2005 Bently Arnage Rl Sedan**prem Sound**navi**auto Leveling**chromes** on 2040-cars

Auto blog

The next Bentley Mulsanne could go all-electric

How many Bentleys are sold in China, anyway?* That's a question worth asking after the company said it will consider switching the powertrain of its uber-luxe sedan Mulsanne to all-electric from its current gas-guzzling V8 setup. Such a switch would be in the name of adhering to stricter greenhouse-gas emissions limits, especially in countries like China. Bentley executive Hans Holzgartner told Autocar that the company may soon have problems selling a V8-powered Mulsanne in China because government regulators are attempting to push for more zero-emissions vehicles to combat smog problems in the country's largest cities. Oddly, Holzgartner said an electric powertrain is "better suited" to heavier luxury cars than lighter sports cars because of an electric motor's smooth, instant delivery of torque. With the Mulsanne already priced north of $300,000 in the US, passing on the costs of such a huge battery pack will probably be less of an issue than for more typically-priced models. Of course, there would be a ton (almost literally) of battery cells involved. The Mulsanne tips the scales at almost 6,000 pounds, or almost twice the weight of a Nissan Leaf and about 25 percent more than a Tesla Model S. For those curious how the one-percenters live, take a look at Autoblog's recent drive of a Mulsanne Speed. Since this is just being studied at this point, it's possible the next Mulsanne could get a battery-electric or plug-in hybrid version for certain markets, while others would retain a gas engine or offer a choice. Assuming it keeps the gas option, the next Mulsanne will reportedly to switch to a twelve-cylinder engine, likely a version of the Volkswagen Group's W12. As for green cred, let's just say the Mulsanne's couldn't be much worse. Earlier this year, the Mulsanne showed up on the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy's (ACEEE) annual list of "meanest" vehicles when it came to environmental sustainability. The Bentley was rated the fourth-meanest vehicle sold in the US, following the Mercedes-Benz G65 AMG, the Chevrolet G2500 Express/GMC Savana, and the Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG. The EPA rates the Mulsanne's fuel efficiency at an absolutely gasoline-swilling 13 miles per gallon combined. * If you're curious, Bentley sold 1,615 cars in China last year. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2017 Bentley Mulsanne: First Drive View 24 Photos News Source: Autocar via Hybrid CarsImage Credit: Drew Phillips Green Bentley Electric

2022 Bentley Flying Spur Mulliner ramps the opulence up even higher

It wouldn’t be a Monterey Car Week if Bentley didnÂ’t show us something extravagant and extremely expensive. So here it is: The Flying Spur Mulliner. This Flying Spur is just another version of the model, but any powertrain can be paired with the Mulliner spec. That means you can get the V8, W12 or the recently introduced V6 hybrid model done up in the full Mulliner guise. And it is only a Mulliner guise, too, as this special Bentley is all about appearance and nothing else. WeÂ’ll start on the exterior. Bentley starts with a unique “Double Diamond” front and lower chrome grille. Flanking this, we have special Mulliner-branded side wing vents. The mirror caps are painted in Satin Silver, and you get jewel fuel and oil caps. Capping all this off are Mulliner-exclusive 22-inch wheels that feature a polished gray finish and self-leveling wheel caps. Things get downright decadent when you move inside the Flying Spur Mulliner. YouÂ’re instantly greeted with illuminated Mulliner sill plates and extra deep-pile Mulliner overmats. The dash and seats are treated to unique Mulliner embroidery and colored accent piping. YouÂ’ll also have the choice between eight custom three-color interior combinations. The example shown in photos here is called Ascot, which is a combination of Imperial Blue, Camel (the tan leather) and white piping. ItÂ’s rather fitting for a show by the ocean. If you want something with bolder three-color combos, Bentely suggests either Flare or Sirius. And since this is a Mulliner, the typically optional Mulliner Driving Specification comes standard. This includes diamond quilting for the leather seats and BentleyÂ’s fancy 3-D leather trim on the doors. You also get special diamond-milled design finishes done to the front and center console. Plus, the Breitling clock is front and center. Mulliner-specific touches extend to the digital instrument cluster in front of you, as it features special Mulliner graphics. And backseat passengers will enjoy a treat in the form of electrically-operated picnic tables. Those veneered tables deploy with just the press of a button and feature multiple levels, with one hiding a leather surface and a pen. Owners of the Flying Spur Mulliner will also get unique leather-bound keys in a special presentation box that matches the interior color combination of the car. Both pricing and availability of the Mulliner were not made immediately available, but expect it to be extra-expensive and available to order soon.

Porsche to develop new line of engines for next Panamera

When the second generation of the four-door Porsche Panamera launches, it will likely be riding a new platform, complete with an all-new family of V6 and V8 engines, according to a report coming out of the UK.
Autocar reports that the so-called MSB platform will likely underpin the Panamera, and it could be shared with Bentley, provided the Volkswagen-owned, British-built brand commits to the architecture. As for the engines, it's reported that they'll have a sportier character than the V6s and V8s being built for Volkswagen and Audi's vehicles.
"Porsche will have its own new V8 that will be common to the new MSB platform," Porsche's chief engineer, Wolfgang Hatz, said. "It's a family for the next 10 years of cars." Whether the V8 and V6 will be used outside of the Panamera line, though, remains unclear. There's also no mention of what place turbocharging would have with the new engines.