Bentley Arnage

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Bentley Arnage
2003 Bentley Arnage T
Manufacturer Bentley
Parent company Volkswagen Group
Production 1998–present
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.

Contents

[edit] Development

Following the uptick 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.

[edit] Red Label and Green Label

During the bitter 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. This was not an ideal solution by any means and the old engine was not only extremely thirsty but also environmentally unacceptable from an emissions perspective without some modification ; that modification ultimately 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 modification 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. This was a less than honest explanation but surprisingly seemed to appear acceptable to all but a few of the motoring press who observed regression to the old technology without comment. The fact that the BMW-powered Arnage, was more modern, considerably more fuel efficient and had 32 valve, twin turbo and Bosch technology as opposed to 16 valve, single turbo and an old style engine management system was completely ignored. At the end of the day, the Red Label’s increase in power shaved less than a second of the zero to 60 mph (97 km/h) time, however the BMW twin turbo unit remained noticeably more agile and responsive from a drivers perspective and ultimately far more reliable from a long term performance perspective.

Vickers had outsourced to Cosworth the production of the old 6.75 liter 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, was launched. Available only as a bespoke ("Mulliner") model, each RL is customised 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) to 3566 mm (140 in),[1][2] 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 is stretched between the front and rear doors (rather than at the C-pillar and at the rear doors), American limousine-style.[3] 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. In fact, some of the "basic" car's components were armoured from the start. But a full B6 package was also available for $243,000.00 to $300,000.00, 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 ft·lbf (835 N·m), 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 430 bhp (320 kW) could be produced at a cost of less than $1,500 for the modification.

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 2004, with a front end resembling that of the new Continental GT.

[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
2007 Bentley Arnage
2007 Bentley Arnage

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 (370 kW) @ 4200 rpm
  • Peak Torque: 1000 N m @ 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 @ 4100 rpm
  • Peak Torque:875 N m @ 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:500 bhp @ 4200 rpm
  • Peak Torque:1000 N m @ 3200 rpm
  • 0-60 mph: 5.2 s
  • 0-100 km/h: 5.5 s
  • Max Speed: 288 km/h (179 mph)

[edit] Diamond Series

Bentley is marking its 60 years of production at the Crewe factory with a special Diamond Series Arnage for 2006. 60 vehicles will be made, the majority for the United States, with diamond wood inlays, diamond quilted leather seats, a stainless steel front bumper, special 19 inch alloy wheels, and Union Jack badges on the front wings.

[edit] Azure

Main article: Bentley Azure

On January 17, 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 6.8 L twin-turbo V8 which produces 450 hp (335 kW) and 645 ft·lbf (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

  • Ray Hutton. "'99 Bentley Arnage Preview". Car and Driver (July 1998): 80–81. 
  • Ray Hutton. "Preview: Bentley Arnage Red Label". Car and Driver (March 2000): 84–85. 
  • Jim McCraw. "Bentley Arnage T". Car and Driver (October 2002): 95–98. 
  1. ^ http://img479.imageshack.us/img479/1038/bentleyarnagelimousine22qu.jpg
  2. ^ http://www.autocult.com.au/img/gallery/full/CARmageddon1989.jpg
  3. ^ http://www.autolook.ru/tehno/bentley/foto/Bentley-Arnage_1.jpg

[edit] External links

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Bentley ownership and road car timeline, 1920s–present – now a marque of the Volkswagen Group (Volkswagen AG) (VWAG)
Type 1920s 1930s 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s
Flag of England Independent Flag of England Rolls-Royce Flag of Germany 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
Premium 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 VWAG group • Bentley Boys
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Bentley automobile timeline, 1980–2003 – now a marque of the Volkswagen Group (Volkswagen AG) (VWAG) – next »
Type 1980s 1990s 2000s
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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 VWAG group • Bentley Boys
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Type 1990s 2000s
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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 VWAG group • Bentley Boys • Bentley Speed 8