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Bentley to retire aging 6.75-liter V8 with current Mulsanne

The massive 6.75-liter V8 in the Bentley Mulsanne is one of the oldest engines still in production. But it may not be around for much longer. According to Car and Driver, Bentley intends to finally put the big old pushrod V8 to pasture once the current Mulsanne is phased out, thus putting an end to a saga that goes back some 57 years. Powerful as it may be, ever-stricter exhaust emissions and fuel-consumption regulations will see that the L Series V8, originally introduced way back in 1957, doesn't stay in production forever. Whenever the Mulsanne is replaced, it will reportedly get a brand-new twelve-cylinder engine. Bentley is currently the world's largest producer of dozen-pot powerplants. Production of the British automaker's 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12 far outpaces anything from Rolls-Royce, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Ferrari, or Lamborghini. Over the decades since its introduction, Bentley's long-serving V8 has gone from making an "adequate" amount of power and torque to an impressive 530 horsepower and a positively massive 811 pound-feet (with the help of a couple of turbochargers). Its eventual discontinuation wouldn't be the first attempt on the life of the 6.75-liter engine. When BMW briefly took control of both Rolls and Bentley, it replaced the big engine by a smaller 4.4-liter V8. Customer demand led Bentley to bring the old engine back. It will likely be some time before we get details of Bentley's next powerplant. Models like the Mulsanne and Rolls-Royce Phantom tend to stick around for a long time, and the latest version of Bentley's flagship was just released earlier this year. Related Video:

Former Lamborghini designer reportedly headed to Hyundai

Luc Donckerwolke (pictured above) only left his position as the Director of Design for Bentley in early June, but he might have already had a new gig lined up as he was walking out the door. Donckerwolke is reportedly teaming up with former Volkswagen Group styling bigwig Peter Schreyer at Hyundai Motor, in a position to eventually take over the look of all of the Korean brands' vehicles. At the moment, this major hire for Hyundai and Kia is still just a rumor, though, and the Korean automaker is playing it close to the vest. Company spokesperson Jim Trainor tells Autoblog, "We do not comment on speculation concerning potential appointments." However, insiders tell Automotive News that the deal is the reason for Donckerwolke walking away from his long career among VW's brands. In Korea, Donckerwolke would hold a position under Schreyer at first, and he would take over Hyundai and Kia's design duties when Schreyer retires, which is expected in about two years. Donckerwolke joined the German automotive giant in 1992 and eventually came to define the modern look of Lamborghini by penning both the Murcielago and Gallardo. In 2011, he became the Head of Advanced Design for VW Group and took over styling duties at Bentley in 2012. Schreyer left a fruitful career at VW Group, including penning the original Audi TT, to join Kia in 2006. He gained the overall design duties for the Hyundai and Kia brands in 2012. Ousted VW Chairman Ferdinand Piech once said that he was regretful of losing the talented stylist. Related Video:

Finally, a Bentley Bentayga just for falconers

Bentley is a company that knows what its customers want. For a price, they will turn a customer's desires into a six-figure rolling testament to wealth and excess. Mulliner, Bentley's in-house coachbuilding division, will adapt and modify their products for any taste or hobby. If fly fishing is your thing, Bentley and Mulliner have you covered. If falconry is more up your alley - it is the sport of kings - Bentley has you covered there too. The new Bentley Bentayga Falconry by Mulliner is the perfect vehicle for any well-to-do falcon enthusiast. Not only does it have plenty of accessories and storage specifically tailored for falconers, the dash contains a beautiful, 430-piece wood inlay that displays a saker falcon soaring far above the desert. The scene took nine days to craft, undergoing cutting, sand shading, pressing, and double cutting. A wide variety of woods are used, including chestnut, eucalyptus pommele, holly, lacewood, maple, olive ash, and ripple sycamore. Up front, the Bentayga is fitted with a cork perch on the center console, flanked by the front seats. The hatch contains the real prize. Two cork chests - a flight station and a refreshment case - are fitted perfectly in the Bentayga's hatch. The pair sit on a movable tray for easier access. The flight station has a piano black veneer drawer that holds accessories like a GPS bird tracking unit, binoculars, and handcrafted leather bird hoods and gauntlets. These of course can be had as an additional option. Two additional perches are stored out back. With the hatch lifted, falcons can be prepared out back in the shade. All of this can be had for a price that's most likely far more than you probably think it is. Bentley isn't releasing numbers, but if you're buying a bespoke Bentayga, the cost is simply just another number. Related Video: Featured Gallery Bentley Bentayga Falconer View 37 Photos News Source: Bentley Design/Style Bentley SUV Luxury bentley bentayga