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Bentley Selling 5 New-Old Mulsanne Grand Limousines

Bentley Selling 5 New-Old Mulsanne Grand Limousines

The megaliner Bentley Grand Mulsanne limousines were built in 2015, delivered to the customer but never used nor registered

The Mulsanne Grand Limousine i

The Mulsanne Grand Limousine is the longest manufacturer-built limousine in the world, Bentley claims. (Photos courtesy of Bentley)

Table of Contents

Paint Colors
Interior Design
By the Numbers

BY MARK MAYNARD

Five Bentley Grand Mulsanne megaliner limousines were commissioned in 2015 for a customer in the United Arab Emirates. The lavishly equipped cars, all unique in their bespoke upgrades, were built and shipped but never used nor registered. Now they are for sale.

The Grand Mulsanne Limousine was originally created for exclusive sales, or private commissions, in Bentley terms. The cars offered for sale were customized by Bentley Mulliner, the bespoke tailoring shop for the brand, headquartered in Crewe, England.

The five Grand Limousines recently became available through Bentley’s retail partner in the United Arab Emirates, Bentley Emirates. A car can be delivered anywhere in the world, Bentley says.

Production of the Mulsanne ceased last year, so these models represent a unique chance to acquire an iconic piece of modern Bentley history. Pricing was not disclosed, but it is not difficult to spend $500,000 for the long-wheelbase sedan with Bentley options.

The cars available for sale have their own unique identities and specifications, Bentley says. Designed and built entirely by hand, the Mulsanne Grand Limousine by Mulliner includes a nearly 40-inch stretch (1,000mm) to the body. The roof was raised a little more than 3 inches for headroom in the rear.

Veneer burl walnut and leather blanket the cabin.

Veneer burl walnut and leather blanket the cabin.

5 Paint Colors

  1. Silver Frost over Moroccan Blue exterior paint. The leather-clad interior is in Imperial Blue and Linen with Burr Walnut veneer.
  2. Damson [violet] over Black Crystal paintwork, complemented by Damson and Twine leathers and Dark Stained Burr Walnut veneer.
  3. Onyx over Candy Red exterior with an interior in Hotspur and Camel finished with Olive Ash veneer.
  4. Rubino Red over Light Gazelle bodywork with an interior in Fireglow and Twine leather paired with Burr Walnut veneer.
  5. A single tone Black Sapphire exterior with an Imperial Blue and Camel interior contrasted by Dark Stained Burr Walnut veneer.
Mulsanne Grand Limousine forward-facing back Seats

A bottle cooler with crystal flutes sits between the front-facing seats.

The Cabin of a Luxury Jet

The Mulsanne Grand Limousine’s four-passenger cabin has the cache of a luxury jet. Two rear-facing seats allow pleasant face-to-face conversations.

A bottle cooler with crystal flutes sits between the front-facing seats. And a beverage cabinet between the rear-facing seats is stocked with bespoke crystal tumblers. Veneered, folding “picnic tables” provide comfortable on the move work or dining. iPad docking and charging stations are included. Three handmade dials display UK and local time and the exterior temperature.

The more-expansive limousine also required a custom heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. Bentley Mulliner designed and built the HVAC system with two rear-seat zones with controls for micro-climate comfort.

Privacy is assured between the driver and passengers by an electrochromic “smart glass” panel that can be switched from transparent to opaque. In addition, an intercom system connects passengers with the driver.

Back seat picnic tables in the Grand Mulsanne limo.

A bottle cooler with crystal flutes sits between the front-facing seats.

By the Numbers

The Mulsanne Grand Limousine is the longest manufacturer-built limousine in the world, Bentley claims. The stretched model is about 25 feet long and sits on a reinforced chassis and suspension.

Power is provided by Bentley’s 505-horsepower 6¾-liter twin-turbo V-8, with 752 foot-pounds of peak torque at 1,750 rpm.

The unique 21-inch wheels are paint-matched to the car’s exterior color. And the stainless-steel Flying ‘B’ bonnet mascot is engraved with the words “Coachbuilt by Mulliner.”

Enquire to buy at the nearest dealer or find one through the website.

A rear view of the Bentley Grand Mulsanne

The higher roof and extra length provide the Mulsanne Grand Limousine a true sense of space in which to relax, Bentley says.

Historic Indy Cars on the grid for the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion

Historic Indy Cars on the grid for the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion

Legendary Indy Cars will take part in daily exhibitions Aug. 12-15

The 1973 Eagle driven by Gordon Johncock at the Indy 500.

Motorsports fans will see this 1973 Eagle driven by Gordon Johncock at the Indy 500. (WeatherTech Raceway)

BY MARK MAYNARD

The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion is staging a new historic motorsport group for the legendary event, held during the annual Monterey Car Week, Aug. 12-15.

For the first time at the Reunion, a historic Indy Car group will run in exhibition all four days at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. The motorsport champions originally competed between 1963 and 1978.

The introduction of rear-engine Indy Cars at the 1963 Indianapolis 500 changed the game, Barry Toepke, director of heritage events at WeatherTech Raceway, said in a statement.

“From 1965 on, there would not be another front-engine winner of the Indianapolis 500,” he said.

Motorsports Champions

Indy Car Champion Bobby Rahal will debut his recently restored 1966 Eagle with a 255-cubic-inch four-cam Ford V8. Beginning in 1985, Rahal won three consecutive Indy Car races at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.  His notoriety is honored at the track with the Rahal Straight.

Indianapolis 500 winners

Three winning Indy 500 cars will be at the track:

  • 1964 Watson, driven to victory by A.J. Foyt;
  • 1970 Colt, piloted by Al Unser;
  • 1973 Eagle driven by Gordon Johncock.

Other Winners

Look for the 1964 Lotus Type 34 driven by Parnelli Jones at the Trenton 200 in 1964. In 1965, A.J. Foyt drove the car to a remarkable seven poles and three victories during the 1965 USAC Championship season.

Johnny Rutherford drove the 1975 McLaren M16E-001, which was raced at three 500-mile superspeedway events. His #2 Gatorade entry had its best finish of second at the 1975 Indianapolis 500.

Joining the McLaren will be a 1968 Eagle Mk IV, which started Team Penske’s Indy Car program 53 years ago.

Also highlighted will be the 1978 Penske PC-6 driven by Tom Sneva in the 1978 USAC Championship season. Sneva posted six second-place finishes and 12 top-five finishes to win the National Championship in 1978 — without winning a single race.

“Fans will be treated to a quality collection of Indy Cars all under one tent,” said Ellen Bireley, who curated the historic Indy Car heritage display.

Single-day tickets range in price from $25 to $120, depending on the day. A three-day general admission pass with paddock admittance is $180.

Learn more at WeatherTechRaceway.com or call (831) 242-8200.

The mini McLaren GT supercar for budding enthusiasts

The mini McLaren GT supercar for budding enthusiasts

Right-sized for youngsters aged 3 to 6 years, the battery-powered McLaren GT Ride-On is based on the full-size supercar

BY MARK MAYNARD

Train up a child in the way he [or she] should go — and get her or him on a McLaren GT Ride-On battery-powered minicar.

Budding enthusiasts from 3 to 6 years old can experience their very own McLaren GT in miniature. The just-announced McLaren GT Ride-On is based on the lightest and quickest accelerating vehicle in its class, the company says. See the GT here.

McLaren GT Ride-On front

The GT Ride-On is sold in six McLaren colors, including Amaranth Red. (Photos courtesy of McLaren)

The McLaren GT Ride-On is the fourth car in McLaren’s range of children’s toys. It follows the P1, 720S, and McLaren Senna.

The minicar has a functioning dashboard.

The minicar has a functioning dashboard.

‘’At McLaren Automotive, we aim to inspire the future generation of supercar enthusiasts,” Hayley Robinson, Merchandise, Licensing & Partnerships Manager, McLaren Automotive, said in a release.

“We’re proud to develop and encourage younger minds and seek to create the next generation of drivers, engineers, and automotive designers,’’ she said.

A side view of the McLaren GT minicar

The battery-powered mini McLaren is suitable for supercar enthusiasts aged 3 to 6.

Functional features

The new Ride-On has an impressive list of standard features and detailed design. The little car’s working dihedral (scissor) doors make for the ultimate entrance and getaway. In addition, the trunk with a functional lid has room for junior driving essentials.

The trunk on the GT Ride-On

The trunk has a functioning lid.

Like the real thing, the GT Ride-On has working dashboard controls including a key start. Twist the key and the car fires up with McLaren engine sounds. There also are functioning brake lights.

Youngsters can hook up their playlist through an infotainment system. It can access files from a USB device or SD card with the optional MP4 display screen.

The McLaren GT Ride-On is 42.5 inches long,  23.6 inches wide, and 16.9 inches tall. It is available in six McLaren colors of Burnished Copper, Silica White, Onyx Black, McLaren Orange, Amaranth Red, and Burton Blue.

Ride-On pricing

The McLaren GT Ride-On is sold in two rechargeable battery choices of $230 and $330. Options include an MP4 display screen and a black leather seat trimmed in red and yellow.

The GT Ride-On is available to order from select global toy retailers.

Go here for other McLaren merch.

Volkswagen to end U.S. Passat production in 2022

Volkswagen to end U.S. Passat production in 2022

Legacy of the VW Passat in the U.S. will be celebrated with a special run of 1,973 cars

Limited Edition Passat sedan

The 2022 Passat Limited Edition will be available in four colors, with the number of each paying homage to an aspect of the vehicle’s past. (Photos courtesy of VW)

BY MARK MAYNARD

Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced today, July 19, that it will stop building the Passat sedan in Chattanooga with model-year 2022. The move is part of the plant’s transformation to build electric vehicles, VW said in a statement. The German carmaker now offers five SUV crossovers, including the just-released subcompact Taos and electric ID.4.

VW has sold some version of the Passat for nearly 50 years, Scott Keogh, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc,., said in a statement.

“With the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport in high demand, and the North American production launch of the all-electric ID.4 SUV next year, our future in Chattanooga looks brighter than ever,” Keogh said.

The legacy of the VW Passat in the U.S. will be celebrated with a limited-edition run of 1,973 cars with Chattanooga-inspired details.

VW Passat History

The 1974 VW Dasher

The 1974 VW Dasher, also known as Passat B1 for the first generation.

The Passat went on sale in 1973, a year before the Golf in Europe and was based on the Audi 80. The Passat was initially sold in body styles of two- and four-door fastback sedan and three- and five-door hatchback. A wagon would be added one year later.

The Passat was marketed as the Dasher in the U.S. and sold in all three body styles from 1974. More than 222,000 were sold. The next-generation model was marketed as the Quantum. The Passat name was first used for the U.S. in 1990 and has remained ever since.

It was 2011 when Volkswagen started building the Passat for the North American market at its plant in Chattanooga, Tenn. The U.S.-market car was larger inside and out than the eighth-generation European car that debuted in 2014. The current U.S. Passat has been given two updates since first going on sale.

It has been exported to Canada, Mexico, South Korea, and Middle Eastern markets. A version of the car has also been assembled in China, alongside the Passat Lingyu and Magotan.

2022 VW Passat Limited Edition

The 2022 Passat Limited Edition is a tribute to the model’s history and recognizes the contributions of the employees who built Passat.
A run of 1,973 Limited Edition models recognizes the year the first Passat was launched in Germany.

Special cup holder mats for the 2022 Passat Limited Edition

Special cup holder mats will feature aerial maps of the city and an aerial line drawing of the Chattanooga factory.

The 2022 Passat Limited Edition will be available in four color combinations, with the number of each paying homage to an aspect of the vehicle’s past.

Aurora Red Metallic models with Titan Black interior will number 411 units that represent the original vehicle production code.

Racing Green Metallic models with Mauro Brown interior will be number 423 for the telephone area code of Chattanooga, Tenn.

Pure White models with Mauro Brown interior will number 524 units in tribute to the opening of the Chattanooga Plant on May 24, 2011.

And there will be 615 Platinum Grey Metallic models with Titan Black interior that represent six generations of imported Passats, one generation assembled in Chattanooga, and five decades of U.S. sales.

The interior of the VW Passat Limited Edition

Limited Edition models will have leather-trimmed sport seats with perforated surfaces.

Special Exterior Features

VW Passat alloy wheels and tires.

Fifteen-spoke 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.

Fifteen-spoke 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels are standard, along with black mirror caps for the power-folding mirrors with memory.

Limited Edition models also feature LED headlights with the Advanced Front-lighting System and an easy-open trunk.

Special Interior Features

Limited Edition models will have unique seat tags featuring “1 of 1973” on one side and “Chattanooga 2011” on the other. In addition, special cup holder mats are imprinted with aerial maps of the city and a line drawing of the Chattanooga factory.

Special seat tags identify the 2022 Passat Limited Edition

Limited Edition models will have unique seat tags featuring “1 of 1973” on one side and “Chattanooga 2011” on the other.

Also standard will be leather-trimmed sport seats with perforated Vienna surfaces and driver seat memory. Other extras include a power passenger seat and heated front and rear seats. Infotainment features include Discover Media with navigation and a Fender premium audio system. Driver-assist features include Park Assist with front and rear Park Distance Control, and high-beam assist.

The 2022 Passat Limited Edition has a starting price of $31,290, including the freight charge of $995. Add $395 for Aurora Red Metallic paint.

Special VW Pricing Offers

There are a couple of competitive incentives for a 2021 Passat 2.0T S. A zero percent APR financing offer is available for 60 months or $299 a month for 39 months.

Highly qualified customers can opt for VW financing of zero percent APR for 36 months.

Find pricing incentives here.

The U.S.-assembled Passat has been exported to Canada, South Korea, and the Middle East.

Read more about the history of the Passat here.

BMW Driving Experience at Indianapolis

BMW Driving Experience at Indianapolis
A BMW high-performance drives through a race course

The BMW Driving Experience at Indianapolis Motor Speedway begins  July 8 and will run through Aug. 8, 2021. (BMW)

BY MARK MAYNARD

BMW announced July 8 that it would offer new BMW Driving Experience programs at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The German carmaker said that the opportunity is a milestone expansion for Midwestern customers and enthusiasts.

The new driving experience at the IMS race track will offer a range of high-performance driving activities. Track and on-street sessions will be in BMW M vehicles, racing vehicles, and core BMW models.

The BMW’s performance driving school at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway began on July 8, 2021, and will continue on select days through August. There are two half-day sessions, the morning session is from 8:30 a.m. to noon and the afternoon session is from 1 to 4:30 p.m. The cost is $499 per session.

Driving Experience Programs

The IMS driving experience will provide owners and enthusiasts with several high-performance driving programs.  The goal for all courses will be to hone participants’ car control skills and challenge their abilities under the guidance of experienced instructors.

BMW’s M Track Experience is well known from the brand’s performance centers in Thermal, Calif., and Spartanburg, SC.

Courses offerings include:

M Track Experience. This program will be an instructional experience to familiarize participants with track driving.

M Track Days. BMW Performance Driving School instructors will teach participants to bring BMW M vehicles to the absolute limit.

M4 GT4 Experience. The full-day experience is centered around the BMW M4 GT4 racecar. The day includes classroom and track instruction.

Test Drive Experiences. A variety of BMW and BMW M vehicles will be available for on-street test drives. The test sessions will include xDrive off-road challenges in BMW’s X Series Sports Activity Vehicles.

Custom programming. An array of corporate or curated experiences will be available.

More information on the BMW Performance Driving Schools is available here.

About Indianapolis Motor Speedway

The 112-year-old Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the oldest continually operating racetrack in the United States. It is also the world’s largest sports-seating facility and has nearly 250,000 permanent seats. The speedway hosts the largest single-day sporting event in the world, the Indianapolis 500

The facility is owned and managed by Penske Entertainment.

Alfa Romeo Celebrates 111th anniversary — June 24, 1910

Alfa Romeo Celebrates 111th anniversary — June 24, 1910
An exterior view of the Alfa Romeo museum

Alfa Romeo celebrated its 111th anniversary today, June 24. (Photos courtesy Alfa Romeo)

BY MARK MAYNARD

Today marks the 111th anniversary of the Alfa Romeo brand. Founded on June 24, 1910, in Milan, Italy, the company began as Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili — A.L.F.A.

Engineer and entrepreneur Nicola Romeo joined a few years later as director. And in 1918 the carmaker would be renamed Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili Romeo — Alfa Romeo.

The first car carrying the Alfa Romeo badge was the 1921 Torpedo 20/30 HP.

An interior view of cars in the Alfa Romeo museum

Inside the museum.

Red Cars

When Alfa Romeo was first established, its cars were red. Since then, the color red has become an integral part of the brand’s DNA.

The Arese Museum were tinged with red on this day to honor the journey and heritage of Alfa Romeo.

The road course at the Alfa Romeo museum

The road course at the Arese Museum in Italy. (Alfa Romeo)

Alfa Romeo GTA and GTAm

The anniversary also marks the first customer deliveries of the new high-performance Giulia GTA and GTAm. But the halo models will only be sold in Europe.

The GTAm starts at roughly $225,000 with the slightly less-extreme GTA costing $6,000 less, according to Car and Driver. Only 500 cars are being produced, which seems like a lot for a $225K sport sedan.

The GTA badge recalls the “lightened” 1965 Giulia Sprint GTA, or Gran Turismo Alleggerita.

Each of the early buyers got an exclusive experience at the Arese Museum.  Owners were given a track-ready kit of a Bell helmet in GTA red livery, a full racing set by Alpinestars (race suit, gloves and shoes) and a personalized Goodwool car cover. Included with the kit was a driving course devised by the Alfa Romeo Driving Academy.

The tail wing of the GTm

The tail wing of the GTm.

More Power

The Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA and its extreme version Giulia GTAm are based on the top-line, 505-hp Giulia Quadrifoglio, but with more power.

Enhancements to the GTA “lightened” the curb weight by 220 pounds. Weight savers included carbon fiber for the drive shaft, hood, roof, front bumper, front wheel arches and rear wheel arch inserts. Carbon fiber is also used on the seats of the GTAm, with six-point Sabelt safety belts.

A red Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA

The Giulia GTA and its extreme version Giulia GTAm are based on the top-line, 505-hp Giulia Quadrifoglio, but with more power.

Horsepower was increased to 540-hp from the 2.9-liter biturbo V-6 Bi-Turbo. The eight-speed automatic transmission is by ZF. Acceleration to 62 mph takes 3.8 seconds, the company says.

The Giulia GTAm is a two-seat configuration approved for on-road use. The GTA version, with the same power, has four seats and no rear roll-bar.