Photo: Bentley
In Bentley's books, the 6.75-liter V8 engine affectionately called the "great eight" is listed as the “longest-serving V8 design in continuous production in history.” That continuous production came to an end this week, when the British carmaker announced that the last of this kind of engines has rolled off production lines in Crewe.
The engine, in the exact same configuration and with the same bore spacing, was introduced on the Bentley S2 in 1959, as a replacement for a straight six powerplant. Back then, it developed 180 bhp but the advancements in technology and the addition of a turbocharger over the years have increased the output levels to as high as 530 bhp on the more recent Mulsanne Speed.
Over six decades, Bentley produced some 36,000 units of the engine also known as the L-Series. The last one that was completed on Monday will become the heart of the last of the 30 limited Mulsanne 6.75 Edition by Mulliner.
Announced at the beginning of the year, the Mulsanne 6.75 Edition has been especially created as a send-off model for this particular engine, and comes with a series of elements honoring it, including badging, blueprint graphics, and ventilation “organ stops” featuring a miniature version of the oil cap.
Inside, special stitching is featured on the seats, and the faces of the clock and minor gauges will feature schematic cutaway drawings of the engine itself.
Under the hood, the last engine of its breed is gifted with an intake manifold in black instead of the traditional silver, and there will also be an Engine Number Plaque that as a deviation from the usual approach will feature the signature of Bentley CEO Adrian Hallmark instead of the person who assembled the engine.
“Our venerable 6¾-litre V8 has powered the flagship Bentley for more than six decades, and so has earned its retirement,” said in a statement Bentley member of the board in charge with manufacturing Peter Bosch.
“Now, we look forward to the future of Bentley, powered by our exceptional W12, sporting 4.0-litre V8 and of course our efficient V6 Hybrid - the start of our journey to electrification.”
Over six decades, Bentley produced some 36,000 units of the engine also known as the L-Series. The last one that was completed on Monday will become the heart of the last of the 30 limited Mulsanne 6.75 Edition by Mulliner.
Announced at the beginning of the year, the Mulsanne 6.75 Edition has been especially created as a send-off model for this particular engine, and comes with a series of elements honoring it, including badging, blueprint graphics, and ventilation “organ stops” featuring a miniature version of the oil cap.
Inside, special stitching is featured on the seats, and the faces of the clock and minor gauges will feature schematic cutaway drawings of the engine itself.
Under the hood, the last engine of its breed is gifted with an intake manifold in black instead of the traditional silver, and there will also be an Engine Number Plaque that as a deviation from the usual approach will feature the signature of Bentley CEO Adrian Hallmark instead of the person who assembled the engine.
“Our venerable 6¾-litre V8 has powered the flagship Bentley for more than six decades, and so has earned its retirement,” said in a statement Bentley member of the board in charge with manufacturing Peter Bosch.
“Now, we look forward to the future of Bentley, powered by our exceptional W12, sporting 4.0-litre V8 and of course our efficient V6 Hybrid - the start of our journey to electrification.”
Google News