Bentley Turbo R
(1985 – 1995)
Bentley Turbo R, 1987, #JCH22079. This Turbo R is from an early series sporting rectangular headlamps, these were on later series (from model year 1989 onward) replaced by twin round headlamps.
Though the company stated that it didn’t position itself on the leading edge of fashionable automotive phases it could hardly be denied that the Bentley Turbo R was placed just there. The 135 mph Bentley Turbo R was launched at the Geneva Show in March, 1985. It was said that the Bentley Mulsanne Turbo should remain in production too. But this decision was revised when within a short period interest in that previous model faded at an almost shocking rate because the Bentley Turbo R was superior in handling. Modified front and rear suspension, the first-time use of alloy wheels and wider tyres, and a front air dam put the car’s handling in the thoroughbred sports car category. The Bentley Turbo R achieved a sales figure which made it one of Rolls-Royce’s best-selling models ever – up to now the company didn’t verify beyond doubt if this model remained in production until 1994 and was replaced by what Rolls-Royce introduced as their «New» Bentley Turbo R alongside their «New» R-R Silver Dawn, «New» R-R Silver Spur etc. or until 1997 having then been superseded by the Bentley Turbo RT.
Technical Data:
8 cylinder 90 degree V-configuration; aluminium-silicon alloy cylinder block with cast iron wet cylinder liners; bore x stroke 104.14 x 99.06 mm (4.1 x 3.9 in), capacity 6,750 cc; aluminium alloy cylinder heads, Lucas breakerless electronic ignition, Solex 4-barrel downdraught carburettor type 4A1; Garrett AiResearch turbocharger type TO4B (from 1986 Bosch MK-Motronic fuel injection; from 1990 Bosch K Motronic fuel injection and digital ignition, from 1995 Zytek EMS3 engine management system; 3-speed automatic (from 1992 4-speed automatic); independent suspension with coil springs front and rear, Girling hydraulic self-levelling ride control rear; ventilated disc brakes front, plain discs rear (from 1986 anti-locking brakes); wheelbase 3,061 mm or 3,161 mm (120.5 in or 124.5 in)(from 1996 long wheelbase standard, short wheelbase optional); tyre size 275/55VR15 (from 1986 255/65VR15 optional; from 1993 255/60 ZR 16; from 1994 255/55WR17); max. speed 220 km/h (from 1988 max speed 235 km/h; from 1995 max speed 249 km/h)
No. made:
4653 Bentley Turbo R
1211 Bentley Turbo R long wheelbase