The Bentley Mulsanne
Posted by in Bentley on July 2, 2011
Bentley is one of the most famous names in the automotive industry. The name is essentially synonymous to the best in British car engineering, with its high level of sophistication, technology, manufacturing, and luxury, seen in all of its cars. Today, it is the brand of choice for many celebrities, businessmen, and affluent people, opting for famous models like the Continental T and the Azure that have placed very good numbers of Bentley sales. These 2 models, however, owe their lineage to a car named the Bentley Mulsanne, an iconic model that paved the way for many of Bentley’s famous modern models today.
The Mulsanne, named after the “Mulsanne Straight” of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, was created with the intent of epitomizing the essence of what it is to be a Bentley car: high performance, topnotch luxury, advanced engineering. This was achieved by using some of the most expensive materials, machinery, and technology of its day, a truly top-of-the-line vehicle produced between 1980 and 1992.
Originally, the Mulsanne was equipped with a 6.75L Rolls-Royce V8 engine which had cylinder heads made out of aluminum alloy, with a 3-speed automatic transmission system. A Bosch fuel injection system replaced the original SU carburettors on cars made after 1986, and continued on until the end of production.
However, the original Mulsanne model was not the only one made. In 1982, the Geneva Motor Show saw the unveiling of the Mulsanne Turbo, a version of the Mulsanne whose main feature is a Garrett AiResearch turbocharger that gave a 50% increase in engine power. On top of this, the Mulsanne Turbo also featured an upgraded interior, using polished walnut veneered fascia, luxury carpets, pure wool headlining, and the best leather available.
It was a very exclusive car, with only 498 short wheelbase versions ever built, and eventually paved the way for the development of the Bentley Turbo R.
Another variant of the Mulsanne is the Mulsanne S, introduced in 1987 in an effort to revitalize the original. It didn’t have the extra engine power of the Turbo, but it featured many of the features that would appear in the Bentley Turbo R, like changes in the headlamps, wheels, suspension, and interior. It lasted for five years, with the last Mulsanne S appearing in 1992. Read the rest of this entry »
Audi – All Car History Volume 1
Posted by in Audi on July 2, 2011
Audi traces its origins back to 1899 and August Horch. When Horch was forced out of the company he had founded, he started a new company in 1909 called Audi which was a Latin translation of Horch (in German: ‘Listen’). From the start, the company’s policy was to build cars mainly for the luxury category.
Since 1932 the Audi emblem has been the ‘four rings’, which represent its amalgamation with DKW, Horch and Wanderer to form Auto Union AG in Chemnitz, Germany. Audi supplied a wide range of passenger vehicles during the 1930s – from motorcycles to luxury saloon cars. Volkswagen bought the company in 1964. In the 1980s, Audi dominated world rally with the Audi Quattro, and has had huge success in the Le Mans 24 Hour with its R10 prototype racer.
Audi’s progressive designs and groundbreaking technology combine to make cars which are innovative yet stylish. The current crop of production vehicles from the Audi A3 to the Audi R8 supercar has propelled Audi to record sales during the 21st century.
Audi have produced every kind of car imaginable: from executive cars such as the Audi A4 and Audi A6 to sports cars such as the Audi TT – from the Audi Q7 full size SUV to the Audi A2 super-mini and they show no signs of slowing down.
DID YOU KNOW?
* In March 1980, the introduction of the Audi Quattro four-wheel drive sports coupe caused a sensation on the Audi stand at the Geneva Motor Show. The Quattro was the first high-performance vehicle with four-wheel drive, and is regarded as the first successful application of four-wheel drive on a road car.
* In the late 1980s, a report by the U.S. TV show, “60 Minutes” rigged an Audi to perform in an uncontrolled manner. The report impacted Audi sales badly causing the company to rename the 5000 model the 100/200 in 1989
* In 1994, the launch of the first Audi A8 with an all-aluminium body was a world first for a passenger car.
* Audi’s legendary slogan, ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ means Advancement through Technology
AUDI FACTS
* Type: Public (Xetra: NSU)
* Founded: 1910, Zwickau, Germany
* Headquarters: Ingolstadt, Germany
* Key People: Rupert Stadler, Chairman
* Industry: Automotive
* Products: Automobiles, Engines
* Subsidiaries: Quattro GmbH, Lamborghini S.p.A., SEAT, S.A., Cosworth Technology Read the rest of this entry »