Bentley says goodbye to the Murzanne and the legendary L-Series V8

The news that Bentley will soon end production of its L-Series V-8 engines is both the end of an era and a true sign of the times.

Bentley announced Tuesday that it will discontinue production of its flagship Mulsanne model after 2020, as well as the L-Series V-8 engine. To mark the occasion, the Mulsanne 6.75 Edition sedan will be produced in a limited run of 30 units.

The Mulsanne 6.75 Edition features special decorations that pay homage to the L Series V-8 engine, including a miniature version of the L Series V-8 engine oil cap and cutaway views of the engine itself on the clock and some of the gauges.

The exterior brightwork has a dark finish, while the 21-inch wheels have a bright machine finish with gloss black pockets. Finally, the engine plate bears the signature of Adrian Hallmark, Bentley's chairman and CEO, rather than the Bentley staff who built the engine.

Development of the L-series V-8 engine began in the 1950s, when Bentley was part of Rolls-Royce. Production initially began in 1959 for the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud and Bentley S2, with updates continuing over the years. The current engine, with a displacement of 6.75 liters and two turbochargers, is now only available in the Mulsanne and produces 530 hp and 811 lb-ft of torque.

The final Mulsanne model will be produced this spring, at which point the Flying Spur will take over Bentley's flagship position; Bentley's lineup will also be electrified, with hybrid versions of all models expected by 2023. There is talk of an electric Bentley by mid-decade.