If you’ve ever had the experience of driving a Bentley, you know that these exotic cars are engineering marvels. A new Bentley model, due out sometime this year, will take auto engineering to a whole new level.
The 2011 Bentley Mulsanne will be available in the U.S. the fall of 2010 and is considered a flagship car for the automaker.
While Bentley does not plan to implement hybrid technology or diesel fuel capability for the Mulsanne, the company has revealed plans for the new model to use flex fuel.
The Mulsanne will be able to run on a combination of traditional gasoline and ethanol. In fact, the Bentley Continental may be moving to flex fuel soon as well.
The Bentley Mulsanne features a 6.75-liter V8 engine that cranks out 505 horsepower.
“There’s nothing like driving a Bentley,” says Ron Sturgeon, owner of a Dallas car storage facility. Sturgeon also owns and operates a business that gives autophiles a chance to drive exotic cars.
DFW Drive Your Dream (http://www.DFWDriveYourDream.com) gives participants the opportunity to drive a Bentley and several other exotic vehicles over a specially designed tour route in Texas.
“I love most exotic cars,” says Sturgeon, “but the Bentley Continental is just one of my favorites. It’s a sweet combination of performance and style.”
The Mulsanne will be available in 100 exterior paint options. Customers can also have a new color specially mixed to match anything from their favorite flower to the exact blue of their spouse’s eyes.
And the customization doesn’t stop at the car’s exterior. You can choose from 24 leather upholstery colors, nine different wood veneer options, and a wide variety of other accessories and accents.
“It’s a luxury brand,” says Sturgeon. “They want to deliver a car that is a perfect fit for the person who drives it.”
Automobile analysts expect the new flex fuel Bentley Mulsanne to cost between $225,000 and $264,000. But if you think that’s the end of the expense, think again.
There’s also depreciation, car insurance, maintenance, repairs, and storage for the car.
“It can be expensive to own,” says Sturgeon, “but they sure are fun to drive. That’s what makes Drive your Dream so attractive. You enjoy the cars without any of the hassles.”
Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance writer, who specializes in web content, editing, and technical writing.