Bentley Turbo R

Infobox Automobile
name = Bentley Turbo R
layout = FR layout


manufacturer = Bentley
parent_company = Vickers plc
production = 1985–1997
7230 produced
predecessor = Mulsanne Turbo
successor = Turbo RT
body_style = 4-door sedan
related = Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit
wheelbase = 1985-1994 R: 120.5 in (3061 mm)
1985-1994 RL & 1995-97 R: 124.5 in (3161 mm)
length = 1985-1992 R: 207.8 in (5278 mm)
1993-94 R: 207.4 in (5268 mm)
1995-97 R: 212.4 in (5395 mm)
1985-1992 Turbo RL: 211.8 in (5379 mm)
1993-94 Turbo R: 211.4 in (5369 mm)
width = 1985-1994: 79 in (2006 mm)
1995-97: 83.1 in (2110 mm)
height = 58.5 in (1485 mm)
weight = 5270 lb (2390 kg)
transmission = 3-sp "TH400" automatic
4-sp "4L80-E" automatic
engine = 6.75 L Rolls-Royce V8
assembly = Crewe, Cheshire, England

The Bentley Turbo R was a high-performance model produced by Bentley Motors Limited. It shared the Mulsanne's chassis, and inherited the turbocharged engine from the Mulsanne Turbo. However, the Turbo R's V8 engine was retuned with new Bosch MK-Motronic fuel injection for added torque. It also sported a retuned suspension and wider tires on alloy wheels, a first for a Bentley. "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.ref|MT89

The suspension changes, though seemingly subtle, transformed the heavy car into a real performer. Anti-roll bar rates were increased 60% front and 80% rear and tuned dampers were added. A Panhard rod was also introduced, reducing side-to-side movement in corners. Spring rates remained the same as on the Mulsanne.

Although official figures were never provided by Rolls-Royce, Motor Trend estimated power output at 297 hp (221 kW) with 487 ft·lbf (660 N·m) of torque.

Priced at US$145,000, the Turbo R slotted above the Bentley Mulsanne S and Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit but $39,000 below the Rolls-Royce Silver Spur.

New Turbo R

A "New" Turbo R model was introduced in 1995. Changes included Zytec fuel injection and a 4-speed automatic transmission.

Production

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

References

*cite journal|journal=Motor Trend|issue=February 1989|pages=97–100|author=Phillip Bingham|title=Bentley Turbo R

External links