Bentley Mulsanne Coupe: The new Bentley Turbo R?

It’s being reported that Bentley are close to expanding the Mulsanne with a Mulsanne Coupe, which will revive the Bentley Turbo R moniker.

It’s a little over a year since Bentley finally gave us all the details on their replacement for the iconic (not used lightly) Arnage – the last of the ‘Real’ bentleys, many said – in the shape of the 2010 Bentley Mulsanne.

At the time we did note that we probably wouldn’t have to wait too long before we saw the first rumblings of a broadening of the Mulsanne range to incorporate a Mulsanne Coupe and a Mulsanne Convertible.

But what we hadn’t expected is for Bentley to root around in the cupboard marked ‘Recent Bentley History’ to come up with a moniker to suit the new Mulsanne Coupe. But if AE are to be believed, that’s exactly what’s going to happen.

The plan, we’re told, is to resurrect the Bentley Turbo R moniker and attach it to a fettled and boosted Mulsanne Coupe. Which we find ourselves strangely in favour of.

Although we’ve yet to get a Mulsanne in for review, we’ve had an all too brief blat. And it feels like a real Bentley, just a 21st century version. It feels like it has lineage. So the revival of the Turbo R badge – which was attached to the turbo version of the last Mulsanne – makes sense.

Whether Bentley are actually considering calling the Mulsanne Coupe the Turbo R, or whether it’s a punt by AE, it seems likely the Coupe will come with a slightly stiffer setup and a hike in power – perhaps to as much as 600bhp.

Which would probably mean a 0-60mph in around 4 seconds. And a price tag around £300k.

Expect it – as Mulsanne Coupe or Bentley Turbo R – in 2013.