Bentley Turbo R
Bentley Turbo R | |
---|---|
Bentley V8 | |
Transmission | 3-speed TH400 automatic 4-speed 4L80-E automatic |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | 1985-1994 R: 3,061 mm (120.5 in) 1985-1994 RL & 1995-97 R: 3,161 mm (124.4 in) |
Length | 1985-1992 R: 5,278 mm (207.8 in) 1993-94 R: 5,268 mm (207.4 in) 1995-97 R: 5,395 mm (212.4 in) 1985-1992 Turbo RL: 5,379 mm (211.8 in) 1993-94 Turbo RL: 5,369 mm (211.4 in) |
Width | Body: 1,890 mm (74.4 in) Including mirrors 1985-1994: 2,006 mm (79.0 in) 1995-97: 2,110 mm (83 in) |
Height | 1,485 mm (58.5 in) |
Kerb weight | 2,450 kg (5,401 lb) [1] |
Chronology | |
Predecessor | Bentley Mulsanne Turbo |
Successor | Bentley Arnage |
The Bentley Turbo R is a high-performance automobile which was produced by
History
The suspension changes, though seemingly subtle, transformed the soft and less than well-controlled ride of the Mulsanne Turbo into that of a real performer.
Although official figures were never provided by Rolls-Royce, Motor Trend estimated power output at 221 kW (300 PS; 296 hp) with 660 N⋅m (486.8 lb⋅ft) of
The Turbo R was sold alongside the Mulsanne Turbo for a brief moment, but the Mulsanne was taken out of production in 1985. In October 1986, for the 1987 model year, the Turbo R received anti-lock brakes and new
New Turbo R
A "New" Turbo R model was introduced in 1993 for the 1994 model year. Changes included
Turbo S
In 1995, the Bentley Turbo S was announced as a strictly limited model, with envisaged production as fewer than 100 units. Effectively a stop-gap model before the introduction of the
In 1996 production of the short wheelbase Turbo R ended, leaving only the model hitherto sold as the Turbo RL - now known simply as the Turbo R. For 1998, the Turbo R was replaced by the sportier yet Turbo RT.[7]
Turbo RT
The Bentley Turbo RT was the last and most expensive of the Turbo R line. The Bentley RT came with a 400 bhp (298 kW; 406 PS) version of the 6.75 L V8 engine, as used in the Continental T, which is boosted by a single Garrett AiResearch T04 turbocharger and has a Zytek EMS3 engine management system. This was developed using Formula 1 racing technology, differing from earlier models with the 'Motronic' system. The RT is visually differentiated from other Bentley Turbo R models by its sport wheels, radiator mesh grille and colour-coded bumpers with bright mesh inserts. Performance was sufficient: with a top speed limited to 150 mph (241 km/h), the ultra-luxurious Turbo RT was as fast as the sporting German luxury saloons of the time.[7] The car's base price was US$211,600, or roughly US$65,000 more than the Turbo R.[citation needed]
The Turbo RT was produced during 1997 and 1998 only, with 252 units produced. It was essentially a "runout special", an effort to sell off the last SZ-style bodies before the introduction of the Arnage. A few even rarer editions of the RT were made:
The Bentley Turbo RT Olympian: in 1998, London dealer Jack Barclay agreed to have a small number of cars built to incorporate many special features. These are probably the rarest version of the RT - although not officially recognised as such, therefore the RT Mulliner commands a much higher premium. These were sold as the Bentley Turbo RT Olympian. They can be identified by the five-spoke alloy wheels (borrowed from the 'Mulliner' version) and the "Olympian" boot badge. It is estimated that only four examples of this version were ever built.[10]
The Bentley Turbo RT Mulliner: The Mulliner version, available only by special order for the 1998 model year, was even more exclusive and expensive.[11] It boasts a 420 bhp (313 kW; 426 PS) engine with a torque output of 634 lbft (861 Nm): this was achieved by developing a new compressor for the turbocharger, remapping the engine management system, and modifying the air intake system. Visually, Mulliners have more aerodynamic, rounded bumpers with prominent venting and often foglamps, as well as flared wings to accommodate the wider track and larger 18-inch alloy wheels, sitting on low-profile 255/55 tyres. Each car was built to individual specifications, with many sporting side and bonnet vents and also the smaller Mulliner rear windscreen. One popular feature in Mulliners is a prominent speedometer for the rear passengers.
Just 56 Mulliner editions were built (all in 1998), of which 17 are right-hand drive. Seven of the Mulliner editions built are to standard wheelbase specifications, and 49 are on the lengthened wheelbase.
Production
- Original Turbo R: 5864
- Short wheelbase: 4653
- Long wheelbase: 1211
- New Turbo R: 1366
- Short wheelbase: 543
- Long wheelbase: 823
- Turbo RT: 252
- Olympian: 4
- Mulliner Edition SWB: 7
- Mulliner Edition LWB: 49
References
- ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 25 November 2010. Retrieved 6 November 2018.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ISBN 1-85960-692-X.
- ^ Bingham, Phillip. "Bentley Turbo R". Motor Trend (February 1989): 97–100.
- ^ a b c Wood, p. 142
- ^ Wood, p. 143
- ^ Wood, p. 144
- ^ a b c Wood, p. 146
- ^ Wood, p. 145
- ^ "Bentley Turbo S". RRABrrab.com. Retrieved 19 March 2012.
- ^ Roßfeldt, K.-J. (December 2006). "Car of the Month - December 2006: Bentley Turbo RT "Olympian", 1998, #WCH66148". Rolls-Royce and Bentley: Photos, Reports and Books. rrab.com.
- ^ Wood, p. 147