Obviously 752lb ft of torque just isn't enough for some people. That's what the standard
Bentley Mulsanne
makes do with - poor thing - and there's been enough customer demand for a mega-saloon with an even dafter output that the company has finally created a Speed version. With an altogether more acceptable 811lb ft.
55 years old, pushrods, turbos, 530hp
The Mulsanne Speed makes its official debut at the Paris motor show next month, and will be powered by the brawniest iteration so far of Bentley's practically pensionable 6.75-litre V8, with the stonking torque figure now accompanied by a claimed 530hp - 25hp more than the standard Mulsanne. This is a development of the L-series engine that Rolls-Royce launched back in 1959, remember, and although much has changed in the subsequent five-and-a-half decades, not least the addition of twin turbochargers, it still operates its valves via pushrods.
The V8 has also been cleaned up to meet Euro 6 emissions, securing its medium-term future, although it still does without direct injection. Redesigned pistons and combustion chambers have also boosted economy by a claimed 13 per cent, boosting the Speed to a dizzying 19.3mpg on the official combined cycle. The cost of fuel is probably only a peripheral concern to your typical Mulsanne buyer, but Bentley emphasises the 50 miles of extra range the Speed should squeeze from its monster 96-litre tank. The standard Mulsanne will get the same revised engine and economy boost, although Bentley claims its power output remains unchanged.
Visual changes over Mulsanne subtle
Don't expect a huge difference in dynamic behaviour between Speed and standard Mulsanne. We're told that the Speed's 'Sport' suspension mode is firmer, and it also gets a more aggressive 'Sport' setting for the eight-speed automatic transmission, which ensures the engine stays above 2,000rpm to minimise turbo lag. But despite that, this remains a car that's designed to deliver effortless wafting.
Visual changes are subtle. The Speed gets a slight dark tint to its lights, and black steel mesh for its intake grills. The 21-inch wheels are also 'handed' - different right and left - with each one reportedly machined from a single billet of alloy.
If you're interested it's yours for £252,200 - a £24,000 supplement over the standard Mulsanne. It won't be Bentley's quickest saloon - Flying Spur W12 beats both its claimed 4.8-second 0-60mph time and 190mph top speed - but it will be the most exclusive.