Bentley introduces GT Mulliner Blackline – the darker accent to contemporary luxury

• Mulliner introduces a popular contemporary twist on ultimate luxury for the Bentley GT and GT Convertible

•Blackline features now available to complement exclusive range of Mulliner details

•A dark, sleeker alternative to bright chrome and a chance for Mulliner customers to further personalise their cars

•Almost 40 per cent of Continental GT orders now specified with Blackline

Bentley has introduced a Mulliner Blackline specification for its GT and GT Convertible, building on the customer popularity and success of the striking Blackline external treatment, which is offered as an option across the full Bentley range.

By bringing a daring, black alternative to the exterior chrome-work on Bentley's class-leading Grand Tourer, Mulliner is presenting a darker side to the ultra-luxury brand's popular four-seater, complementing the myriad options available to its clients.

Created by the skilled craftsmen at Mulliner, the GT Mulliner Blackline features a host of exterior changes in comparison to the current GT and GT Convertible Mulliner derivatives, delivering an additional contemporary twist on ultimate luxury to its pinnacle GT models. The new option is in response to the increasing demand for black versions of brightware, with 38 per cent of Continental GT family orders globally now including this option.

For the Blackline version, all of the exterior brightware excluding the Bentley 'Winged B' badge turns black, as does the radiator grille bezel. In place of the satin silver upper mirror caps typical of a GT Mulliner, for the Blackline version the mirrors are finished in gloss Beluga black. The signature Mulliner matrix wing vents are also blackened, and finished with bright Mulliner branding. The radiator grille remains black with bright edges to the 3D design and the lower bumper grilles are also finished in black.

The GT Mulliner Blackline models also feature 22' painted black rims, with self-levelling badges featuring a chrome ring. Alternatively, a black Mulliner wheel with contrast polished 'pockets' will be available in the near future.

The sumptuous, striking interior of the GT Mulliner Blackline remains unchanged from the existing Mulliner edition, allowing customers to enjoy any colour combination they choose as part of Mulliner's limitless offering, or one of eight recommended three-colour combinations, using Bentley's wide palette of hides and threads.

As part of the standard Mulliner Driving Specification, the interior incorporates Bentley's unique 'Diamond in Diamond' quilting for the seats, doors and rear quarter panels, featuring both contrast and accent stitching running through the diamond layout. With almost 400,000 stitches in the cabin of each car, each diamond contains exactly 712 individual stitches, all precisely aligned to point to the centre of the diamond it creates. A true mark of unrivalled automotive craftsmanship.

Depending on region, customers are able to choose between Bentley's now iconic 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12 delivering 635 PS (626 bhp), or the dynamic 4.0-litre V8, which offers 550 PS (542 bhp), both of which provide grand touring range with the effortless performance expected of a pinnacle Grand Tourer.

The addition of the Blackline edition to the Mulliner range of GT models reinforces Bentley's position as the world's leading manufacturer of luxury sporting Grand Tourers, whilst offering bespoke solutions for the most discerning customers who want cars as unique as their own personalities. In short, a contemporary twist on the world's ultimate luxury coupé.

Bentley Mulliner – the world's oldest automotive coachbuilder

Bentley Mulliner is renowned throughout the automotive world for crafting some of the most individual Bentleys ever created and has hand-built more than 1000 unique cars for discerning customers who want their car to be completely suited to their personality.

As the pinnacle of bespoke motoring, Bentley Mulliner is the birthplace of coachbuilding and the oldest automotive coachbuilder in the world, operating three distinct divisions, each with its own artisanal specialism.

Bentley Mulliner Coachbuilt allows customers to work closely with a team of specialist designers via the personal commission guide to create or enhance their own unique vehicle - the Bentley Mulliner Bacalar is the first such example.

The Bentley Mulliner Classic offering features classic models, each individually handcrafted by a team of specialists from Mulliner, starting with the Blower Continuations Series. Finally, Bentley Mulliner Collections will continue to offer customers luxury-focused derivatives of the core range, as well as the opportunity to personalise and further enhance their new Bentley.

by Bentley

Rolls-Royce introduced the Project 90 concept car at the 1984 Geneva Motor Show. Many elements of this design would make its way into a new Bentley, which was backed by much enthusiasm and rave reviews of the concept. By 1991 the Continental R was ready and made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show. Again, the response was exceptional and the reviews were enthusiastic. The red show car that made its appearance at Geneva was purchased immediately by the Sultan of Brunei.

The body was designed by Ken Greenley and John Hefernan and was uncommon for a Bentley. It was aerodynamic, curvy, and sleek giving it an impressive 0.73 coefficient of drag. Its sporty image was enhanced by the sixteen-inch alloy wheels that could be found on all four corners. Its modern style was enhanced by the roof-cut door frames and a slight spoiler effect in the rear. This was the first Bentley with a body all its own since the S3 of 1965. Prior to this, it had shared many characteristics and platforms with the Rolls-Royce.

The name 'Continental' draws from the company's heritage and the names that adorned the pre-WWII Bentleys. The 'R' was in honor of the 1950's Bentley Type R models and the Turbo R's of the 1980s. This continued the tradition of a potent powertrain, impressive design, unquestionable elegance, and unrivaled comfort.

Under the sleek bonnet was a 6.75-liter Garrett-turbocharged engine producing an impressive 325 horsepower and 450 foot-pounds of torque. These figures are estimates since the company never actually produced official ratings. Power was sent to the rear wheels through a GM 4L80-E automatic four-speed gearbox. This equation equaled a 145 miles-per-hour top speed with zero-to-sixty taking just 6.6 seconds. Stopping was also impressive, provided by its disc brakes with the front being ventilated. The interior was plush and comfortable with nearly every amenity available at the time and the instruments were finished in wood.

This package came at a price that immediately sent it into the exclusive club that only the well-to-do can afford. In 1992, a Bentley Continental R would set the lucky purchaser back $271,780US.

The Bentley Continental S was produced from 1994 through 1995 with 18 examples being produced. It was a limited-edition model that boosted the performance of the vehicle to a higher level, thanks to the addition of an intercooler. In a similar fashion, the Bentley Continental R Mulliner was another boost to the already impressive vehicle. Horsepower was raised to 420 and the torque lifted to 650 foot-pounds. The top speed was estimated at 170 mph. Bentley introduced the Mulliner at the Geneva Motor Show in 1999 and it was left up to the customers to customize to their exact requirements and specifications. The customers worked closely with the engineers and designers to create a unique vehicle that was up to their desires and expectations. Production lasted until 2003.

The Bentley Continental T was the pinnacle of the Continental series with a heavy emphasis on sporty characteristics while still maintaining a high degree of luxury, though luxury did take a back seat to performance. The Continental T originally produced 590 foot-pounds of torque but by 1997 that figure was raised to 650. With a shortened wheelbase, 2+2 configuration, and extended wheel arches, the Continental T looked very aggressive and undeniably sporty. The customer had the opportunity to specify components such as opting for the modified sock absorbers and stiffer torsion bars. This allowed the driver to take full advantage of the power-plant and propel the vehicles through anything the road had to offer. The press seemed to think differently as they gave the vehicles handling low marks.

The interior featured chrome finish instrumentation and a push-button starter. A gentle touch of the button and the vehicle would roar to life.

Production of the Continental T lasted from 1996 through 2002 with 322 examples being created. In 1999 Bentley offered the Continental T Mulliner, in a similar fashion to the Continental R Mulliner. In total there were 23 examples of the Continental T Mulliner produced. Five Continental T Le Mans vehicles were produced.

by Dan Vaughan