Review: Bentley Turbo R (1985-97)

Review: Bentley Turbo R (1985-94)

Overview

Released in 1985 and with Australian deliveries commencing in 1987, the Bentley Turbo R was a prestige saloon. Manufactured in Crewe, England, the rear-wheel drive Turbo R was powered by a 6.75-litre turbocharged V8 petrol engine. Although based on the Mulsanne, the Turbo R was differentiated by a sporting emphasis which included more powerful engines, larger alloy wheels, one-inch wider tyres and firmer suspension.

Engine

The 6.75-litre pushrod V8 engine had an aluminium-silicon alloy cylinder block, an aluminium alloy cylinder head, a single exhaust-driven Garett turbocharger and two valves per cylinder. While the engine initially had Solex four-barrel downdraught carburetors, these were replaced by Bosch MK-Motronic fuel injection in October 1986 (when a higher rear axle ratio was also introduced).

In 1989, a more reliable cross-bolted crankcase was introduced and power increased due to the introduction of an air-to-air intercooler (chassis #23936). The engine management system was revised in late 1993 and, in 1994, a transient boost control function was introduced for greater power in short bursts.

Transmission

The Turbo R was initially fitted with General Motors’ three-speed Turbo Hydramatic 400 automatic transmission. From 1992, however, the Turbo R had an electronically-controlled 4L80-E four-speed automatic transmission which was operated by a T-bar gearshift lever in the centre console (the three-speed transmission had a steering wheel-mounted gearshift stalk).

Dimensions
The standard wheelbase Turbo R was 5278 mm long, 2006 mm wide, 1485 mm tall and had a 3061 mm long wheelbase. The long wheelbase Turbo R – also known as the Turbo RL – was 100 mm longer (at 5378 mm) due to its 100 mm longer wheelbase (3161 mm).

Suspension
The Turbo R had independent front suspension with lower wishbones and independent rear suspension with semi-trailing arms. Compared to the Mulsanne, the Turbo R’s suspension achieved an increase in roll stiffness by 50 per cent through stiffer anti-roll bars (by 100 per cent at the front and 60 per cent in the rear) and a Panhard rod was introduced to anchor the rear suspension. The suspension initially featured a hydraulic Girling self-levelling ride control system for the rear suspension. In 1991, however, electronically-controlled dampers were introduced – front and rear – for greater body control.

Safety equipment

From October 1986, the Turbo R was fitted with ABS. In 1990, a driver’s airbag was introduced and a front passenger airbag was introduced in late 1993.

Features

Standard features for the Turbo R included 15-inch alloy wheels with 275/55 VR15 tyres, a sound system with a radio and cassette player, leather upholstery, air conditioning, cruise control, central locking, push-button start, power windows and power mirrors. In October 1986, slimmer front seats were introduced for greater rear leg room.

In mid-1987, the dashboard was revised with more modern instruments and the rectangular trip computer box was replaced by round gauges. From mid-1988, the Turbo R had twin round head lights and a larger front spoiler.

In 1990, standard features were extended to include heated front seats with adjustable lumbar support and one-touch front windows.

In 1993, a new Alpine sound system with ten speakers and a six-disc CD changer was introduced. Other changes included 16-inch alloy wheels with 255/65 VR16 tyres were introduced and the fitment of an automatically dimming rear view mirror.

Related links

• Rolls-Royce and Bentley: Bentley Turbo R

Review: Bentley ‘New’ Turbo R (1995-97)

Overview

Released in 1995, the ‘New’ Turbo R introduced a more powerful engine due to the introduction of Zytec digital fuel injection and ignition; the final drive ratio was also increased for improved fuel economy.

Visually, the ‘New’ Turbo R could be identified by its body-coloured door mirrors (which were faired into the doors) and more aggressive ground effects. Furthermore, the spare tyre was moved from under the car to inside the boot.

Inside, a ‘Sport’ button was added to the gearshift lever to engage stiffer suspension settings and a more aggressive gearshift profile.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the New Turbo R included dual front airbags and ABS.

Features

Standard features for the New Turbo R included 17-inch alloy wheels with Avon 255/55 ZR17 102W tyres, a ten speaker sound system with a CD player and six-disc CD stacker, leather upholstery, heated front seats, climate control air conditioning, cruise control, remote central locking, push-button start, power windows, power mirrors and a tilt-adjustable steering wheel.

Related links

• Rolls-Royce and Bentley: Bentley New Turbo R
• Wikipedia.org: Bentley Turbo R