Review: 2011 Bentley Mulsanne

Do not press the start button. Take a deep breath. Enjoy the craftsmanship. Take it all in.
Start with the examination of the four polished bright organ-stop vent piston. The stainless steel studs located high on the dash are easy to miss a passing glance. However, each is charged with the important role of air power by shutting down one of the bulls eye vents. Decades ago, would have a smooth metal rods connected directly to the mechanical valve. Today, cut through with the physical connection between technology, sends a series of electronic micro-switch orders digital servos that treat the job. Understanding the importance of the ancient tactile mechanical movement, Bentley engineers meticulously the positive feedback of a polished steel rod just slides over smooth pull a soft leather flap felt replicated. Their performance is anything but flawless.
Commissioned to build a completely new flagship captures the essence of the brand Bentley - let the engineers and designers in Crewe nothing to chance - incomparably coach-built luxury and passion for performance and speed. The result is the 2011 Bentley Mulsanne.Electronics manage almost every aspect of the venerable 6.75-liter V8 of the Mulsanne, the firing order, the delivery of fuel. It Swirls systematically to life and immediately settled in a near-silent idle.
In contrast to the Onyx-over-saddle right-hand drive model we drove in the UK last year, these North American-spec Mulsanne Sapphire Pale color with a cashew interior (French Navy with contrasting color). The base price for all models is $ 285,000 (plus $ 2,595 destination), but a standard Mulsanne is outrageous. This model has a smattering of options, including 21-inch two-piece Polished Sport Wheels ($ 6.315), Naim Premium Audio ($ 7,415), Seat Ventilation & Massage ($ 3,000), Burr Oak Veneer ($ 4630), Adaptive Cruise Control feature (3270 $) and a flying 'B' hood ornament. Add in more attention, such as Ambient Interior Mood Lighting ($ 390) and a valet key ($ 250), and the bottom line on this gorgeous beauty is a bold $ 330,195. Let us assure you that the 2011 Bentley Mulsanne worth every single cent copper, galvanized by a third of a million dollars.
Wrap your hand around the polished stainless steel door handles (the inner sides have a tactile knurling to the finger tips of joy) and give it a firm tug. The door slides open and the interior spills out so that the flavor intense bouquet of a fine wine like. Bentley back its traditional tanning the hides in the Mulsanne cabin. The result is a rich and aromatic leather balm is different "painted" stands out from the synthetic leather smell in the car is most car interiors.The consuming and costly to treat, both driver-and passenger-focused. The steering wheel is not particularly meaty or sculptures, but the structure, grip and feel of the leather is so silky, it need not be. The twelve-way power-operated heated and massaging seats are as comfortable as your favorite chair, but without excessive reinforcement, and provide overly generous front-and-aft travel by rail. The eddy-liquefaction seat massage function should be illegal while the vehicle is in motion - its rhythmic pulsations could make an Insomniac unconscious on Red Bull at high noon.
Primary instrumentation is clear, but the many smaller "glass" buttons on the center console and center console will require some training (but so is your kitchen's spice rack). With the engine purring on the other side of the firewall, the eight-inch screen with high resolution awakens from its resting position behind a veneer plate in the middle of the dashboard and displays an easy-to-read version of the Audi Multi Media Interface. But it's hard to say.
Bentley's are designed around the driver, but not to think that passengers are mistaken, a little too short for International First Class relegated. While the passenger enjoys the same accommodations as drivers, passengers can relax in the rear (two-plus-one houses) with eight-way electrically-operated heated and massaging seats with lumbar support and memory. Not only are there four separate zones in the vehicle documents Climate control, but the rear seat passengers can move the passenger seat out of the way (as was whether the generous legroom simply not good enough). The different controls are all elegantly out of the way hidden in the center back above armrest.The Motors basic architecture has been around since the 1960s, serving both Bentley and Rolls-Royce. Do not worry, as the famous "Six and three-quarter-liter" was updated several times in recent decades as Joan Rivers. Today, the all-aluminum engine has been completely revised, with new, lighter pistons, connecting rods and forged camshafts. New control systems management of the twin-turbo engine includes variable valve timing and lift.
Bentley provides that the engine now produces 505 hp at 4,200 rpm - and the least impressive part of the story. More significant is the devilish (and insane) min 752-pound-feet of torque at 1,750 rpm. Somehow, commendably toleration of power is a standard is a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel "paddles" for manual control. According to the automaker will achieve the Mulsanne Sedan 60 hours miles from a standing start in just 5.1 seconds. Keep your foot down to 11.6 seconds and the 5,700-pound four-door will be 100 mph hit (despite toting nearly twice the weight, the buffed beauty is faster than a Porsche Cayman S).
Once on the road, the sound of the engine and the exhaust system is extremely attenuated during steady driving, as if the engine is somehow in the vacuum of space. The lack of engine noise on the highway is scary, but understandable. As mentioned, the Mulsanne the first car in its segment to boast variable - valves close in four of the cylinders to maximize fuel economy during cruising. The drive train feature is not new, as many car manufacturers so-called "cylinder deactivation" technology over the years have adopted. However, we have never experienced such a transparent transition 4:00 to 8:00 cylinders operations (if Bentley had not put it in the written press release, we would not swear it happens). As a driver the car Bentley has made special provisions for those who want to change found behind the wheel suspension and steering responses to a rotary switch near the shift lever. Of the four modes (Bentley, Sport, Comfort and Custom), we found "Bentley", the preferred set of reports that the automaker engineers, since the choice selection. It seems an admirable balance between the chassis and unnecessary hardship offer swimmers. We stumbled potholes seem big enough to jump a motorcycle stage - the Mulsanne slid over each with poise and dignity.
When the road turned twisty, shaking the Bentley does not have. Despite its mass and weight, the flagship sedan handled impressively. We spent countless hours back on small two lane roads all the time amazed at how well the nearly three-ton Mulsanne himself. Although not directly marketed as such, would undoubtedly embarrassed the Mulsanne the majority of the self-proclaimed "sports sedan" in the market today. And then there is the immense power.
Wheel spin from a standstill is a breeze, but it is rather inappropriate (such as carriage wheels of 60-year-old women, regardless of their physical appearance). It is appropriate to show some restraint and leave with a gentle walk.
Instead, press the accelerator down about a third of his journey while driving on the highway and something emerges from the depths. An audible sound may not unlike that of a prehistoric mammoth in a grumpy old oak whiskey barrel is taken from the other side of the firewall. A low and deep curse is removed, but with authority. The change in pitch is heard by the entire front end of the Mulsanne lifting a few fractions of an inch, because all that weight back accompanied transfers. Then, without further ado, the big sedan is scored on the highway. The experience leaves surrounding vehicles in the distance, and grinning from ear in the Bentley-to-expected ear.As, with the Mulsanne powerful brakes. His iron rotors (two piece units) are 15.75 cm in diameter in front with six-piston calipers and 14.60 inches in the rear with two-piston calipers. The optional 21-inch wheels carry 265/45ZR21 Performance Rubber, affording the four-door a lot of liability. Stomp the brakes and the nose drops as the weight shifts forward (together with all other). Delay before testing, cinch belts fastened and secure loose items in the cabin. The brakes are very effective.
Without question, the Bentley Mulsanne offers an exceptional driving experience - as great as one would expect, particularly given its high price. The big four-door car is comfortable on the highway and capable in the corners. It accelerates quickly and bleeds the speed without drama. However, the mechanical operation of the machine is only part of his charm. There is so much more than adept transportation.The Bentley Mulsanne is almost a century of automotive history alcove. This heritage is deeply rooted in the aluminum body panels, concealed stainless steel jewelry and colored leather. Countless hours are trained in sewing, upholstery, hand-polishing and painstaking review of each pore.
The Bentley Mulsanne, probably the world's best luxury car is a piece of rolling art. It reflects the unique character, individuality, passion and financial value. The hand-made limousine, speaks volumes about his behind the wheel, but it's not a single word.