Bentley Turbo R

Bentley Turbo R
Manufacturer Bentley
Production 1985–1997
7,230 produced
Assembly Crewe, Cheshire, England
Predecessor Mulsanne Turbo
Successor Turbo RT
Body style 4-door sedan
Layout FR layout
Engine 6.75 L Bentley V8
Transmission 3-speed TH400 automatic
4-speed 4L80-E automatic
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 R: 5,369 mm (211.4 in)
Width 1985-1994: 2,006 mm (79.0 in)
1995-97: 2,110 mm (83 in)
Height 1,485 mm (58.5 in)
Kerb weight 2,390 kg (5,300 lb)
Related Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit

The Bentley Turbo R was a high-performance model produced by Bentley Motors Limited. The "R" stood for "roadholding", to set it apart from its predecessor.[1] It initially inherited the turbocharged engine from the Mulsanne Turbo and also sported a retuned suspension and wider tires on 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.[2]

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.[3] Development on improving handling had already begun when Mike Dunn was appointed engineering director in Crewe in February 1983, but instead of the proposed 10% increase in roll stiffness, he demanded 50%. This goal was met by upping the anti-roll bar rates by 100% in front and 60% in the rear, and by increasing the damping. A Panhard rod to anchor the rear suspension was also introduced, reducing side-to-side movement in corners.[3] Spring rates remained the same as on the Mulsanne.

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.

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.[3] In mid-1988 (MY 1989) changes to the appearance were made, introducing twin round headlamps and a bigger front spoiler.[4] 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.[5]

New Turbo R

A "New" Turbo R model was introduced in 1995. Changes included Zytek fuel injection and appearance modifications. There was also a special, 385 hp (287 kW) limited production Turbo S presented for 1995.[6] 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] 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]

Production

References

  1. ^ Wood, Jonathan (2001). Rolls-Royce & Bentley: Spirit of Excellence. Sparkford, Nr Yeovil, Somerset: Haynes. p. 141. ISBN 1-85960-692-X 
  2. ^ Phillip Bingham. "Bentley Turbo R". Motor Trend (February 1989): 97–100. 
  3. ^ a b c Wood, p. 142
  4. ^ Wood, p. 143
  5. ^ Wood, p. 144
  6. ^ Wood, p. 145
  7. ^ a b Wood, p. 146

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