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Books Models Highlights Cars
of 1998 More Bentleys in this book: |
Car
of the Month - June 2002
The Bentley Turbo S' production was limited; fewer than 100 cars would
be built. The new model wouldn't be launched in any market worldwide. The
manufacturer's department "Public Affairs" forwarded this
information when the ultra-high performance version of the Bentley Turbo
R, called the "Turbo S", was
introduced in 1994. Combining the most powerful engine ever shoehorned
into the bay under the bonnet with distinctive external and internal
visual features the new car was available only in selected countries in
Europe, the Middle East and Asia. |
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 Most
remarkably, of course, was the "Series S" version of the 6.75
litre V8-engine. Re-engineered to incorporate a liquid-cooled intercooler
the turbocharger acted more efficiently. In combination with revised
induction features and a new electronic engine management system (based on
Formula One technology) the engine was a thrilling device. The Bentley
Turbo S offered luxurious four door saloon accommodation, yet the engine
allowed to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 96 km/h) in less than 6
seconds. Top speed was governed to 250 km/h, though several customers
ordered the engine control unit of their cars to be re-flashed and a
higher top speed was the result. Vented aluminium alloy 17 inch wheels
with 255/55W17 tyres were state of the art as regards traction, control
and safety. |
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Those
who were lucky enough to get one found a plate in the engine compartment
giving the number of that particular car from a series of but 75. It was
found later that the figure 75 wasn't entirely correct - because a mere 60
Bentley Turbo S were produced.
Not
only the wheels distinguished the Bentley Turbo S from its sister model
Bentley Turbo R (that remained in production). New colour-keyed bumpers
integral with front air dam and rear skirt were fitted plus a lower
profiled radiator grill. "Turbo S" badges applied to the front
wings just aft of the wheel arches and to the boot lid were distinctive
features, too. New deeply upholstered sports seats offered an outstanding
combination of comfort and support. None of the features could neglect the
fact that any driver needed to be alert when making full use of the car's
potential speed. However the Bentley Turbo S offered such a refined level
of performance, that touring at high speed was but pure pleasure.