Bentley unveiled the Turbo R at the 1985 Geneva Motor Show. It was based on the chassis of the Mulsanne and powered by a modified version of the engine from the Mulsanne Turbo. This was a sporting model, requiring tauter suspension than the Mulsanne. The front anti-roll bar rate was therefore increased by a sixty percent and that on the rear by no less than eighty percent. Tuned dampers replaced the standard units of the Mulsanne and a Panhard rod was used to limit lateral movement of the back axle. The engine was fitted with a Garrett AiResearch turbocharger and was retuned with Bosch MK-Motronic fuel injection for increased torque. With 487 lb-ft of torque, the Turbo R was capable of racing from zero-to-sixty mph in under six seconds and had a top speed of around 150 mph.

Pre-1992 models had a three-speed automatic transmission. Later models used a four-speed unit. Braking was provided by discs at all four corners, with the front ventilated. Wider tires than the Mulsanne were used, which were mounted on alloy wheels, a first for the Bentley Company. Two wheelbase sizes were available, a short or long version.

In total, Bentley sold 4,653 examples of the short wheelbase and 1,211 long wheelbase Turbo R's between 1984 and 1995.

Along with its sporting persona, the Turbo R was also a luxury vehicle, with a bi-level automatic air conditioning system, four-position memory seat, sensor for icy road conditions, and fold-down tables. They even had an ashtray that emptied automatically.

by Dan Vaughan