AUTOMOTIVE 37
Approaching and opening either door reveals the other Mulliner design features – mirror caps in either satin silver or black with Mulliner Welcome Lamps beneath , and illuminated outer door sills with Mulliner text .
The GT family now spans a range of models each with a different emphasis , to make customer choice easier . The Azure range is for those prioritising wellbeing and on-board comfort , while those customers wishing to concentrate on driving pleasure can specify the new V8-powered GT S . Going one step further , the W12-powered Speed is the pure drivers car , delivering exceptional dynamic performance and no expense to grand touring ability . Above all these sits the Mulliner .
The new GT Mulliner W12 will be on display at this year ’ s Goodwood Festival of Speed , where it will take to the hill along with three members of the new S range . Joining these modern road-going products on the hillclimb will be the first car in Bentley ’ s Blower Continuation Series , Blower Car Zero .
PHYSICS-BENDING PERFORMANCE
The Continental GT Mulliner W12 is equipped with an uprated version of Bentley ’ s renowned 6.0-litre W12 TSI engine , delivering 659 PS ( 650 bhp ) – a 4 per cent increase of 24 PS over the standard W12 model – whilst maintaining an extraordinary 900 Nm ( 664 lb . ft ) of torque .
With exceptional handling , this results in a top speed of 208 mph ( 335 km / h ) and 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds ( 0-100 km / h in 3.6 seconds ), a reduction of 0.1 seconds .
A combination of four chassis technologies give the new Mulliner model a level of agility , performance and ride quality that has been stretched to new levels .
Bentley Dynamic Ride and three-chamber active air suspension with adaptive damping play a key role in the balance of the car and provide a formidable foundation to build upon . The optional and newly-developed Carbon Ceramic Brakes , Variable Electronic Stability Control , All Wheel Steering , and an Electronic Limited Slip Differential bolster the agility and performance even further .
Combining the new systems delivers Bentley ’ s philosophy that a vehicle should feel progressive and secure , yet still be dynamic . To achieve this philosophy in BENTLEY and COMFORT mode , overall grip is balanced between the front and rear wheels , while in SPORT this mode has been calibrated with a more rear-biased torque – split in all driving scenarios .
Issue 53 2022 THE ART OF LUXURY