811lb ft. That’s how much torque the new Bentley Mulsanne Speed produces at just 1750rpm. Forget about clichéd stump pulling – sounds to us like it could tear down a house. Or uproot a cash machine. Which might be handy when it comes to refuelling the thing.
As with the rest of the Mulsanne range, the new Speed is powered by the latest and greatest version of the Bentley 6.75-litre V8 engine. Now enhanced with a totally redesigned combustion system (chamber, inlet ports, injectors, spark plugs and compression ratio), new variable valve timing and ‘optimised’ turbocharger control – begging the question of what was going on before – peak power is also increased. To 530bhp.
2014 Bentley Mulsanne Speed: tally ho to the max
All this extra oomph accelerates 2.7-tonnes of automotive opulence so fast the effort to differentiate the exterior through the medium of ‘dark tint’ detailing is almost entirely wasted. For the record, that’s 0-62mph in 4.9sec, 0-100mph in 11.1sec, and a top speed of 190mph. Word of advice to other motorists: get out of the way.
In an effort to keep all this under control, there’s a new S mode for the gearbox alongside recalibrated steering and air suspension, all of which can be dialed in at will via the Custom driving setting. The 21-inch wheels are a directional design (a first for Bentley), the carbon ceramic brakes still optional.
The cabin gets a contemporary look including carbonfibre inlays, two-tone finish and diamond quilting – the last being part of the standard fit Mulliner Driving Specification features. Obviously, the options list remains essentially endless, depending on the depth of your stock portfolio.
More Speed, less petrol – claims Bentley
Increasing the engine’s performance has also improved the engine’s efficiency. Not only is it now Euro 6 compliant, 342g/km CO2 is 13% better than it used to be. That’s equivalent to a claimed 19.3mpg. Treehuggers!
The regular Mulsanne – known as the ‘signature’ model in Bentley parlance, we kid you not – also benefits from this extra cleanliness, combined with 505bhp and a mere 752lb ft.
The new Mulsanne Speed shows its face in public for the first time at the 2014 Paris motor show, before reaching its first customers in winter this year. Speed pricing starts at £252,000.