Bentley's new Mulsanne replaces the Arnage

Like its predecessor, the Mulsanne is named after a famous corner at the legendary Le Mans racing circuit, which underlines Bentley's racing pedigree and heritage.

The Mulsanne is the first Bentley since 1930 to be designed, engineered and built from the ground up by Bentley engineers, and uses a new and unique platform that shares nothing with other Bentley or VW group models. Indeed, Bentley describes it as "neither an evolution nor revision of Arnage."

Dr. Franz-Josef Paefgen, Chairman and Chief Executive of Bentley Motors, said: "The challenge we set our engineers was to create a new grand Bentley that would stand as the pinnacle of British luxury motoring, offering the world's most exclusive driving experience. They have responded to this challenge with real passion and the result is a luxury grand tourer that sets new standards in terms of comfort, effortless performance and hand-crafted refinement - the very qualities for which Bentley is renowned."

Bentley's head of exterior design Raul Piris said this allowed them to produce a car that looks expensive, and more modern than the Arnage.

"The Mulsanne combines the technological feel of the Continental models with the prestige of the Arnage," he said. "But we wanted to preserve the Arnage's exclusivity, and avoid duplicating the Continental's look. The Mulsanne needs to express a higher level of a coach-built look, and be more bespoke."

Specifications are scarce for now, but the Mulsanne is expected to use a revised version of Bentley's familiar 6.75 litre twin turbo V8, producing 500bhp and 1000Nm of torque. Top speed is expected to be at around 290km/h, while air-sprung suspension riding on 265/40 Pirelli P Zeros mounted on 21-inch wheels will give the Mulsanne a comforting ride.

New technology for the 21st century to maximise efficiency has also been included, with lighter, more efficient components such as the water pump and many new internal components help to cut the engine's weight and improve fuel consumption. The engine is also said to be fitted with new fuel-saving technology, which could include cylinder deactivation.

Production of the Mulsanne will begin next year, at Bentley's state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Crewe, England, with sales set to begin by the middle of 2010.