Bentley is set to unveil a sportier interpretation of its Mulsanne limousine at the Geneva Motor Show next week. Dubbed the Mulsanne Mulliner Driving Specification, the new car features unique 21-inch alloy wheels with 'race derived' titanium fasteners, Bentley Flying 'B' wing vents and a diamond quilted leather trimmed cabin.

The 512hp 6.75-litre V8-powered behemoth will also feature driver-selectable, sports tuned suspension and steering. Called Drive Dynamics Control the system features a 'Sport' setting that is unique to the Mulsanne Milliner. When operated the new setting is said to provide enhanced grip, body control and steering accuracy without (according to Bentley) compromising the ride comfort the marque is so famous for.

As with all Mulsannes - and indeed all Bentleys - customers can choose from a hundred different paint colours, a virtually limitless choice of veneers and a selection of 22 leather hides. At the same time Mulsanne purchasers can, for the first time, opt for a large tilt-opening, tinted glass sunroof and an exquisitely designed, electrically operated bottle cooler complete with hand-blown and hand-cut lead crystal champagne flutes.

Despite all the changes engine performance remains the same so expect a 0-62mph time of just over five seconds and a top speed of 184mph all completed in an effortless fashion befitting a Bentley.

Prices are due to be announced when the car is officially unveiled in Geneva but you can expect the Mulsanne Mulliner Driving Specification to carry a premium over and above the standard car's £220,000 price tag.

Paul Healy - 29 Feb 2012