In 1985, a car which had benefitted
from attention to the chassis was launched in the form of the Bentley
Turbo R.
By developing the suspension for
roadholding and handling, at the expense of ride quality, Rolls-Royce provided
further incentives for the sporting motorist to purchase a turbocharged
Bentley. Stiffer anti-rollbars at front and rear were supplemented by
firmer gas shock absorbers
on the rear axle. With Panhard rods controlling
the movements of the rear, and crisper steering adding to the precise handling,
efforts had been made to improve substantially the road manners of the
other turbocharged car. In the course of further developments, the Turbo
R's top speed was able to be increased again, to nearly 145
mph.
When in the autumn of 1988 the Turbo
R for the model year of 1989 was released to the world a considerable number
of modifications had been made. Outwardly the uprated model was distinguished
by twin round headlamps and
in the engine compartment
Bosch
K Motronic fuel injection replaced the Solex
carburettor.The
turbo charger was now fitted with an intercooler.On
the dashboard a rev-counter, hietherto notable in its absence kept owners
informed about the engine's operational happiness.
The model of
1989 saw
breached the defences which had effectively prevented the sale of the Turbo
R in the United States market. Rolls-Royce had succeeded in fulfilling
the requirements of the relevant safety and emission regulations. It has
to be kept in mind however, that American
owners are permitted by law only to make use of the lower third of the
car's potential speed.