Bentley Turbo R roars back!

Nearly 10 years after it was dropped, the Bentley Turbo R is about to make a comeback!

We first revealed the firm’s plans to introduce a coupé version when the Mulsanne was launched in 2009. And now, insiders are admitting that it could revive the evocative badge.

The original Turbo R was produced from 1985 to 1994, and based on the Mulsanne Turbo. With a Rolls-Royce-sourced V8 engine putting out around 350bhp – official figures weren’t released – and suspension tuned to match, it created what was to become the last word in luxury muscle cars.

Bentley has yet to officially confirm the move, but a spiritual successor would be the perfect fit for a performance version of the coupé.

Under the bonnet of the new Turbo R would be the current Mulsanne limo’s 6.75-litre V8, although power is likely to be increased from the saloon’s 510bhp to nearer 600bhp.

It could be launched in 2013, and our rendering shows how the coupé would look.

The front end is identical to that of the four-door, complete with the signature grille and controversial drooping headlights. However, from the A-pillar back it’s all new, with the rear doors deleted in favour of a swooping coupé profile. The Turbo R will join a trio of new Bentleys planned for launch from 2015, each featuring Porsche underpinnings.

On the schedule is a £150,000 five-door coupé based on the Continental GT, and using the platform from the next-generation Panamera. There is also a plush Cayenne-based 4x4 crossover, plus a £90,000 coupé to rival the Maserati GranTurismo.

BMW M3 to get turbo power

The model has consistently set the performance coupé benchmark, and this latest version will raise the bar further with its more efficient 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six engine. Replacing the much-loved 4.0-litre V8, it will be the first turbo to grace the M3. This will help to improve overall fuel consumption and reduce emissions, even on high-performance BMWs.

Even so, the engine will pack a serious punch, delivering around 450bhp. It is likely to be a development of the unit used by the 1-Series M Coupé, but with approximately another 100bhp, it should be able to push the car from 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph.

The engine is mated to a choice of six-speed manual or twin-clutch paddleshift gearboxes. The car gets the latest M Sport active diff, too, and will be better to drive than the previous M3, as well as faster, lighter – thanks to composite materials – and more efficient. It will also be a real head-turner. As with the current car, the coupé will get sleek bodywork with unique panels. These will give it a longer, sportier profile, complemented by a more rakish windscreen.

Think of the car as a downsized version of the new 6-Series and you’ll get the idea. The M3 will add a muscular bodykit, low front splitter and air intakes. In addition to the Coupé we have illustrated here, there will be a drop-top Convertible.

However, this time there won’t be an M3 saloon option – the four-door has been relatively unpopular, so BMW is likely to drop it from the range. Expect to see the new M3 in 2012.