The Bentley Arnage is a full-size luxury car manufactured by Bentley Motors in Crewe, England, from 1998 to 2010. The Arnage and its Rolls-Royce-branded sibling, the Silver Seraph, were introduced in the spring of 1998. They were the first entirely new designs for the two marques since 1980.
The Arnage was powered by a BMW M62 V8 engine, with Cosworth-engineered twin-turbo installation, and the Seraph employed a BMW M73 V12 engine. In September 2008, Bentley announced that production of the model would end during 2010.
For years, the Arnage enjoyed extraordinary success at the pinnacle of the luxury saloon market. Since its debut in 1998, the Arnage conveyed an air of sophisticated understatement as the four-door flagship of the Bentley range. The Final Series production was a celebration of the Arnage era with a limited production of just 150 cars.
Arnage
Introduced in 1998 the Arnage, named after a corner at the famous Le Mans racing circuit, became Bentley’s best-selling model. Initially powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.4 Litre V8 engine, the Arnage boasted impressive performance and refinement. In 1999 this Arnage became known as the Arnage Green Label, when the range was expanded to include the popular Arnage Red Label derivative, powered by Bentley’s 6.75 Litre turbocharged V8 engine.
Arnage R
Arnage R since its introduction in 2002, has been an unrivalled example of the Grand Touring philosophy, making every journey a unique experience of power, luxury and control. This is a place where two very different worlds are perfectly united. Tradition and technology in absolute harmony. From the flawless leather of the seats to the computer-controlled six-speed gear box, driver and passengers sit in an environment of stunning aesthetics and fingertip control. An oasis from which to savour every nuance of the twin-turbocharged 6.75 Litre V8 engine, with 400bhp at your command. A 0-60mph time of 5.9 seconds (0-100km/h in 6.3 seconds) and a top speed of 155mph (249km/h) waiting to be relished.
Arnage RL
Launched in 2001, the Arnage RL is the culmination of world-class coachbuilding that spans generations. It is a car that takes personalisation to a new level, where the vehicle is a canvas on which you can paint your vision. With its extended wheelbase, 2 inches (50mm) to the front and 8 inches (200mm) to the rear compartment, the RL retains the classic Arnage profile whilst offering even more palatial comfort for the passengers. But make no mistake; this is a car to drive. The turbocharged 6.75 Litre V8 engine, harnessed by a highly engaging sixspeed automatic gearbox, makes this an experience impossible to miss. The Arnage RL gave its owners the opportunity to realise virtually anything imaginable – all designed and handcrafted by the most skilled automotive artisans in the world. These are people who understand not only the heritage of Bentley, but also the pleasures of luxury in a contemporary world. From fashioners of burnished walnut and fine hides to the audio experts who can turn the interior of a Bentley into a concert hall, to specialists who can bring the cinema or television to the rear seat.
Arnage T
Launched in 2002, the Arnage T delivers silent luxury that contrasts sharply with the power available underneath your right foot. Surrounded by sublime handcrafted excellence, it’s easy to forget the potency that lies ahead of you. 6.75 Litres of energy contained in a masterful V8 engine, supported by a state-of-the-art computer controlled four-speed gearbox and countless electronic systems guiding every movement. An Electronic Stability Programme for spirited handling with no compromise to stability or safety. Technology that lives for the road without sacrificing a single moment of your driving experience.
Arnage Final Series
From its debut in 1998 the Arnage conveyed an air of sophisticated understatement as the four-door flagship of the Bentley range. Over the next decade the car experienced a period of constant refinement to its body, design, chassis and powertrain to maintain its class-leading position in the high luxury market. To celebrate 10 years of the Arnage, 50 years of its mighty V8 engine and 90 years of the marque, Bentley Motors launched Bentley Arnage Final Series. This model featured a unique specification, combining the performance of the 500 bhp Arnage T with the refinement of the Arnage R and design elements from the Brooklands coupé, for the ultimate expression of British luxury and effortless power in a four-door saloon – a grand finale, for the grandest of Bentleys, in an exclusive run of only 150 cars.
Sources: wikipedia and bentleymotors.com
