Bentley's custom coachbuilding division, Mulliner, has designed a unique key case to mark the centennial of the company. It is constructed of Dark Stained Burr Walnut with Piano Black Veneer and includes an eagle-like "B" paperweight keys, as well as an unreleased booklet with 1930s 8 Litre images.
This is a great method to welcome a brand new vehicle owner.
Aesthetics
Bentley is a firm which takes its aesthetics seriously. This is evident in the precise positioning of its quilting as well as the use of leather from leftovers from cattle and sustainable-managed forests, and the innovative patterns of its levers. A car like the Continental GT W12 beckons as you drive by, displaying its sculptural beauty and power by carefully curated lighting.
The Continental GT is the most sophisticated open-top Bentley ever created. Its rear tonneau, for instance, featured the largest piece of book-matched, dark-stained Burr Walnut veneer ever applied to an actual production Bentley. 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 bespoke design, craftsmanship and attention to detail that have established Bentley as the most sought-after automotive brand. The company continues to push boundaries with the latest technology and craftsmanship. This includes the introduction of an electronic tilt-opening rear window sunroof as well as a hand-crafted Apple iPad docking station.
A century after its founding, Bentley - now under sole Volkswagen ownership following years of wrangling with BMW it celebrated its centenary in 2019. Before the pandemic planning took center stage, the marque held a series of special events and launches planned to mark this historic occasion.
Design
Bentley is known as a premium car manufacturer who creates extravagant and luxurious cars. But even the keys are an oath. The Bentayga Key is made of sterling silver and features the large B' logo to inform everyone that you're driving a Bentley. The key is also decorated with the years 1919 and 2019 to commemorate the company's centennial.
The Mulsanne was redesigned and redeveloped by Bentley Mulliner, to be the ultimate Grand Touring car. The rear seats are designed to give passengers unmatched comfort and privacy. They were inspired by the luxurious private aircraft. The bespoke heating and The Key Lab ventilation system as well as the air conditioning system was created to provide each passenger with the perfect climate control setting.
The Mulsanne is equipped with twin turbocharged 6.75 litre W12 engine that puts out 560bhp and 479lb-ft of torque. This incredible power is enhanced by a new suspension system that provides Bentley's signature hushed ride.
Bentley has announced a special specification for cars manufactured after 2019 to celebrate its centennial. This is known as the Centenary Specification. This includes cross-stitching and contrast stitching in Centenary Gold thread throughout the cabin. The Bentley Wings are embroidered with Centenary Gold on the headrests and seats as well as other areas of the car. This adds to the celebration. The Centenary Specification also includes a customized Bentley keycase, completing the Bentley experience.
Function
The Bentley Mulsanne key has an opening button for the trunk, as well as a button that 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 if you are parking in a tight area. This feature can help you get into and out of your vehicle more quickly.
Each key takes two days to make. The key is cut by hand, shaped, stitched after which it is sealed and polished to give a superior result. It is light and compact and will fit the Bentley key perfectly. Its design is similar to the Volkswagen Phaeton's big car key, however it feels heavier and more luxurious.
Secure-A-Key is also available to protect against keyless entry theft. The device is placed inside the remote-control key fob and will shut it off after a few minutes of inactivity, The Key Lab preventing thieves from transmitting the key's frequency to other devices that could unlock and start the vehicle.
Bentley's distinctive style reflects the company's values of fine craftsmanship and engineering expertise as well as cutting-edge technology. Over 4,000 people work at its Crewe headquarters, and are responsible for the design, development and production of Bentley cars. They apply their expertise that have been handed down through generations to cutting-edge automotive technology. This is British manufacturing at its finest.
Personalisation
Bentley's Mulliner division allows customers to design their own vehicle. The "mood station" allows customers to choose images that inspire them. They can choose anything from scenic vistas and sporting events. Each time a selection is made, a pattern is created that reveals the model and color preferences for The Key Lab personalized Bentley.
The guests receive the keys in a case designed by hand that houses the R.F.I.D. enabled key cards. The keys can also be equipped with Bentley Muliner Personalised Welcome Lamps which light the door's opening path with the owner's name or logo when they approach the vehicle.
Bentley estimates that it requires 500 man-hours to build and assemble a Mulsanne. The unwillingness to embrace new technology is the key to this lengthy and laborious process. Instead of using a machine to space the perfectly matched cross-stitched leather seats workers at the Crewe factory do it by hand. Drivers must park their vehicles manually, rather than using sensors built-in to guide them into perpendicular and parallel spaces.
During the event, Bentley presented its Mulliner personalization options with one of a kind - the Mulsanne W.O. The Mulsanne W.O. Edition pays homage to founder William Osler Bentley. The limited-edition cars come with a special key that displays a small portion of the 1930 8 Liter's crankshaft.
