Bentley Turbo R

Last updated

Bentley Turbo R
C13MPW 1985 Bentley Turbo R.jpg
Overview
Manufacturer Bentley
Production
  • 19851997
  •  7,230 produced
  • 1997–1999 (Turbo RT)
  •  252 produced
Assembly Crewe, Cheshire, England
Body and chassis
Body style 4-door sedan
Layout FR layout
Related Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit
Powertrain
Engine 6.75 L turbo 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)
Length1985-1992 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)
WidthBody: 1,890 mm (74.4 in)
Including mirrors
1985-1994: 2,006 mm (79.0 in)
1995-97: 2,110 mm (83 in)
Height1,485 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 Bentley Motors Limited from 1985 to 1999. The "R" stood for "roadholding", to set it apart from its predecessor. [2] It initially inherited the turbocharged engine from the Mulsanne Turbo and also sported a retuned suspension and wider tyres on aluminium alloy wheels, a first for a Bentley. From the 1987 model year (20,000 series chassis numbers), however, the Turbo R's V8 engine was retuned with fuel injection for added torque. Motor Trend called the Turbo R "the first Bentley in decades deserving of the famous name" in their review of the car on its introduction to the United States in 1989. [3]

Contents

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. [4] Development on improving handling had already begun when Mike Dunn was appointed engineering director in Crewe in February 1983, but instead of the proposed ten per cent increase in roll stiffness, he demanded 50%. This goal was met by upping the anti-roll bar rates by 100 per cent in front and 60 per cent in the rear, and by increasing the damping. A panhard rod to anchor the rear sub-frame was also introduced, reducing side-to-side movement in corners. [4] Spring rates remained the same as on the Mulsanne.

Bentley Turbo R, rear view Bentley Turbo R 1.jpg
Bentley Turbo R, rear view

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 torque. Priced at US$195,000 in the US market, the Turbo R slotted above the Bentley Mulsanne S and Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit but $39,000 below the Rolls-Royce Silver Spur.[ citation needed ]

Bentley Turbo R Interior 1990 Bentley Turbo R - Flickr - The Car Spy (12).jpg
Bentley Turbo R Interior

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 Bosch MK-Motronic fuel injection to replace the Solex carburetors. Other modifications carried out at the same time included new, slimmer sports seats and a higher rear axle ratio. [4] In mid-1988 (MY 1989) changes to the appearance were made, introducing twin round headlamps and a bigger front spoiler. [5] Around the turn of the year between 1991 and 1992, GM's 4L80-E four-speed automatic transmission replaced the long running three-speed Turbo Hydramatic 400 throughout the Bentley/Rolls-Royce lineup, including the Turbo R. [6]

New Turbo R

A "New" Turbo R model was introduced in 1993 for the 1994 model year. Changes included Zytek fuel injection and appearance modifications. There was also a special version for the German market, the "Turbo R Sport", which featured the Continental T's sporty alloys and carbon-fibre, rather than walnut, panels inside. [7]

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 Bentley Arnage, just 60 units were produced making it the rarest of the Bentley SZ Series of cars, distributed across selected European, Middle Eastern and Asian markets and customers only. The engine termed a Blackpool version used Bosch Motronic fuel injection and digital ignition derived from Formula 1 technology, and with a larger exhaust driven Garrett AirResearch turbocharger with intercooler. It had a power output of 408 hp (304 kW; 414 PS). The Blackpool engine was also fitted to twelve Bentley Continental S, and to three special build Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit S. The car was fitted with a viscous differential, and with both new 255/55WR17 tyres and traction control fitted, permitted a top speed of 155 mph (249 km/h). [8] [9]

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

Bentley Turbo RT Turbo RT.jpg
Bentley 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]

One of 56 Bentley Turbo RT Mulliner Bentley Turbo RT.jpg
One of 56 Bentley Turbo RT Mulliner

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

Related Research Articles

Bentley Motors Limited is a British designer, manufacturer and marketer of luxury cars and SUVs. Headquartered in Crewe, England, the company was founded by W. O. Bentley (1888–1971) in 1919 in Cricklewood, North London, and became widely known for winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1924, 1927, 1928, 1929 and 1930. Bentley has been a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group since 1998 and consolidated under VW's premium brand arm Audi since 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bentley Arnage</span> British luxury car

The Bentley Arnage is a full-size luxury car manufactured by Bentley Motors in Crewe, England, from 1998 to 2010. The Arnage and its Rolls-Royce-branded sibling, the Silver Seraph, were introduced in the spring of 1998. They were the first entirely new designs for the two marques since 1980.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bentley Continental GT</span> Motor vehicle

The Bentley Continental GT is a grand touring car manufactured and marketed by the British company Bentley Motors since 2003. A two-door coupé or convertible, it was the first new Bentley released after the company's acquisition by Volkswagen AG in 1998, and the first Bentley to employ mass production manufacturing techniques. It was later joined by the Bentley Continental Flying Spur, a four-door saloon car variant.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud</span> Luxury saloon produced by Rolls-Royce

The Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud is a luxury automobile produced by Rolls-Royce Limited from April 1955 to March 1966. It was the core model of the Rolls-Royce range during that period. The Silver Cloud replaced the Silver Dawn and was, in turn, replaced by the Silver Shadow. The John P. Blatchley design was a major change from the pre-war models and the highly derivative Silver Dawn. As part of a range rationalisation, the Bentley S1 was made essentially identical, apart from its radiator grille and badging.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph</span> Motor vehicle

The Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph is a large luxury automobile produced by Rolls-Royce Motors from 1998 to 2002. First unveiled on 3 March 1998 at the Geneva Motor Show, it replaced the Silver Spirit, which ended production in 1997. Silver Seraph production was discontinued when the licence to use the Rolls-Royce marque was sold to BMW, which began manufacture of an unrelated line of vehicles under a new corporation, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bentley Flying Spur (2005)</span> British luxury motor vehicle

The Bentley Flying Spur, known as the Bentley Continental Flying Spur before 2013, is a full-sized luxury car produced by Bentley Motors Limited since 2005. It is the four-door saloon variant of the Bentley Continental GT two-door coupé.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bentley T-series</span> Motor vehicle

The Bentley T-series is a luxury automobile produced by Bentley Motors Limited in the United Kingdom from 1965 to 1980. It was announced and displayed for the first time at the Paris Motor Show on 5 October 1965 as a Bentley-badged version of the totally redesigned Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rolls-Royce Corniche (2000)</span> High-end convertible car

The Rolls-Royce Corniche V is a high end, two-door, four-seater luxury convertible car, that was produced in the United Kingdom from 1999 until 2002.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bentley Mulsanne (1980–1992)</span> Motor vehicle

The Bentley Mulsanne is a large (performance) luxury saloon produced by Bentley Motors from 1980 until 1992, though derivative models including the Continental T and Azure continued in production into the 2000s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bentley Continental R</span> Grand tourer manufactured by British automobile manufacturer Bentley Motors from 1991 to 2003

The Bentley Continental R is a luxury coupé manufactured by British automobile manufacturer Bentley Motors from 1991 to 2003. It was the first Bentley to feature a body not shared with a Rolls-Royce model since the 1965 S3 Continental and was the first to use the GM 4L80-E transmission. The Continental R was the fastest, most expensive, and most powerful Bentley automobile of its day. It was also the most expensive production car in the world at its introduction. A convertible derivative, called the Bentley Azure, was launched in 1995.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bentley Brooklands</span> Motor vehicle

Bentley Brooklands is the name of two distinct models produced by British automobile manufacturer Bentley Motors. The first Brooklands was a full-size luxury saloon, launched in 1992 to replace the Bentley Mulsanne and in turn succeeded by the Bentley Arnage in 1998.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit</span> Motor vehicle

The Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit is a full-size luxury car produced by Rolls-Royce Motors, in Crewe, England, from 1980 to 1997. It was the first model in the SZ series. The Silver Spur is a long-wheelbase version of the Silver Spirit, produced from 1980 to 2000. It was the first car to feature a retractable Spirit of Ecstasy: the spring-loaded mascot sank into the radiator shell if dislodged from its position.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rolls-Royce Corniche</span> Motor vehicle

The Rolls-Royce Corniche is a two-door, front-engine, rear wheel drive luxury car produced by Rolls-Royce Motors as a hardtop coupé and as a convertible.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rolls-Royce Phantom II</span> Ultra-luxury flagship automobile in its second generation

The Rolls-Royce Phantom II was the third and last of Rolls-Royce's 40/50 hp models, replacing the New Phantom in 1929. It used an improved version of the New Phantom engine in an all-new chassis. A "Continental" version, with a short wheelbase and stiffer springs, was offered.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bentley Azure</span> British series of convertible cars

The Bentley Azure is a four-seater convertible grand tourer produced by British automobile manufacturer Bentley Motors. The first version debuted in 1995 on the Bentley Continental R platform and was made until 2003. After a three-year break, a completely new version debuted in 2006 and was produced until 2010. It was powered by a significantly updated engine and based on the newer Arnage platform.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bentley Mulsanne (2010)</span> British full-size luxury car

The Mulsanne is a full-size luxury car that was manufactured and marketed by British automaker Bentley Motors from March 2010 to June 2020. It served as the flagship automobile for the company during its production run. Honorifically, the Mulsanne was referred to as "The Grand Bentley" during its development.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bentley Crewe</span> Bentley Motor company office and factory

Bentley Crewe, also named the Pyms Lane site after the street it is located on; is the headquarters and design and manufacturing centre of Bentley Motors Limited on the outskirts of Crewe, Cheshire, England. The site covers an area of 521,111 m2 (5,609,190 sq ft), of which 166,930 m2 (1,796,800 sq ft) is indoors.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rolls-Royce–Bentley L-series V8 engine</span> Automotive engine

The Rolls-Royce–Bentley L-series V8 engine is an engine introduced in 1959. Built in Crewe, it was used on most Rolls-Royce and Bentley automobiles in the four decades after its introduction, with its final application being the Bentley Mulsanne which ended production in 2020.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bentley Brooklands Coupé</span> Motor vehicle

The Bentley Brooklands Coupé is a two-door hardtop coupé version of the Bentley Azure convertible. As a hand-assembled car made in very small numbers, employing traditional coach-building techniques and craftsmanship skills in wood and leather, the Brooklands Coupé is the true successor to the discontinued Bentley Continental R and T. Lifetime production was limited 550 cars, and deliveries started in the first half of 2008, with the car being discontinued three years later.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Volkswagen-Audi V8 engine</span> Reciprocating internal combustion engine

The Volkswagen-Audi V8 engine family is a series of mechanically similar, gasoline-powered and diesel-powered, V-8, internal combustion piston engines, developed and produced by the Volkswagen Group, in partnership with Audi, since 1988. They have been used in various Volkswagen Group models, and by numerous Volkswagen-owned companies. The first spark-ignition gasoline V-8 engine configuration was used in the 1988 Audi V8 model; and the first compression-ignition diesel V8 engine configuration was used in the 1999 Audi A8 3.3 TDI Quattro. The V8 gasoline and diesel engines have been used in most Audi, Volkswagen, Porsche, Bentley, and Lamborghini models ever since. The larger-displacement diesel V8 engine configuration has also been used in various Scania commercial vehicles; such as in trucks, buses, and marine (boat) applications.

References

  1. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 25 November 2010. Retrieved 6 November 2018.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  2. Wood, Jonathan (2001). Rolls-Royce & Bentley: Spirit of Excellence. Sparkford, Nr Yeovil, Somerset: Haynes. p. 141. ISBN   1-85960-692-X.
  3. Bingham, Phillip. "Bentley Turbo R". Motor Trend (February 1989): 97–100.
  4. 1 2 3 Wood, p. 142
  5. Wood, p. 143
  6. Wood, p. 144
  7. 1 2 3 Wood, p. 146
  8. Wood, p. 145
  9. "Bentley Turbo S". RRABrrab.com. Retrieved 19 March 2012.
  10. 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.
  11. Wood, p. 147