How much torque is too much in a car? If Bentley’s new Mulsanne Speed is any indication, revealed ahead of this year’s Paris Motor Show, there is simply no such thing.
Powered by a twin-turbocharged 6.75-litre V8, the Mulsanne Speed has been tuned to produce 530 horsepower and an absolutely ridiculous 811 lb.-ft. of torque. Available as early as 1,750 RPM, the Mulsanne Speed’s total torque output eclipses most, if not all of today’s muscle cars off the showroom floor and even a handful of 3/4-ton pickups.
2015 Bentley Mulsanne Speed.
Handout, Bentley
Given its 2,710-kilogram curb weight, the added horsepower and torque pull the Muslanne Speed from a stand still to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds before topping out at 305 km/h. Power is sent to the ground via an eight-speed automatic transmission, and Bentley even claims the Mulsanne Speed is equipped with cylinder deactivation and is 13 per cent more efficient than its predecessor, rated at 12 MPG in the city and 19 on the highway, or 14 combined.
2015 Bentley Mulsanne Speed.
Handout, Bentley
From the outside, there isn’t much differentiating it from the “lesser” Mulsanne. The Mulsanne Speed sees darker grille inserts, unique wheels and, of course, ‘Speed’ badges. Inside, the only bits unique to the Mulsanne Speed are piano black and carbon fibre trim pieces.
Bentley hasn’t announced pricing for the 2015 Mulsanne Speed, but deliveries are expected to begin this winter. It will also make an appearance at this year’s Paris Motor Show, set to kick off on Oct. 2.
