Bentley Motors

By Kusuma Lawrence

Even after earning only the highest regard for its creations such as the Bentley Mulsanne, Turbo R, and the Brooklands, Bentley Motors kept seeking to further improve its status as one of the greatest car makers of its time. With no new designs being created for almost twenty years since 1980, the company set work on what was then to be its latest source of pride, the Bentley Arnage.

Unveiled in 1998, together with the Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph, the Arnage boasted mainly a new turbo charged BMW V8 engine. This small yet powerful engine was later to be replaced with the older and much larger 16-valve engine used previously for the Turbo R. In the Arnage’s ten-year period of production, it was this modification that incited some criticisms for the brand especially after failing to pass emission test standards in place during the time. It spurred several more modifications to the Arnage’s make, resulting to the creation of subsequent versions beginning with the Arnage Red Label and the Green Label soon after. Without ceasing to strive for more improvement, and in the midst of a power struggle with its new owners, the Volkswagen Group, Bentley came up with three more Arnages. The Arnage RL, a long-wheelbase variation of the Red Label came along. This was followed by both the Arnage R and Arnage T in 2002, both of which put to rest all doubts to the Arnage’s performance and reliability. In its last year of production, only 150 Arnages were built and were implemented with the best modifications to the brand as was possible.

Nowadays, a Bentley Arnage can cost almost $300,000 apiece, depending on customization requirements dictated on by each of their clients. The seeming extravagance of its value has not deterred demand for ownership, however. Bentley sales continue to sustain the company’s growth and its place among the most prestigious car makers throughout the world is set to remain for generations to come.

By Clive Sutton

The famous Bentley Arnage really has stood the test of time well. So much so, the brand is continuing its traditional elegance with the new Mulsanne – a car clearly cut from the same cloth.

Ignore the early BMW-engined Arnage models, though: it has to be the 6.75-litre V8. The turbocharged 6.75-litre V8 has been progressively upped in power, from 400bhp to 450bhp and, from 2007, to 500bhp. The massive low end torque provides effortless pull away and overtaking. It has the silkysmooth, waft-along ride that buyers expect from this type of Bentley.

The newest cars have more controlled suspension replacing the traditional ‘wallow’ of earlier cars, with smoother ride and less body roll. The Bentley Arnage offers supreme comfort, excellent climate control and probably the finest hide interior on the market. The ‘Mulliner’ is an optional pack of upgraded diamond quilted hides interior and various billet metal finishers, trimmings and wheels.

There are two core versions: the Arnage R and the Arnage T. The Bentley Arnage R is the more refined and opulent version, while the Bentley Arnage T offers a more sporting experience, using the 500bhp motor instead of the Arnage R’s 450bhp. There is also the Arnage RL: a long wheelbase version adding 10 inches of additional space to the rear cabin.

As for the Arnage’s two-door convertible bedfellow, some buyers get a little confused by the Azure. That’s because it was sold in the late 1990s, and then ceased production in 2003, only to return in 2006. It’s the later models I’m looking at here – and they really are quite special cars.

Less dynamically capable than the Bentley GTC, the Azure nevertheless offers the wafty V8 with a magic carpet ride. Old-fashioned and boat like, from a bygone era, the Azure delivers a level of exclusivity and style from a vehicle of such bulk is a feat. Continue Reading

By Marcus Lim

With a reputation for power, high performance, and alluring craftsmanship, the Bentley Arnage R provides a wealth of distinction, character, and elegance through a highly trusted brand. The Bentley Arnage R is one of three Grand Touring saloons (joining the T- and RL-models), where individual attention and a history of premium hand-built cultivation heighten the overall appeal of such an automobile. A comfortably controlled, refined ride is the result, where satisfying accessories, features, and detailing accompany a shining exterior and luxurious leather interior for an average market price of $220,000.

Bentley Arnage R Performance

With the R-range of the Bentley line, a standard 6.75 litre V8 engine offers 645lb ft (875Nm) of torque at only 1,800rpm. This means when drivers settle inside of the Bentley Arnage R, they possess the capability of reaching a maximum speed of 168mph (270km/h). The rush of advancing from 0 to 60mph takes just 5.5 seconds. The engine of the Bentley Arnage R also comes in two different tunes, both providing twin-turbochargers. In comparison to the R-model of the past, the new engine has undergone a boost from 400 to 450bhp with an increase in torque of 835 to 875Nm.

Bentley Arnage R Interior & Exterior

With panels of natural wood combined with chrome accents decorating the controls, fluted seats with unique piping uplifts the inside of the vehicle with quality keeping in line with the Bentley name. The interior wood itself takes more than two weeks to complete, as the wood is first prepared and then coated with five applications of lacquer. A variety of extra interior features also greet car owners, including cocktail compartments, document storage, and a rear cushion box.

In the Arnage R, characteristic detailing of the brand often shows through in the wood inlay. Inside, possible color and trim combinations include an oatmeal main hide, redwood secondary hide, olive ash veneer, and dark stained burr walnut veneer. The seatbelts, carpets and lambswool rugs also carry their own choices in shades. Overall, there are about 27 premium leather hide colors and 16 secondary hides to select for the interior of the Bentley Arnage R. Continue Reading