In 1998, the Bently Arnage sedan was introduced in Turin. In the same year, the manual production of the model was launched. The first generation of the Bentley Arnage was virtually a “clone” of Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph. The fundamental difference between Arnage and Silver Seraph was in the power unit. Rolls-Royce was equipped with a V12 engine, and a special version of the 4.4-liter V8, developed by BMW, was developed for the Bentley.
A few months later, the model began to install the famous British 6.75-liter V8. The debut of this power unit - at that time its volume was 6.25 liters - took place back in 1959 - on the coupe Bentley Continental Mulliner Le Mans. In 1970, the volume of the engine was brought to the legendary 6.75 liters. In the spring of 2004, the Arnage model was upgraded. The changes affected mainly styling and interior. The headlamps became round and separate with integrated direction indicators and xenon light bulbs. The hood has acquired a more elegant shape, and the grille has decreased in width and received a mesh pattern, made by laser perforation.
A new center console appeared in the interior with a more ergonomic air conditioning control unit and a reduced number of control buttons, some of which were removed under aluminum or wooden panels. The sports version of the Arnage T is distinguished by the Bentley brand logo with a black background, a “sporty” front bumper with fog lights, the absence of chrome-plated moldings, a single-color body paint, 7-spoke aluminum rims, and the interior is finished with special Connolli polished leather. The L410IT engine installed on the Arnage developed 400 hp.
and 835 Nm in the R version, or 450 hp and 875 Nm in the T version. The power unit was paired with a 4-speed automatic gearbox. For the most demanding customers, the Arnage RL model, extended by 250 mm, is intended. Thanks to the base in 3366 mm, increased space for the rear passengers. In addition to the traditional individual seat adjustments and separate climate control, they will also receive a DVD player.
As an option, the Arnage RL can be ordered grille with vertical chrome bars in the style of the classic Bentley 20s. The design of the chassis and powerplant Arnage RL is completely identical to the base sedan Arnage R. In 2007, the second generation Bentley Arnage was introduced. The task was difficult - to keep the spirit of the brand, and at the same time develop a model of a completely different level of quality, according to performance, technology and style, corresponding to the title of a car for the 21st century. Designers were helped by the fact that the Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph was discontinued and, consequently, the appearance of Bentley Arnage automatically became exclusive.
The first thing that was done - significantly strengthened the structure of the bearing body. The design of the bulky Bentley did not provide adequate torsional stiffness. The second generation Arnage found new bottoms, the structure of the front and rear overhangs, the roof and its pillars, the rigidity of the supporting structure was increased by ten percent. Many changes have been made by engineers in aerodynamics. The upgraded front and rear suspension on double levers and electro-hydraulic shock absorbers with a variable degree of damping ARC endow the car with excellent handling. Changes in the new model are very noticeable. Especially in front.
Instead of double round headlights under one transparent cap and separate direction indicators, now the open spaces of the roads are covered by a completely different optics, designed with a view to the family resemblance to other models of the brand. The same goals are subject to changes in the cabin, which suits only one term “luxurious”. In the basic equipment, the Arnage R and RL trim is the root of the walnut tree, while the Arnage T has hand-brushed aluminum and chrome trim. The interiors of all models are trimmed with exclusive Connoli leather. (27 shades and colors). Due to the elongation (by 25 mm) of the steering column, the ergonomics were significantly improved.
The information panel is based on TFT-technology and more clearly displays all the necessary information. The display logically dominates the dashboard; the gearbox and parking brake levers are hidden in leather cases. The list of basic equipment includes a height-adjustable steering column, a phone with Bluetooth-function, electric emblem on the grille, allowing you to hide it under the hood lid. As well as premium audio-video system. The car was given a modernized 6.75-liter V8-unit. The new turbines and a reworked valve distribution system extract 456 horsepower and 875 Nm of torque from the Arnage R and RL models, and 507 horsepower with 1000 Nm of torque from the Arnage T.
Power transmission in versions R and RL is carried out by means of a 4-speed automatic transmission and in the Arnage T model a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual selection of the stage. Modification of power units directly affected the dynamic qualities. The maximum speed of the Arnage T model increased by 18 km / h to 288 km / h, while for the Arnage R and RL models by 20 km / h to 270 km / h. A high level of safety is provided by a tire pressure controller, six airbags and an improved directional control system (basic equipment). Atelier Mulliner is responsible for the final fit Arnage to any whim of the customers.
