What's all this about?
Bentley has given the Mulsanne a good going over, resulting in a sportier Speed version.
Sportier?
Aw, come on, be fair - sure, trying to make something as big as the Mulsanne handle well is tough, but Bentley has certainly given it a good go.
How?
The 6.75-litre V8 engine has been increased in output from 512hp and 1,020Nm to 537hp and 1,100Nm. This allows the big beast to achieve 62mph from rest in 4.9 seconds before going on to a credible 190mph top speed.
But the Mulsanne was never slow in the first place. Is it just a power upgrade?
No, the gearbox has been recalibrated to be sharper shifting, plus it can hold on to revs above 2,000rpm in 'S'-mode to keep the turbos spinning - think of it as a really posh version of anti-lag. Also, the Mulsanne's air suspension has a 'Sport' setting, to ensure Carruthers can get his lordship to the polo match on time, even if the roads on the way are winding.
Hmm. And how much fuel does it use?
A grand 13 per cent less than before, equating to an extra 50 miles of range. The Speed's V8 has a totally redesigned combustion system - including the combustion chamber, inlet ports, fuel injectors, spark plugs and its compression ratio - to help make it EU6 compliant. It can run as a V4 under light loads via cylinder deactivation tech, while it emits just... er... 342g/km CO2.
Anything else I should be looking out for?
There are dark tinted mesh grilles and light clusters on the Speed, as well as subtle badging on its flanks and twin rifled tailpipes. The interior comes in two-tone finishes and the whole exterior paint range has some new colours added, including Candy Red from the Continental GT Speed and another hue called Camel. Some luxurious toys are fitted inside, including a Naim sound system and rear seat entertainment.
Phew. When can I order one?
The car will be revealed at the Paris Motor Show in October and then first deliveries commence this winter. Which, we think you'll all agree, is the perfect season to get to know a two-tonne-plus car with 1,100Nm...
Matt Robinson - 16 Sep 2014