Bentley Arnage

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Bentley Arnage

Manufacturer	Bentley
Parent company	Volkswagen Group
Production	1998–2009
Assembly	Crewe, England
Predecessor	Brooklands Turbo RT
Class	Full-size luxury car
Body style(s)	4-door sedan
Layout	FR layout
Transmission(s)	5-sp ZF 5HP30 automatic 4-sp 4L80-E automatic
Related	Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph

The Bentley Arnage is a luxury car produced by Bentley Motors in Crewe, England. The Arnage and its Rolls-Royce-branded sibling, the Silver Seraph, were introduced in the Spring of 1998 and were the first entirely new designs for the two marques since 1980.

Another break from the past was to be found under the bonnet, for decades home to the same 6.75 L V8, a powerplant which could trace its roots back to the 1950s. The new Arnage was to be powered by a BMW V8, with Cosworth-engineered twin turbo installation, and the Seraph was to employ a BMW V12.

The Arnage is over 5 m (200 in) long, 1.9 m (75 in) wide, and has a curb weight of more than 2.5 metric tonnes. For a brief period it was the most powerful and fastest four-door saloon on the market.

In September 2008, Bentley announced that production of the model will cease during 2009.^[1]

Contents 1 Development 1.1 Red Label and Green Label 2 Series two 2.1 UK State Limousine 2.2 Mechanical upgrade in 2007 2.3 Diamond Series 2.4 Final Series 3 Azure 4 References 5 External links

[edit] Development

Following the uplift in sales for all of Rolls-Royce and resurgence of the Bentley marque, then-owner, Vickers, set about preparing a new model to replace the derivatives of the Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit/Bentley Mulsanne which it had been selling since 1980. In a complete switch from tradition, these new cars would have bodies built at the Crewe factory with engines built elsewhere.

A number of potential engines were examined, including the GM Premium V engine and a Mercedes-Benz V8, before Vickers selected a pair of BMW powerplants. It was decided that the Rolls-Royce model, to be called the Silver Seraph, would use BMW's naturally-aspirated V12 while the more-sporting Bentley model would use a special twin-turbo version of the 4.4 L BMW V8, which was developed by Vickers subsidiary, Cosworth Engineering.

On its introduction in the spring of 1998 as a 1999 model, the Arnage was available as a single model with this 4398 cc BMW V8 engine, with twin turbochargers, developing some 350 hp (260 kW).

The basic BMW V8 Arnage was renamed the Arnage Green Label in 2000, its last model year.

Standard features include a navigation system w/voice recognition, air conditioning w/4-zone climate controls, massaging front seats, heated and cooled front and rear seats, power front seats w/lumbar adjustment, power tilt/telescopic heated wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio, climate, and navigation controls, power liftgate, premium sound system, remote engine start, power rear sunshade, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, and 8-disc CD changer. Optional features included massaging rear seats, power rear seats, heated and cooled cupholders, door-closing assist, and power sunroof.

[edit] Red Label and Green Label

During the takeover battle between BMW and Volkswagen for ownership of Rolls Royce & Bentley Motors, BMW had threatened to stop supply of their engines if Volkswagen won. While the threat was later withdrawn in conjunction with BMW acquiring the right to manufacture the Rolls Royce marque at a new location, it was clear that Volkswagen could not accept the business and reputation risks associated with having their rival as a long term business partner. Volkswagen’s response was to hastily squeeze the old 6.75 liter 16 valve engine from the Turbo R into the cramped engine bay of the Arnage, designed for the lighter and smaller BMW 32 valve V8 unit. Unfortunately, the old engine was extremely thirsty, and did not meet emissions standards without modifications that made the unit less reliable.

The revised version of the car was launched as the Arnage Red Label in October 1999. At the same time, but without the fan fare, Bentley made substantial modifications to the original BMW engine cars and designated them as the "Arnage Green Label" for the 2000 model year. As part of the modification process, both Red and Green Label cars benefited from expanded leg room in the cabin, stiffer body shells, larger wheels and brakes and extra equipment such as integrated satellite navigation and park distance control systems.

The PR department at Bentley pointed to customer demand as the driving force behind the reversion to the old two valve per cylinder 6.75 litre unit for the Red Label.

Vickers had outsourced to Cosworth the production of the old 6.75 litre Rolls-Royce engine for use in the continued Continental and Azure models, so reverting to the old standby engine was a natural choice for the company. In fact, Volkswagen purchased Cosworth as well, so all the pieces fell into place to eliminate the BMW engine.

The Red Label model reverted to the old V8, which boasted torque of 835 N·m with a single Garret T4 turbocharger. This was the greatest amount of torque for a four-door car at the time. Also returning was the General Motors-sourced 4-speed 4L80-E automatic.

A long-wheelbase version of the Red Label was launched at the Detroit Auto Show in 2001. The Green Label ended production in 2000. The Red Label models were replaced in 2002.

[edit] Series two

In 2001, the Arnage RL, a long-wheelbase limousine model (250 mm longer than the Arnage), was launched. The extra length is added to the car at its rear doors and its C-pillar. With the standard Arnage model the rear wheel wells butt up against the rear door frames, but with the RL they are a few inches further back. The overall effect is a larger rear area inside the car. This style of sedan stretch is sometimes called "double-chopped" in the United States, due to the two main points where the car is extended. (Jankel and Andy Hotton Associates, for example, are two aftermarket coachbuilders especially known for this style.) Available only as a bespoke ("Mulliner") model, each RL is customized to the desires of the buyer. The RL, however, was also the first of a new series of Arnages which would finally cure the Bentley Arnage of the reliability and performance deficiencies experienced following its forced deprivation of the modern BMW engines it was designed to use. The RL would also present a credible challenge to BMW's attempts to revive the Rolls-Royce brand with its planned new model, the Phantom.

The RL was larger than any contemporary limousine, notably including those from its former sister marque. Wheelbases ranged from 3336 mm (131 in, or only slightly longer than the standard Arnage) to 3566 mm (140 in),^[2][3] and even 3844 mm (151 in), the latter two including a 100 mm (3.9 in) increase in the height of the roof. The 151-inch (3,800 mm) wheelbase version^[4] is stretched between the front and rear doors (rather than at the C-pillar and at the rear doors), American limousine-style.The suspension was retuned for the added weight, allowing the larger car to still handle well.

Many RL models are ordered with armoured elements, reflecting the car's clientele. A full B6 package was available for $243,000 to $300,000, offering protection from assault weapons and grenades. The RL remains in production as of 2006.

Though not particularly well advertised for reasons stated above, the RL's introduction saw the introduction of an entirely reworked version of the 6.75 litre engine. Where the engine used in the Red Label was a quickly and less than completlely satisfactorily modified version of the Turbo RT's unit, the RL featured an entirely reworked version of the old 6.75 L V8. More than half of the engine's parts were completely new, with Bosch Motronic ME7.1.1 engine management replacing the old Zytec system and two small Garrett T3 turbochargers replacing the single large T4. This new engine developed 400 hp (298 kW) and 616 lb·ft (835 Nm), and was said to be capable of meeting all future emissions requirements.Finally the Arnage was powered by a modern twin turbo unit with state of the art electronic management system similar to the originally Cosworth-BMW unit developed for the Arnage in 1998.

Perhaps ironically, what was essentially a new engine developed by Volkswagen engineers for the RL in 2001 was now producing the same sort of power as the original BMW V8 4.4 engine used in the first Arnage in 1998. With minor remapping of the ECU used on the Cosworth-BMW 4.4 litre engine, more than 400 bhp (300 kW) could be produced at a cost of less than $2,000 for the modification^[5].

In 2002, Bentley updated the Red Label as the series two Arnage R. This model was launched to contrast the Arnage T, which was developed to be more sporting. The Arnage R features two Garrett T3 turbochargers, as with the RL.

The Arnage T, also from 2002, was claimed to be the most powerful roadgoing Bentley at its launch at the Detroit Motor Show. As with the Arnage R, there were twin turbochargers, but tuned to develop 450 hp (340 kW) and 645 lbf ft (875 N·m). The Arnage T's 0–60 mph time is 5.5 s; a top speed of 168 mph (270 km/h) is claimed.

All Arnage R and T models share the same 3116 mm (122.7 in) wheelbase. The Arnage range was facelifted in 2005, with a front end resembling that of the new Continental GT.

[edit] UK State Limousine

The Bentley State Limousine is an official state car created by Bentley for Queen Elizabeth II on the occasion of her Golden Jubilee in 2002.

Only two of these exclusive luxurious vehicles were ever built, making it even rarer than the Rolls-Royce Phantom IV, of which only 18 were built, exclusively for royalty and heads of state.

The vehicle's twin-turbocharged, 6.75-litre V8 Engine has been modified from Bentley's Arnage R version to produce 400 hp (300 kW) and 616 lb·ft (835 N·m) of torque. Maximum speed is 130 mph (209 km/h).

The Bentley State Limousine is three feet longer than a standard Bentley Arnage, 10 inches (254 mm) taller, and six inches (152.4 mm) wider. It is equipped with broad coach doors that open to the rear almost 90 degrees.

The car has been given armour cladding, a mine-resistant floor, armoured glass, and a cabin that can be sealed against a gas, chemical or biological attack. These security and safety measures hike the car's weight to almost 4000 kg (8818 lb), and it rides on kevlar reinforced tyres.

[edit] Mechanical upgrade in 2007

2007 Arnage spec

Engine(s)	6.8 L Rolls-Royce V8
Transmission(s)	6-sp ZF automatic
Wheelbase	3,116 mm (122.7 in)/3,366 mm (132.5 in)
Length	5,400 mm (210 in)/5,640 mm (222 in)
Width	1,900 mm (75 in)
Height	1,515 mm (59.6 in)
Curb weight	2,585 kg (5,700 lb)/2,655 kg (5,850 lb)
Related	Bentley Brooklands

For the 2007 model year, Garrett turbochargers were replaced with low inertia Mitsubishi units designed to improve engine response. The engine was mated to a version of the 6 speed ZF transmission found in the Continental range. Also, the capacity of the engine is increased from 6749 cc to 6761 cc. The new tunings give Arnage T 500 bhp (507 PS/373 kW) and 1000 N m, while the milder R having 450 bhp (456 PS/336 kW) and 875 N m. For the performance oriented T, 0-60 mph acceleration is only 5.2 seconds (Official record) and the top speed is 288 km/h (179 mph).

Arnage T

• Max Power: 500 bhp (373 kW; 507 PS) @ 4200 rpm
• Peak Torque: 1,000 N·m (740 lb·ft) @ 3200 rpm
• 0-60 mph: 5.2 s
• 0-100 km/h: 5.5 s
• Max Speed: 290 km/h (180 mph)

Arnage R

• Max Power: 450 bhp (336 kW; 456 PS) @ 4100 rpm
• Peak Torque: 875 N·m (645 lb·ft) @ 1800 rpm
• 0-60 mph: 5.5 s
• 0-100 km/h: 5.8 s
• Max Speed: 270 km/h (170 mph)

Arnage RL

• Max Power: 450 bhp (336 kW; 456 PS) @ 4100 rpm
• Peak Torque: 875 N·m (645 lb·ft) @ 1800 rpm
• 0-60 mph: 5.5 s
• 0-100 km/h: 5.8 s
• Max Speed: 270 km/h (170 mph)

[edit] Diamond Series

Bentley marked its 60 years of production at the Crewe factory with a special Diamond Series Arnage in 2006. 60 vehicles were planned, the majority for the United States, with diamond wood inlays, diamond quilted leather seats, a stainless steel front bumper, special 19-inch (480 mm) alloy wheels, and Union Jack badges on the front wings.

[edit] Final Series

In September 2008, it was announced that Arnage production will cease in 2009, once a final run of 150 "Final Series" models has been completed.

The Arnage Final Series includes the Arnage T powertrain, including the aforementioned twin-turbo 6.75-litre V8 that produces 500 bhp (373 kW; 507 PS) and approximately 735 ft·lbf (997 N·m). of torque. The powertrain delivers power to the rear wheels via a six-speed ZF automatic transmission.

Outside, the Final Series features unique 20-inch (510 mm) wheels, a retractable “Flying B” mascot, body-colored headlamp bezels, dark tint matrix upper and lower grilles, lower front wing vents, a “Jewel-style" fuel filler cap and special badging.

The interior, designed by Mulliner, features Final Series kick plates, drilled alloy pedals, unique chrome trim, a rear cocktail cabinet and two picnic tables. The model also comes with four special umbrellas and a premium 1,000 watt audio system by Naim Audio.

The model is offered with 42 exterior colour schemes, 25 interior hides and three wood veneers. It can also be specified with the bespoke color-matching offered by Bentley.

The Final Series also marks the 50th anniversary of Bentley’s V8 motor. The 2009 variant of the engine is still loosely based on the same design that was introduced in the 1959 Bentley S2. In fact, the 2008 engine shares no interchangeable parts with the 1950 model, the last common item having been replaced in 2005. When the motor was first unveiled promotional literature described power and torque as “adequate”. Now twin-turbocharged, the all-aluminum engine delivers 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds in a car weighing 2.5 tonnes. Fuel consumption is heavy, with Bentley stating that the model averages less than 10 mpg^{[clarification needed]} in the city and just over 20 on the highway in European testing.

A replacement model, which is currently dubbed the "Grand Bentley" is due to be launched in August, 2009 at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, in Monterey, California.^[6]

[edit] Azure

On 17 January 2005, the Arnage Convertible concept car, also known as the Arnage Drophead Coupe, was shown at the Los Angeles Auto Show. In April 2005, Bentley confirmed that the model would be produced at Crewe for Spring 2006 sales. Bentley also confirmed the new model will adopt the Azure tag, replacing the previous Azure as the company's large four-seat convertible.

The new Azure uses a 6.75 L twin-turbo V8 which produces 450 hp (335 kW) and 645 lb·ft (874 Nm), and is capable of a top speed of 168 mph (270 km/h). The Azure is set to be priced at $320,000.00.

[edit] References

[edit] External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Bentley Arnage

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v • d • e Bentley ownership and road car timeline, 1920s–present – marque of the Volkswagen Group
Type	1920s		1930s		1940s		1950s		1960s		1970s		1980s		1990s				2000s
	Independent		Rolls-Royce															Volkswagen Group
Sports car	3 L	4½ L			WWII
Saloon		6½/Six	4L/3½ 4¼L/V			VI	R	S1/S2/S3		T1		T2	Mulsanne								CFS
Large Saloon		8 L										Camargue						Arnage
Coupé											Corniche			Continental & C Turbo		Continental R/S/T				C GT
Convertible																	Azure				C GTC
Founder: Walter Owen Bentley • Bentley Motors corporate website • A marque of the Volkswagen Group • Bentley Boys

v • d • e Bentley automobile timeline, 1980–2003 – marque of the Volkswagen Group – next »
Type	1980s										1990s										2000s
	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3
Saloon					Eight
	Mulsanne								Mulsanne S					Brooklands					Arnage			Arnage RL/R
			Mulsanne Turbo				Turbo R											Turbo RT		Arnage Red Label			Arnage T
Coupé												Continental R
															Continental S		Continental T
Convertible	Corniche				Continental											Azure
colour code:	Silver Shadow-based								Mulsanne-based								Arnage-based
Founder: Walter Owen Bentley • Bentley Motors corporate website • A marque of the Volkswagen Group • Bentley Boys

v • d • e « previous — Bentley automobile timeline, 1998–present – a marque of the Volkswagen Group
Type	1990s		2000s
	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
Saloon car	Arnage							Continental Flying Spur
		Red Label			Arnage R/T
				Arnage RL
Coupé	Continental R					Continental GT
	Continental T										Brooklands Coupé
Convertible										Continental GTC
	Azure								Azure
colour code:	Mulsanne-based				Arnage-based				Continental GT-based
Founder: Walter Owen Bentley • Bentley Motors corporate website • A marque of the Volkswagen Group • Bentley Boys • Bentley Speed 8