The Bentley Turbo R (R for road holding) was launched at the Geneva Show in March, 1985. At the time it was said that the Bentley Mulsanne Turbo should remain in production, but this decision was revised when, within a short period, interest in that previous model faded at an almost shocking rate because the Bentley Turbo R was superior in handling. Modified front and rear suspension, the first-time use of alloy wheels and wider tyres and a front air dam all lead to the huge improvement in road holding over previous models.

The Turbo R required a potent power source to move it's two and a quarter ton bulk, it got it in the form of a turbocharged 6.75 Litre V8 producing over 350bhp. For a car of it's size acceleration was remarkable, 60mph arriving in just 6.7sec and onto a maximum speed of 150mph.
Under hard acceleration the Turbo R exhibits a muffled yet hearty V8 throb reminiscent of the American muscle-cars of a generation ago. But there is so much in hand at, say, 120mph – which now represents just 3400rpm – that cruising is indeed as relaxed as it should be.

Even though the Turbo R is endowed with sports car like performance it would not be a Bentley if it did not have that smooth comfortable ride, which is achieved by the use of an active ride self levelling hydraulic system, first introduced in 1989. Its handling belies it size and it is still possible to pilot the Turbo R along twisting “B” roads at a surprising rate, especially if “sport” is engaged.

Driving a Bentley Turbo R is not just about having power to drive at a rapid rate if required, it is about being cocooned in one of the most luxurious cars in the world whilst doing so. With traditional British workmanship employed on covering surfaces with the highest quality leather, burr Walnut veneer panels and letting your feet sink into thick sheep skin over-mats, it is truly an opulent car.