In the world of prestige vehicles there are few
names to rival the Bentley. And in the world of mammoth powerhouses, there are
few engines that can rival the Bentley Turbo R – this beast is powered by a
turbocharged 6.75-litre V8!
The example you’re looking at – provided by
Autostyle Performance Cars in Sydney – is a 1992 Turbo R which has been imported
from Japan. There were a few Turbo Rs delivered new to Australia but with a
retail of well over AUD$300,000, you won’t find many floating around... Fewer than
5000 Turbo Rs were built from 1985 to 1995.
The Bentley Turbo R is one of the most interesting
vehicles we’ve driven in a long time. Forget any preconceptions you might have –
the Rolls-Royce based Bentley is a remarkably old fashioned vehicle in terms of
design and feel. You only need to look at the primitive fuel injection system
and turn the thin, large diameter steering wheel to understand what the Bentley
is all about.
But let's focus on the area that's of most interest - the huge turbo
engine. The Bentley's 6.75-litre V8 uses all-alloy construction, a Garrett
T04B turbocharger and a front-mount air-to-air intercooler. Early models
come with a carburetor induction system, mid-life models (such as this '92
version) use Bosch mechanical injection and, from 1994, electronic engine
management is employed.
With a high torque capacity three-speed auto trans
in early models, the Turbo R is quite slow accelerator. Don’t expect
sharp throttle response - instead, just sit back and enjoy the huge wave of
torque that washes this near 2.5 tonne machine along the road with its nose
pointed towards the sky. It is claimed the Turbo R can whisk to 100 km/h in
around six seconds and reach 241 km/h.
Output varies across different markets but, as a
guide, the Australian-delivered examples running on local fuel produce 286kW at
4000 rpm and 750Nm between 2000 and 3450 rpm. In the context of modern V8s, the
Bentley turbo V8’s top-end is pretty disappointing but there’s not a lot that
can come near to its gigantic torque output. Fuel consumption is typically in
the vicinity of 20-litres per 100km – thankfully, there’s a capacious 108-litre
tank!
In terms of size, the Bentley Turbo R is pretty
much comparable with a current Holden Statesman – its 3016mm wheelbase and
5294mm length are slightly larger. Built with a ‘proper’ chassis, the Bentley is
an extremely solid and heavy vehicle – it tips the scales to 2410kg. This weight
contributes to a smooth ride but, again, it’s not a standout in today’s context.
And neither is the boat-like handling. Braking is through a large diameter discs
with ABS control. Tyre size is 275/55 15, 255/65 16 or 255/55 17 depending on
production date – such big boots are essential in a car of this weight and
performance.
Inside you’ll find ye olde style luxury. The
dashboard and sill line feel like a carryover from the late ‘60s, as do the thin
rimmed steering wheel, extensive use of chrome trim, column gear selector and
front quarter windows. But there’s no denying the level of comfort. The Bentley
is decked out in the most exquisite quality leather and timber trim we’ve ever
seen in a car. Standard equipment includes electric seats, power windows, seat
warmers and upper and lower level climate control (so you can warm your feet
without heating the entire cabin). There’s also a generous array of gauges
scattered over the dashboard.
In the rear, there’s good occupant space (though
not as much legroom as, say, a current Statesman), fold-down tables and more of
that mirror-finish interior chrome. One can’t help feel like royalty when riding
in the back.
Visually, the Bentley Turbo R is instantly
recognisable as a crème de la crème prestige car. Its generous size, classic RR
shape, ornate grille and shining chrome have a real aura. Sleek? No - but it’s a
great cruiser that never fails to attract attention. Especially when that
monster turbo V8 is bustling along!
Imported from Japan by Autostyle Performance Cars,
this particular ’92 Bentley Turbo R had almost 70,000km on the odometer before
being sold after our photo shoot. Domenic from Autostyle says they’re a pretty
rare find in Japan (and note that some are left-hand-drive) and, depending on
condition, he sells them for between AUD$70,000 – 80,000. Hardly pocket change
but, then, this is far from your average luxury car...
Want a turbo? Want a big block? Want total
comfort? The Bentley Turbo R has it all.
And then a bit.
Contact:
Autostyle Performance Cars 0414 444
930
www.autostyle.com.au
Did you enjoy this article?
Please consider supporting AutoSpeed with a small contribution. More Info...
|
More of our most popular articles.
|
|
|
Email a friend
Print article
|