Bentley Mulsanne convertible concept debuts

Bentley will expand the Mulsanne lineup with a glitzy convertible version, previewed by a concept that debuted at Pebble Beach.

The British droptop would likely share mechanical pieces with the coupe, meaning a twin-turbo 6.75-liter V8 making 505 hp and 752 lb-ft of torque paired with an eight-speed automatic and rear-wheel chassis. Technical specifications were not confirmed.

Timing for launch is not immediately known. The Mulsanne debuted at the 2009 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

The Mulsanne is built on its own line in Crewe, England, likely allowing for additional capacity for a convertible model. The name comes from a long straight leading to a famous corner at Le Mans, both called Mulsanne. Bentley has won the 24-hour race six times, most recently in 2003.

Bentley has sold 1,249 cars through July this year in the United States, a 27 percent increase compared with 2011.

Monterey car week is packed with car shows, vintage racing and auctions. Autoweek will be there providing streaming photo galleries and live coverage of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, historic racing at Laguna Seca, the Monterey car auctions and plenty more. Go to Autoweek's Pebble Beach home page for complete coverage and live updates.

By Greg Migliore