim Audio are now working together to create new products for 2020 which continue to break sonic boundaries. The close confines of a car cabin capable of travelling at speeds of over 320 km/h, combined with engine, road and wind noise, provide a challenge for Naim’s engineers, quite unlike the demands of achieving best replay performance in the home or studio.
To bring true Naim sound quality into this unique space, engineers of the two companies have flatly rejected traditional approaches, in the process rewriting the rulebook of in-car audio systems. The result? New worldwide benchmarks for in-cabin sound technology and incredible depth of music quality that has to be heard to be believed.
Naim is a Queen’s Award winner for its innovation and having recently come out with a trailblazing Digital Signal Processing (DSP) system, it realised it could apply an all-new approach to the in-car implementation. The DSP system would find itself at the very heart of the Naim for Bentley audio system, enabling a degree of tuning previously not possible, ensuring optimal sound performance whatever the speed or road conditions.
Each new generation of Bentley has seen a refinement and an update from the original Naim for Bentley audio system. Beginning as a 15 speaker – 1,100-watt system in 2008, the system has evolved into a 2,200-watt amplifier feeding 21 speakers as featured in the new Flying Spur.
Bentley Flying Spur
The Naim for Bentley system has been designed to maintain performance even when the roof of the Continental GT Convertible is down, and as Bentley evolves its hybrid car line, beginning with the Bentayga Hybrid, the even quieter engines offer a different audio environment to design for altogether.
Unique Digital Signal Processor solution
Naim has engineered a unique Digital Signal Processor (DSP) solution for the Naim for Bentley audio system. This innovative technology offers a range of modes to optimise the in-car soundstage, depending on seating position and listening preferences. It ensures ultimate audio performance is maintained whatever the speed or road conditions.
In celebration of their longstanding partnership with Bentley Motors, Naim has introduced the new special edition Naim for Bentley Mu-so range of wireless music systems.
While class-leading, with an extremely powerful amplifier, the Naim for Bentley system is more than just a sound system. It has been engineered to deliver a true high-fidelity experience matched to the refinement of the Bentley experience.
Naim for Bentley’s audio system is compatible with Spotify, Apple Music, TIDAL, Deezer and allows customers to enjoy their own choice of music, digital radio or spoken word media such as audio books and podcasts.
If you’re a fan of Bentley vehicles, you would know the existence of the Bentley EXP 100 GT concept vehicle that they unveiled a few months back. In celebrations of the brand’s 100th birthday, the Bentley EXP 100 GT is essentially a present for themselves and by the looks of things, what a grand present to get. (more…)
The automotive world is going through its biggest phase into the world of electrification and Bentley has announced their pioneer hybrid model, the Bentley Bentayga Hybrid. The first true plug-in hybrid model in the luxury SUV sector is now on sale in Europe which offers a huge enhancement for their most efficient model yet. (more…)
Bentley has released a set of very dynamic imageries of their Bentley EXP 100 GT Concept vehicle to celebrate its stunning presence at the recent Monterey Car Week 2019. It looked so good that it took home the ‘Best of Show’ prize at the pinnacle Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. (more…)
Last weekend during the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb 2019, the Bentley Continental GT broke the all-time record set by a production car going up the iconic circuit located in Colorado, USA. Driven by three-time champion, Rhys Millen, the Continental GT went faster than the previous record by 8.4 seconds. (more…)
Since its introduction, the Bentley Bentayga has defined a new sector and set the luxury SUV benchmark, offering customers the ultimate Grand Touring experience unrestricted by landscape or conditions. The award-winning Bentley model is now available in Malaysia in its most sporting guise to date – the Bentayga V8.
“The Bentayga V8 is the ultimate luxury SUV that delivers an uncompromising Bentley experience on- and off-road. We know this new model will be highly sought after by our customers thanks to its sleek, sporty look, immense power and acceleration,” explained Jerry Lee, Managing Director of Wearnes Quest.
At the heart of the latest Bentayga model is a new-generation 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine, which combines immense power with impressive fuel efficiency. The addition of a characteristic V8 burble, stylish twin-quad exhaust pipes and optional carbon-ceramic brakes, reveals more of the luxury SUV’s sporting character. Sitting at the core of the Bentayga range, the new V8 model fuses exquisite luxury with power, usability and extensive sporting ability. Its responsive performance is fully customisable on demand by the driver through Bentley’s Drive Dynamics system, from limousine-like refinement to sporting precision.
In a nutshell…
• Power, luxury, usability and sportiness • 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine develops 542 bhp (550 PS) and 568 lb.ft. (770 Nm) of torque • 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds); top speed of 180 mph (290 km/h) • Unmistakable V8 engine burble adds to emotional allure • Optional carbon-ceramic brakes – world’s largest front brake system
