bentley bentayga key Mulsanne Key Celebrates Its Centenary

Bentley's custom coachbuilding division, Mulliner, has designed a unique keycase to commemorate the brand's centennial. Made from Dark Stained Walnut and Piano Black veneer, it includes a fluttering 'B' paperweight, a set Bently Keys and a brochure featuring never-before-seen 1930 8 Litre imagery.

This is the perfect way to greet a new vehicle owner.

Aesthetics

As a design-oriented company Bentley takes its aesthetics seriously. It is evident in the precise positioning of its quilting and the use of leather from cattle by-products as well as the sustainable management of forests, and the ingenuous patterns of its levers. When you drive by a car like the Continental GT W12, its beautiful sculptural design is highlighted by carefully selected lighting.

The Continental GT is the most sophisticated open-top Bentley ever made. The rear tonneau of Continental GT, for example, featured the largest piece ever made of dark-stained Burr Walnut veneer that was book-matched. Similarly, the electrically-operated glass sunroof and champagne cooler that incorporated hand-blown and hand-cut lead crystal bottles marked a new benchmark in luxury and innovation.

It is this unique design, attention to detail and craftsmanship to detail that have established Bentley as the world's most sought-after car brand. The company continues to push boundaries with the latest technology and craftsmanship, including the introduction of a digital instrument cluster as well as an electric tilt-opening rear glass sunroof and a crafted docking station for Apple iPads and electrochromic "smart" glass that can be switched from transparent to opaque with the push of one button.

A century since its founding, Bentley - now under sole Volkswagen ownership following years of wrangling with BMW was able to celebrate its centennial in 2019. The marque planned a variety of special events and launches to celebrate the occasion prior to when pandemic planning became a priority.

Design

Bentley is known as a luxury car maker that makes ostentatious and luxurious cars. However, even the keys are a statement. The Bentayga key is crafted from sterling silver. It has an oversized 'B' logo that lets everyone know you drive a bentley key fob case. It also has the years 1919 and 2019 to mark the company's centenary.

The Mulsanne was redesigned and developed by Bentley Mulliner to be the ultimate Grand Touring car. It features two opposing pairs of rear seats inspired by the luxury of private aviation offering passengers unbeatable comfort and security. The unique heating and ventilation system as well as the air conditioning system was developed to give each passenger the perfect temperature control.

In addition to a suite of exquisitely executed styling tweaks, the Mulsanne is powered by twin-turbocharged 6.75-litre W12 engine that is capable of producing 560bhp and 479lbft of torque. This incredible power is complemented by a new suspension system that gives Bentley's famously smooth ride.

In celebration of its Centenary, Bentley introduced a specific specification that is called the Centenary Specification for vehicles built in 2019. The cabin features cross-stitching and contrast stitching in Centenary Gold throughout. The Bentley Wings on the headrests and seats are embroidered with Centenary Gold, adding to the sense of celebration. The Centenary Specification also includes a custom Bentley keycase, completing the Bentley experience.

Function

The Bentley Continental Key Fob Mulsanne key comes with an open button on the trunk and another which starts the car. The key also includes a switch to turn on the parking brake. The knob can be used to fold or unfold the mirrors while parking in a tight space. This feature makes it easier to get into and out of your car.

The key is made from vegetable tanned leather. It takes about two days to craft each one. It is cut by hand, shaped, sewn, sealed and polished to provide a high-quality finish. It is light and compact and fits the Bentley key perfectly. Its design is similar to that of the Volkswagen Phaeton large car's key however it feels heavier and has a more luxurious feel.

Secure-A-Key is also available to help stop keyless entry theft. The device is inserted into the remote control fob, and is disabled in the event that the key isn't used for more than a few minutes. It stops thieves from transmitting the key's frequency to other devices which can be used to open and start the vehicle.

Bentley's unique design reflects the values of the company that include high-quality craftsmanship and engineering expertise as well as modern technology. Its headquarters in Crewe are home to more than 4000 employees responsible for the development, design and production of Bentley vehicles. They apply their expertise that have been passed through generations to current automotive technology. This is British manufacturing at its best.

Personalisation

Bentley's bespoke division, Mulliner, allows customers to essentially design their own car. The customers sit at a set of images referred to as "mood stations" and pick a set of images ranging from scenic views to sporting events that are inspiring to them. Every time a choice is made the pattern that emerges shows the model, color and style preferences for the bespoke Bentley.

The resulting configuration is then loaded onto individual R.F.I.D.-enabled key cards which are handed out to the guests in a custom-made key case. The keys can also be outfitted with Bentley Muliner Personalised Welcome Lamps that light up the door's opening pathway with the owner's name, or emblem as they make their way towards the vehicle.

Bentley estimates it takes approximately 500 man-hours to craft and put together the typical Mulsanne. The key to this time-consuming effort is a conscious refusal to embrace the latest technology. Instead of making use of a machine to space the perfectly matched cross-stitched leather seats, workers at the Crewe factory do it by hand. And rather than using the car's built-in sensors to guide it to perpendicular and parallel parking spaces drivers must perform the task by hand.

Bentley showcased its Mulliner personalization abilities with a special Mulsanne W.O. Edition, that pays tribute to William Osler, the founder of Bentley. Edition, which pays homage to the founder William Osler Bentley. The limited edition cars come with the key, which displays the 1930 8 Litre crankshaft.