Mulsanne name returns

       These are the first pictures of Bentley's allnew Mulsanne that made its world debut at the Pebble Beach Concours D'Elegance in California last weekend. The Mulsanne won't form as the third model range for Bentley but is an effective replacement for the 11-yearold Arnage flagship saloon.
       The Mulsanne isn't a new name; it was last used during 1980-1992 for the saloon preceding the Brooklands. While the old Mulsanne was developed alongside the Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit/Silver Spur, this new one has nothing in common with RR and is developed under VW Group ownership.
       The most outstanding design element of the new Mulsanne is the large circular headlights. Rolls-Royce, in contrast, employs small rectangular lights in its Phantom rival. The rest of the Mulsanne's looks generally comply with Bentley's design philosophy. The rear end, for instance, is unmistakably from the smaller Continental. The interior, meanwhile,exudes the usual opulence of an exotic limo.
       The technical details are said to be kept secret until the car makes another showing in Frankfurt next month. Although Bentley has access to VW tech, sources say the Mulsanne is most likely to retain the 50-year-old 6.75-litre V8 engine block, albeit tweaks to meet today's emission standards. Power is said to be rated at around 500hp, although torque will be emphasised instead.
       The Mulsanne will be made as a saloon first to compete with the RR Phantom and Maybach. Coupe' and cabriolet silhouettes may follow later to match the Phantom Coupe'and Drophead respectively. As well, there would be a stretched limo which the Phantom and Maybach have.
       The Mulsanne goes on sale in mid-2010 and shouldn't be priced as lavishly as the Phantom, which retails around B55m in Thailand. Since high import duties deter RollsRoyce from making a sales comeback of new models, the Mulsanne's pricetag of around B35m is unlikely to go on sale here on an official basis - just like the Azure convertible.
       FYI: Bugatti is rumoured to unveil a super saloon concept in Frankfurt next month harking back to the old days of the Royale.