Bentleys With Turbos Ready For All Challengers

Forty years ago, Bentley’s first-ever turbocharged model entered into production after debuting at the Geneva Motor Show. That car was the Mulsanne Turbo, and as Bentley puts it, the move “marked a turning point in the company’s fortunes.” Since that 1982 debut, there has been a huge number of turbo Bentleys, with turbocharged luxo-barges now making up the majority of the brand’s lineup.

At the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Bentley decided to celebrate that a little, seeing as the Mulsanne Turbo arguably saved the company. Ten total turbocharged Bentleys will be at the Goodwood FoS, from early models to three of Bentley’s newest: the Bentley Continental GT Mulliner and GTC S, as well as the Flying Spur.

But the older cars are by far more impressive, simply by virtue of them more unique and special than the ones you can buy today. Those included the 1991 Bentley Turbo R (no, not the Porsche), Bentley’s first truly sporty model in decades, and the Arnage Red Label, arguably a spiritual successor to the latter. Also there was the OG Continental SuperSports, as well as a smattering of luxurious turbocharged models.

But more than anything, what Bentley is aiming pay homage to the car and powerplant that saved it. Bentley called the move to turbocharger the Mulsanne a “bold step” back in ’82, and says it “paid off handsomely.” We’ve described Bentley models that we’ve tested as being propelled by a “wave of torque.” Bentley leans into that today, but back then it was more of a gamble with the new tech.

Bentley was in dire financial straights back then and desperately needed an edge to shake the market up and drive sales. Clearly, that has worked. Bentley has become immensely popular, and more importantly, profitable, as evidenced by its sales figures. But the brand is now at another turning point yet again.

Life for Bentley isn’t about how many cows it slayed to put inside a Continental anymore. Instead, it’s about becoming greener, more efficient, and more socially aware. The company is on the cusp of debuting its first fully-electric model, a move that’ll shape the brand in much the way the Mulsanne Turbo did. Whether we’ll be seeing another parade of electrified Bentleys at Goodwood FoS in another 40 years remains to be seen.