When in 1992 the Bentley Brooklands was launched the factory advised acceleration from 0 to 60 mph was 9.9 seconds and the top speed was 126 mph (ca. 203 km/h). When in August 1993 the 1994 model was unveiled these ‘key figures’ were improved to 9.3 seconds from 0 to 60 mph and a top speed of 134 mph (ca. 215 km/h). Over the following years the increase in power-output grew continuously and there was a truly remarkable peak when the model year 1997 showed a plus of 26 %, i.e. 300 bhp instead of the 1996 model year’s 240 bhp (major factor had been the installation of a turbocharger). Parallel to work on boosting the power-output without compromising on reliability the team of engineers and designers was keen to set unrivalled standards in the areas of roadholding, comfort and safety.

Most sensibly Bentley arranged for special lay-outs to meet demand in various markets. The four-spoke steering normally fitted to US-bound cars equipped with airbags became standard on Bentley Brooklands exported to Australia, too. The design rules “down under” didn’t (then) require an airbag which inflates instantly in the event of an accident – but Bentley anticipated their customers would appreciate this advanced safety feature. In Europe, where on German highways there was no speed-limit, the Bentley Brooklands destined for the German market were fitted exclusively with those brakes and those tyre/light alloy wheels that had been developed for the powerful Bentley Turbo R.