Bentley Turbo R

Bentley Turbo R
Overview
Manufacturer	Bentley
Production	1985–1997 7,230 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 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)
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 (5,270 lb)
Chronology
Predecessor	Mulsanne Turbo
Successor	Turbo RT

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]

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 sub-frame 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.

Bentley Turbo R, rear view

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 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.^[6]

Turbo S

In 1995, the Bentley Turbo S was announced as a strictly limited model, with envisaged production as less than 100 units. Effectively a stop-gap model before the introduction of the Bentley Arnage, just 60 units were produced, 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, output 385 hp (287 kW). The same engine was fitted to 12 Bentley Continental S, and 3 to 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 miles per hour (249 km/h).^[7][8]

Replacement

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.^[6]

Production

• Original Turbo R: 5864
  • Short wheelbase: 4653
  • Long wheelbase: 1211
• New Turbo R: 1366
  • Short wheelbase: 543
  • Long wheelbase: 823

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Bentley Turbo R.

External links

• Jay Leno's 1989 Bentley Turbo R