Electric Cars

Ford's Heritage Fleet has triumphantly brought back to life a legendary, one-of-a-kind V10 Mustang prototype. This extraordinary vehicle, which had been relegated to storage for an extended period, was perilously close to being dismantled. Its revival is a cause for celebration among automotive enthusiasts, offering a rare glimpse into Ford's inventive engineering past.

The Reawakening of a Ten-Cylinder Beast

The saga of this distinct Mustang began approximately twenty-five years ago. A team of Ford engineers embarked on an ambitious, seemingly impractical endeavor: to equip a Mustang with a ten-cylinder engine. This clandestine initiative ultimately bore fruit in the form of the V10 Boss 351 Prototype, a fully operational Mustang coupe.

Recently, Ford's Heritage Fleet, collaborating with several members of the original design team, undertook the meticulous task of restoring the car to its former glory. Given its prolonged dormancy, the prototype necessitated extensive restoration work beyond a mere jump-start. The team systematically refurbished its electronic and mechanical systems. Following this comprehensive overhaul, the Mustang underwent a dynamometer test, revealing an impressive output of over 510 horsepower and 480 lb-ft (651 Nm) of torque at the wheels. While an exact crankshaft horsepower figure was not disclosed, an estimated 15 percent drivetrain loss suggests the engine's output is close to 600 hp, a remarkable achievement for its era.

Instead of repurposing a Triton V10 from Ford's existing truck lineup, the engineers ingeniously adapted the 4.6-liter four-valve DOHC Modular V8 engine from the Mustang Cobra R. They essentially augmented the architecture with two additional cylinders, integrating components from two 4.6-liter engines and crafting bespoke cylinder heads and camshafts. This innovative approach resulted in a 5.8-liter, all-aluminum, short-stroke, high-revving DOHC V10 engine.

For the powertrain management, the engineers devised a creative, improvised solution. They interconnected two Triton Engine Control Units (ECUs), with each unit overseeing a bank of cylinders. Power was efficiently transmitted to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission.

The return of this V10 Mustang prototype underscores a pivotal moment in Ford's history, showcasing a period when engineering creativity flourished without the constraints of mass production feasibility. This vehicle stands as a powerful reminder of the audacious spirit that once drove automotive innovation, allowing engineers to push boundaries and explore unconventional concepts. Its preservation is not merely about restoring a car; it's about safeguarding a tangible piece of automotive heritage that continues to inspire and captivate enthusiasts, reinforcing the idea that some experiments, no matter how unconventional, are truly worth saving.

Bentley is venturing into a new epoch of automotive excellence with the introduction of its all-electric SUV, the Torcal. This innovative vehicle is set to become the most potent and quickest accelerating production model ever crafted by the esteemed Crewe-based manufacturer, signaling a significant shift in Bentley's century-long pursuit of sophisticated speed.

The Torcal, slated for a 2028 debut with U.S. sales commencing in 2027, boasts an impressive array of performance targets. Preliminary figures indicate a remarkable sprint to 60 mph in under three seconds, powered by a dual-motor configuration that is expected to generate more than 838 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque. This performance places the Torcal well ahead of Bentley's current benchmark, the Continental GT Speed, which delivers 771 horsepower and achieves 60 mph in 3.1 seconds. Additionally, the Torcal aims for a substantial 373-mile range under the WLTP cycle, complemented by 400-kilowatt DC fast-charging capabilities that can replenish approximately 100 miles in just seven minutes, with an 80% charge achieved in less than 20 minutes. Bentley describes this acceleration as 'effortless progression,' aiming for a sense of calm power rather than aggressive force.

Beyond its raw power, the Torcal integrates cutting-edge technology and design. The interior is highlighted by a curved-screen layout and a 'Curation Engine' that dynamically adjusts cabin elements such as lighting, climate, and audio to suit various driving modes—Bentley, Comfort, and Sport. In a nod to the absence of a traditional V8 engine, Bentley has collaborated with musicians to create the 'Bentley Dynamic Symphony,' a synthesized sound layer designed to fill the auditory void. The full unveiling of the Torcal is eagerly anticipated on September 23, 2026, in London, marking it as the vanguard of Bentley's electrified future and its transition away from internal combustion engines. A key question remains whether long-standing Bentley enthusiasts, accustomed to W12 coupes and V8 Flying Spurs, will embrace this electric SUV with the same fervor, though Bentley emphasizes that the Torcal's electric powertrain aligns with the brand's enduring philosophy of torque-first performance, echoing iconic models like the Speed Six.

Bentley's commitment to innovation with the Torcal represents a bold step towards a sustainable yet uncompromisingly luxurious future. By integrating groundbreaking electric performance with advanced in-cabin experiences, Bentley not only aims to satisfy its traditional clientele but also to attract a new generation of discerning buyers who value both heritage and forward-thinking technology. This electrifying endeavor showcases a brand that is unafraid to evolve, embracing new horizons while staying true to its core values of unparalleled craftsmanship and driving pleasure. The Torcal embodies a positive vision of progress, proving that sustainability can coexist harmoniously with high-end luxury and exhilarating performance.