Bentley Mulsanne Key Celebrates Its Centenary
Bentley's bespoke coachbuilding division, Mulliner, has designed an exclusive key case to commemorate the brand's centennial. Made from Dark Stained Walnut and Piano Black veneer, it includes a flying 'B' paperweight, a set of keys and a brochure that features never-before-seen 1930 8 Litre imagery.
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Aesthetics
Bentley is a company who takes its aesthetics seriously. It's evident in the precise placement of its quilting, the selection of leather from by-products of cattle, the timber from forests that are sustainably managed and the creative patterns on its levers. As you approach a car like the Continental GT W12, its sculptural beauty is displayed through carefully curated lighting.
The Continental GT is the most sophisticated open-top Bentley ever made. The rear of the tonneau in the Continental GT, for example, featured the biggest piece of dark-stained Burr Walnut veneer that was book-matched. Similarly, the electrically-operated glass sunroof and champagne cooler that incorporated hand-blown and hand-cut lead crystal bottles marked a new benchmark in luxury and innovation.
Bentley is the most sought-after automobile brand globally due to its distinctive design and workmanship. The company continues to push boundaries by utilizing the most advanced technology and craft, including the introduction of a digital instrument cluster with an electric tilt-opening back glass sunroof, an artisan-made docking station for Apple iPads and electrochromic smart glass that can be changed from transparent to opaque at the touch of one button.
A century after its creation, Bentley - now under sole Volkswagen ownership following years of wrangling with BMW it celebrated its centenary in the year 2019. Prior to the pandemic plan taking center stage, the marque had a range of special events and launches planned to celebrate this historic occasion.
Design
Bentley is known for its extravagant and lavish automobiles however, even keys are designed to make a statement. The Bentayga Key is constructed of sterling silver and features a large B' symbol to signal to everyone that you're a Bentley. It's also engraved with the years 1919 and 2019, to commemorate the company's centenary.
Bentley Mulliner redesigned and developed the Mulsanne to become the ultimate Grand Touring vehicle. It features two opposing sets of rear seats that were designed to be reminiscent of luxury private aviation, providing passengers with unparalleled comfort and security. A custom heating, ventilation and air conditioning system was designed to ensure that every passenger has the perfect climate control setting.
Alongside a series of exquisitely executed styling tweaks and a host of elegantly executed styling changes, the Mulsanne is powered by a twin-turbocharged 6.75-litre W12 engine capable of producing 560bhp and 479lb-ft of torque. This incredible power is enhanced by a new suspension design that gives Bentley's signature hushed ride.
Bentley has introduced a special specification for cars made after the year 2019 in order to celebrate its centennial. This is called the Centenary Specification. The cabin has cross-stitching, and contrast stitching in Centenary Gold throughout. The Bentley Wings are embroidered with Centenary Gold on the headrests and seats as well as other areas of the car. This adds to the celebration. A custom Bentley key case is included in the Centenary Specification, making the Bentley experience all-inclusive.
Function
The Bentley Mulsanne Key has two buttons one of which opens the trunk, and the second that turns on the vehicle. It also has a switch that can switch on the parking break. The knob can be used to fold or unfold the mirrors when parking in a tight area. This feature makes it easier to get in and out of your vehicle.
Each key takes about two days to make. The key is cut by hand, shaped, stitched to seal, and polished to produce a premium result. It is small and sturdy and matches the Bentley key perfectly. Its design is reminiscent of the Volkswagen Phaeton's big car key, however it feels more heavy and luxurious.
It is also equipped with Secure-A-Key which can help prevent theft of keys without keypads. This device is inserted into the remote-control fob, and disables it if the key is not used for more than a few minutes. It prevents thieves from transmitting the key's frequency to other devices that can unlock and start the vehicle.
Bentley's unique design reflects the values of the company that include fine craftsmanship and engineering expertise as well as cutting-edge technology. More than 4,000 employees work at its Crewe headquarters, which is responsible for the development, design, and production of Bentley cars. They employ the skills passed down through generations and apply them to cutting-edge technology in the automotive industry. This is British manufacturing at its finest.
Personalisation
Bentley's bespoke division, Mulliner, allows customers to essentially design their own vehicle. Guests sit at a series of pictures referred to as "mood stations" and select a series of photos ranging from scenic vistas to sporting events - that inspire them. Each time a selection is made the pattern that emerges is the model of the Bentley, as well as the color and style preferences for the custom Bentley.
The configuration that is created is stored on individual R.F.I.D.-enabled key cards which are handed out to guests in a custom key case. Keys can also be equipped with Bentley Muliner Personalised Welcome Lamps which light the door's opening pathway with the owner's name, or emblem when they make their way towards the vehicle.
Bentley claims it takes about 500 man-hours in order to create and put together the typical Mulsanne. The key to this time-consuming effort is a deliberate decision to adopt the latest technology. The Crewe factory workers don't utilize a machine for arranging perfectly-matched leather seats. Instead, they do it by hand. And rather than letting the car's built in sensors guide it into perpendicular and parallel parking spaces the drivers must do it by hand.
Bentley displayed its Mulliner personalization skills with the release of a special Mulsanne W.O. Edition, which pays homage to founder William Osler Bentley. Edition, which pays tribute to founder William Osler Bentley. The limited edition cars include a key that displays a piece of the 1930 8 Litre crankshaft.