Frankfurt Motor Show 2009
Bentley - Mulsanne
The Mulsanne is an all-new replacement of Bentley’s flagship model, the Arnage. Director of styling Dirk van Braeckel and his team worked closely with existing Arnage customers throughout the design process. As Van Braeckel explains, ‘they were very concerned about the car being recognisable as the new top model and not be mistaken for a [Bentley] Continental.
The first step was to come up with a different 'face'. Round headlamps have featured prominently in Bentley's history, but the design team updated the look with the addition of secondary lamps, creating a front end that is classically handsome but has a modern twist. The bespoke limousine follows the classic four-door saloon format, with a swooping rear end and strong muscular shoulders accentuated towards the back. Typical of a Bentley there is a short front overhang, large wheels and a generous distance between front axle and A-pillar.
Inside, craftsmanship is very much in evidence. It's also a place to retreat from the public eye. ‘When you step into the back of the car you sit behind the door opening line and behind the pillar edge so you have a lot of privacy,’ says van Braeckel. This helps the cabin seem compact from the exterior.
The car is largely hand built: it takes 420 hours to build one Mulsanne, 170 hours of which is spent on the interior alone. Laying out all the veneer for the wood trim takes two weeks. ‘Everything is hand made which opens up so many possibilities for design. On the body the only shut lines we have are on the bonnet. The doors and the boot everything else is integrated. It is like one big sculpture.’
The Mulsanne will be driven by an upgraded version of the Arnage's 6.75-litre V8 driving the rear wheels.
Sales start in 2010. Price: To be confirmed
www.bentleymotors.com
The Mulsanne is an all-new replacement of Bentley’s flagship model, the Arnage. Director of styling Dirk van Braeckel and his team worked closely with existing Arnage customers throughout the design process. As Van Braeckel explains, ‘they were very concerned about the car being recognisable as the new top model and not be mistaken for a [Bentley] Continental.
The first step was to come up with a different 'face'. Round headlamps have featured prominently in Bentley's history, but the design team updated the look with the addition of secondary lamps, creating a front end that is classically handsome but has a modern twist. The bespoke limousine follows the classic four-door saloon format, with a swooping rear end and strong muscular shoulders accentuated towards the back. Typical of a Bentley there is a short front overhang, large wheels and a generous distance between front axle and A-pillar.
Inside, craftsmanship is very much in evidence. It's also a place to retreat from the public eye. ‘When you step into the back of the car you sit behind the door opening line and behind the pillar edge so you have a lot of privacy,’ says van Braeckel. This helps the cabin seem compact from the exterior.
The car is largely hand built: it takes 420 hours to build one Mulsanne, 170 hours of which is spent on the interior alone. Laying out all the veneer for the wood trim takes two weeks. ‘Everything is hand made which opens up so many possibilities for design. On the body the only shut lines we have are on the bonnet. The doors and the boot everything else is integrated. It is like one big sculpture.’
The Mulsanne will be driven by an upgraded version of the Arnage's 6.75-litre V8 driving the rear wheels.
Sales start in 2010. Price: To be confirmed
www.bentleymotors.com
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cars 30 Sep 2009
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