When it comes to in-car audio systems, ‘Naim for Bentley’ is considered one of the most impressive sound systems available. However, when a new bespoke coachbuilt model came to light, the engineers at the factory in Crewe, UK started planning the next benchmark for in-car audio. The ‘Naim for Mulliner’ audio system will be a £25,000 option for the 18 customer Baturs to be handcrafted by Mulliner.
With a partnership spanning over 15 years, the ‘Naim for Bentley’ system was a solid foundation to start further development. Bentley says the system needed to deliver an unrivalled musical experience, providing presence, detail, power, warmth, airiness and immersion, whilst using the most efficient technologies.
Collaborating with Naim and Focal, over 56 requirements and recommendations were identified for the 20 speaker system planned for the Batur. The output is the result of 10,000 hours of innovation developments inherited from both brands and combined to produce what Bentley terms the pinnacle of in-car audio – ‘Naim for Mulliner’.
Using bespoke Focal speaker drivers which sit in Bentley’s unique speaker baskets, created using additive manufacturing, a significant step change in performance is achieved. The 20 speaker system comprises six tweeters, nine mid-range speakers, two woofers, two active bass transducers and one sub-woofer. All mid-range speakers and tweeters have new speaker drivers for ‘Naim for Mulliner’, while the woofers and sub-woofer have been modified to improve linearity and dynamics.
The new speakers are derived from Focal’s Grand Utopia speakers, and for both mid-range and tweeters feature patented 'M' cones. The exclusive 'M'-profile made from a single piece (with no dust cap) provides incredible rigidity and perfectly combines the three critical criteria for a speaker driver: rigidity, lightness and damping. This enables an extremely linear frequency response with a low distortion rate and better sound dispersion. This highly advanced cone delivers a breath-taking level of detail adding to the listening experience and captivating realism
Each speaker position has been carefully chosen for perfect system integration, creating what Bentley calls an uncompromising musical experience. Whilst the Batur was being designed, further strengthening and stiffening was included around the cabin, particularly around the doors and rear cabin areas which has led to reduced distortion and improved isolation for the new ‘Naim for Mulliner’ system.
The 18 customers who have already reserved their Batur will enjoy a special co-creation experience with the Mulliner Design team in specifying their cars and choosing if they want to include the ultimate in-car audio system.
Naim for Bentley delivers one of the world’s most advanced music systems, both inside the Bentleys on the road and also for listeners at home via a pursuit for the purest sound. Fellow champions of British design and engineering, Naim and Bentley work collaboratively to deliver powerful in-car original equipment manufacturer (OEM) systems.
Naim is a Queen’s Award winner for its innovation and having recently honed a trailblazing Digital Signal Processing (DSP) system, it realised it could apply an all-new approach to the in-car implementation. DSP would find itself at the very heart of the 'Naim for Mulliner' audio system, with this innovative technology offering a range of modes to optimise the in-car soundstage, depending on seating position and listening preferences. It ensures ultimate audio performance is maintained whatever the speed or road conditions.