Bentley Turbo R Tire Pressures
To find tires for your Bentley Turbo R see our Bentley Turbo R Tires page.
- The ideal Bentley Turbo R tire pressures range from 28–38 PSI depending on your car's model and tire size.
- To find the ideal tire pressures to match your car's year, model, and chosen tires follow the link to our Bentley Turbo R Tire Pressure Guides.
- Our recommended Bentley Turbo R tire is the 255/65 VR 15 Avon Turbospeed CR27.
- Our recommended 16" Bentley Turbo R tire is the 255/60 WR 16 Avon Turbospeed CR27.
- Our recommended 17" Bentley Turbo R tire is the 255/55 WR 17 Avon CR228D.
- Our recommended 18" Bentley Turbo RT tire is the 285/45 ZR 18 Pirelli P-Zero Asimmetrico.

1992 Bentley Turbo R Brochure Photo

1990 Bentley Turbo R
Bentley Turbo R Tires 1976–1989
Since its debut in 1985, the Bentley Turbo R, and Bentley Turbo RL fitted 255/65 R15 tires to its 7.5" wide wheels. Currently, the only high-quality classic tire available in this size is the 255/65 VR 15 Avon Turbospeed CR27.
Introduced in 1958, the Avon Turbospeed blends a mid-20th century tire appearance with modern rubber and construction technology, allowing the best performance for classic cars on the road today. Its design ensures longevity and resistance to wear and tear, meeting contemporary safety standards while preserving an authentic classic tire aesthetic.
While the Avon Turbospeed is not designed specifically for sports cars, it was fitted to a lot of powerful and formidable cars in period, including the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud and Silver Shadow, and the Aston Martin DB Mk3 and DB4.
From 1987 to 1992, some Bentley Turbo R cars switched over to 275/55 R15 tires, still on 7.5" wide wheels. The only high-quality classic tire currently available in this size is the 275/55 VR 15 Avon CR6ZZ. Unfortunately, this is primarily a racing tire, which makes it less suitable for the Bentley Turbo R, a large, heavy vehicle crafted for luxurious comfort and grand cruising.
One of our fitment guides suggests that 255/65 R15 tires were still used on some Turbo R cars during this period, depending on the specific car and its configuration. We suggest fitting the 255/65 VR 15 Avon Turbospeed CR27 over the 275/55 VR 15 Avon CR6ZZ, as the CR27 is better suited to the Turbo R, and the 7.5" wide wheels allow for either tire size.
The Avon CR6ZZ is optimized for performance over longevity and comfort, meaning the tire's lifespan will be shorter than a road tire, and ride comfort will be less than perfect. However, this is the only proper classic tire currently made in this size. Despite the shorter lifespan, the 275/55 VR 15 Avon CR6ZZ is fully road-legal, handles excellently, and would get your car back on the road where it belongs.
In 1993 the Turbo R and Bentley Turbo RL fitted 255/65 R15 tires on 7.5" wide wheels. Our recommended tire remains the 255/65 VR 15 Avon Turbospeed CR27 for R and RL models.
From 1994 to 1995 standard turbo R models came fitted with 16" wheels (7.5" wide) and 255/60 R16 tires. In this size we recommend the 255/60 WR 16 Avon Turbospeed CR27.

1996 Bentley Turbo R Brochure Photo

Bentley Turbo RT
The 1995 Bentley Turbo S, a limited-edition model of just 60 units, fitted 17" wheels and 255/55 R17 tires. We recommend the 255/55 WR 17 Avon CR228D.
In 1996 the short wheelbase Turbo R was discontinued, and subsequent long wheelbase RL models simply became known as 'Bentley Turbo R'.
From 1996 to 1997, Turbo R models moved up to (7.5" wide) 17" wheels and 255/55 R17 tires. In this size we recommend the 255/55 WR 17 Avon CR228D.
Avon developed the CR228D as a high-performance radial tire specifically designed for high-speed driving for large, luxury vehicles. Avon CR228D tires were the original equipment for the Bentley Turbo R, Turbo RT, and Continental R models on 17-inch wheels.
Bentley Turbo RT Tires
The Bentley Turbo RT was the final model in the Turbo R series, produced from 1997 to 1999. The Turbo RT fitted 255/55 R17 tires to 7.5" wide wheels, longstone recommends the 255/55 WR 17 Avon CR228D.
The 1998 Turbo RT Mulliner fitted (7.5" wide) 18" wheels and 285/45 R18 tires, in this size the only appropriate period classic tire is the 285/45 ZR 18 Pirelli P-Zero Asimmetrico.
Bentley Turbo R Inner Tubes
The Turbo R, RL, and RT fitted low-profile tires throughout its lifespan. Tires with a profile below 70% (e.g. 275/55 VR 15 Avon CR6ZZ) should not fit innertubes under any circumstances.
Bentley Turbo R History
The Bentley Turbo R is a high-performance vehicle produced by Bentley Motors Limited from 1985 to 1997. The "R" stood for "roadholding," Setting it apart from its predecessor, The Bentley Turbo. The Turbo R was a sales success for Bentley, helping to transform Bentley's reputation from a Rolls Royce alternative to a unique high-performance luxury brand.
In the 1970s, Bentley faced a challenge in finding its own identity. Its models heavily resembled those of Rolls Royce, causing a decline in sales and brand prominance. In the end of the 1970s and into the early 1980s, a change was due. Bentley began crafting vehicles with a unique flair and set its sights on a sportier driving experience than those found in typical luxury cars.
Bentley's rekindled spirit was evident with the release of the Mulsanne and the Eight during the early 1980s. Traces of the Rolls Royce Silver Spirit could still be found in these models, but Bentley set them apart with unique front-end designs and better seating ergonomics. The sporty ethos was more clearly seen with the Mulsanne S debut. In 1982, the Mulsanne Turbo decisively marked Bentley's comeback.

1990 Bentley Turbo R

1997 Bentley Turbo R
Bentley unveiled a new model in 1985, the Turbo R. It retained some key elements of the Mulsanne Turbo, including the V8 engine and turbocharger. The Turbo R boasted state-of-the-art Bosch MK-Motronic fuel injection, boosting its output to 328 bhp. Safety concerns led to the Turbo R's top speed being capped at 135 mph.
With performance that matched exotic Italian sports cars coupled with luxurious seating for four, the Turbo R provided Bentley with a unique identity and allure. A nine-month waiting list showed that Bentley’s rebirth as a high-performance brand was real.
The Turbo R shared the stage with the Mulsanne Turbo for a short time. In 1986, the Turbo R received some upgrades; equipping it with superior anti-lock brakes, slimmer sports seats and a refined rear axle ratio. In 1988, aesthetic refinements were introduced to the Turbo R, adding dual round headlamps and a bolder front spoiler. By 1991–1992, Bentley transitioned to the GM's 4L80-E four-speed automatic transmission for the Turbo R.
The Turbo R was produced from 1985 to 1997. It was more than just a vehicle; it redefined Bentley's identity and laid the groundwork for future models. The Turbo R redefined Bentley as a performance-luxury brand and inspired the creation of the Bentley Continental and Azure models, ensuring its legacy would resonate for years to come.
Bentley Turbo R Tire Pressure & Fitment Guides
Recent improvements in rubber compositions, safety regulations, and tire production methods have led to questions regarding the applicability of classic tire pressure recommendations. A Pirelli representative recently addressed this topic.
"Our philosophy is to reproduce as closely as possible the original tire characteristics using new processes and materials thus to maintain the handling of the vehicle the same. This means, yes we maintain the original handbook pressures.”
1998 Bentley Turbo R Tire Pressures by Pirelli
Model | Tire | Tire Pressure (F/R) PSI | Tire Pressure (F/R) PSI Full Load |
---|---|---|---|
Turbo R | 275/55 R15 | 28/35 | 28/35 |

1992–2002 Bentley Turbo R Tire Pressures by Michelin & B.F Goodrich
Model | Year | Tire Size | Tire Pressure (F/R) PSI |
---|---|---|---|
Turbo R Standard | 1993 | 255/65 R15 | 30/37 |
Turbo RL Standard | 1993 | 255/65 R15 | 30/37 |
Turbo R Standard | 1994–1995 | 255/60 R16 | 31/38 |
Turbo R Standard | 1996–1997 | 255/55 R17 | 28/36 |
Turbo RT Standard | 1998 | 255/55 R17 | 28/36 |
Turbo RT Mulliner | 1998 | 285/45 R18 | 28/36 |


1987 Bentley Turbo R Tire Pressures by Michelin

1995 Bentley Turbo R Tire Pressures by Michelin
