2006 Bentley Arnage T on 2040-cars

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Fastest and most powerful SUVs in America for 2022

Here in the United States, we enjoy power almost as much as we like our SUVs. Thankfully, we’ve got plenty of both. Traditionally, the most powerful SUVs source their massive horsepower and torque from some form of a V8. While thatÂ’s still generally the case, electrification comes into play more and more, whether itÂ’s mild-hybrid tech, a plug-in hybrid powertrain or, as is the case with the two vehicles topping this list, fully electric vehicles. As we enter the 2022 model year, letÂ’s look at the most powerful SUVs available.  Before we dive in, letÂ’s address the elephant that is waiting just outside the door. Due to supply shortages, Mercedes-Benz is shelving most V8 models for the 2022 model year. Some 2021 models can still be found in dealer inventories, but we wonÂ’t include them. With that in mind, letÂ’s dive into the list. 2022 Audi RS Q8 — 591 hp / 190 mph Read our review of the Audi RS Q8 The only Audi on this list is a hot little number, which we characterized as “an uncompromising option in a field of compromised options.” Powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 (which seems to be a popular format in this list), its 591 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque get it scootinÂ’ to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds, and on to a top speed of 190 mph. It even has the bragging rights of holding the Nurburgring lap record for an SUV.   2022 Rolls-Royce Cullinan Black Badge — 592 hp / 155 mph (limited) Read our review of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan This is one SUV where being a passenger might be more exciting than sitting in the driverÂ’s seat, thanks to over-the-top luxury — what do you expect from a car that costs over $350,000? The driver doesnÂ’t go unrewarded, though, with a turbocharged 6.75-liter V12 at their disposal. Thanks to the Black BadgeÂ’s software upgrade, it makes 592 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque to help get to its electronically limited top speed of 155 mph that much quicker.    2022 BMW Alpina XB7 — 612 hp / 180 mph Read our review of the BMW Alpina XB7 Alpina takes already impressive BMW vehicles and turns them into even more powerful, more luxurious machines. The Alpina XB7 improves upon the BMW X7 with a biturbocharged 4.4-liter V8 offering up 612 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. ThatÂ’s good for a 4.0-second 0-60 sprint and a 180-mph top speed. Alpina also adds its own transmission and drivetrain tuning, upgraded suspension, exhaust and a whole slew of unique appearance touches.

2015 Bentley Mulsanne Speed

Why does the Bentley Mulsanne Speed exist? Sam Graham, product line director for the Mulsanne, tells us Bentley's Western customers demanded it, many driven by memories of the Arnage T - the hotted-up version of the Arnage R. The Arnage T, you may remember, arrived in 2002 and threw down 459 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque on its way to being billed the most powerful production Bentley ever. Today's Mulsanne Speed picks up the torch and takes it all the way to the Olympic stadium.
Driving Notes
It starts with an upgrade to 530 hp at 4,200 rpm and 811 lb-ft of torque at a limbo-esque 1,750 rpm. That's an additional 25 hp and 86 lb-ft compared to the standard sedan, enabling a top speed of 190 miles per hour. That torque figure makes it second only to the Bugatti Veyron among production cars, and that terminal velocity makes it the fastest ultra-luxury sedan on God's Own Green.

Bentley Continental 24 is for those who find the Supersports too common

Bentley is no stranger to special-edition models. Some are like the Bentayga Falconry by Mulliner, a tasteful rolling tribute to the sport of kings. Others, such as the new Bentley Continental 24, are aimed at a slightly less conservative customer base. The Continental 24, built to commemorate the British automaker's return to the 24 Hours Nurburgring, is big, bright, and slightly less subdued than other Bentleys. As they say, different strokes for different folks. The entire run will be limited to 24 cars, obviously. The full allocation is slated just for Europe, but we're sure with enough cash Bentley can make something similar available stateside. The car is based on the new 700 horsepower Bentley Continental GT Supersports, the fastest road-going Bentley ever. In addition to the horsepower, the Supersports' W12 engine turns out 750 lb-ft of torque and, thanks to the titanium exhaust, enough noise to drown out all the haters at the local country club. The most obvious feature on the Continental 24 is the bright Monaco Yellow or St. James Red over Black Crystal paint scheme, done up similar to the Bentley Team ABT Continental GT3 race cars. The paintwork even carries to the 21-inch forged wheels, with body-matching paint filling the spokes. The exterior is finished with carbon-fiber mirrors, black brake calipers, and black brightware in place of chrome. The two-tone theme carries on inside the Continental 24, with either yellow or red accenting the nearly all black trim and upholstery. Black Alcantara seats are stitched with contrasting diamond patterns. Yellow or red sweep around and flank the cabin. As expected, the headrests are emblazoned with "Continental 24." Unsurprisingly, exclusivity doesn't come cheap. Deliveries begin in July with prices starting at ˆ250,000, or about $280,600. It's probably got a wider appeal than the admittedly niche Bentayga Falconry. Related Video: Featured Gallery Bentley Continental 24 View 12 Photos News Source: Bentley Design/Style Motorsports Bentley Coupe Luxury Performance