AFTER setting standards for years with its stately Arnage, Bentley is getting ready to take a dramatic new turn in super-luxury motoring this year with the launch of its new Mulsanne. Developed from the ground up at Crewe, the new model has nothing in common with the older car except for its lusty V8 motor - and even that has been comprehensively re-engineered. Now weighing less, the legendary hand-assembled power unit also boasts cylinder de-activation and variable cam phasing, features that can play a significant role in cutting both fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions. On sale in summer, the Mulsanne is expected to provide its wealthy buyers with a remarkable degree of choice from a palette of 114 paintwork colours, 21 shades of carpet, nine wood veneers and no fewer than 24 interior leather hides - all tanned using a decades-old process to guarantee the car retains the distinctive scent that's the hallmark of classic English motoring in the grand manner. With more leather and wood veneer than any other Bentley in recent times, it's small wonder that each Mulsanne will take nine weeks to complete. IPod and mp3 connectivity, Bluetooth and a SIM car reader plus a 3G MMI system means there'll be no shortage of advanced technology in the cabin of the new car, and customers opting for premium audio will get the world's most powerful system available in a production vehicle, complete with 20-channels and 2,200-watts. Also new from Bentley for 2010 is Series 51, which draws on thousands of configurations in the company's expansive colour and trim catalogue to provide the ultimate in bespoke packaging on Continental models. Standing on huge 14-spoke polished Diamond wheels with dark centre caps, each Series 51 car will feature still more distinctive colour combinations and special materials for the dashboard and centre console to complement its three-tone interior and limited-edition veneer. | 
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