Bentley Arnage is a car that, in 1998, brought to the attention of the world by a well-known British car manufacturer. This is a top-class sedan. And he, like any other Bentley car, is excellent.
About Model
Then, in 1998, the concern launched the manual production of Bentley Arnage. Many critics and motorists have noted that this model is practically a copy of the Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph. And indeed, these machines are very similar. But still there are fundamental differences. And the most important thing is the engines.
Cars have completely different powertrains. The Rolls-Royce had a V-shaped 12-cylinder engine. And under the hood of the Bentley Arnage was a 4.4-liter V8, designed and developed by the German BMW company. However, a few months later the model began to be equipped with a 6.75-liter V8. The predecessor of this unit was a 6.25 liter engine. His debut took place back in 1959. It was installed on a coupe called Continental R Mulliner Le Mans. And in 1970, the volume was increased by another 0.5 liters.
Modernization
In 2004, in the spring, the Bentley Arnage was modernized. Transformed appearance and interior. Headlights became separate, with integrated turn signals. Their shape also changed - they became round. Light bulbs made xenon. The hood has changed - it has acquired a more elegant appearance. The radiator grill became smaller in width and acquired a mesh pattern, which was performed by laser perforation.
What about the interior? Inside, a brand new center console appeared, which had one feature - a more ergonomic air conditioning control unit. The number of control buttons has also decreased. Some of them were hidden under wooden and aluminum panels.
Sports version
This Bentley car was also produced in a sports version. This car is distinguished by a branded emblem with a black background, an advanced, dynamic front bumper, as well as fog lights. This model also does not have chrome moldings. The body color is plain. 7-spoke rims made of aluminum are striking. And the manufacturers trimmed the interior with expensive special leather and brushed aluminum.
And what about powertrains? Under the hood of the standard version was a 400-horsepower engine, known as the L410IT. But the Bentley Arnage T had a more powerful unit - 450 “horses”. The engine was running a 4-band automatic transmission.
By the way, there was also a special version - Bentley Arnage RL. She was 25 centimeters longer. Due to the powerful wheelbase (3366 millimeters), the interior has become more spacious. In particular, now the passengers in the back row could feel incredibly comfortable - you could stretch your legs. In addition to the traditional settings and seat adjustments (of course, individually for each chair) and separate climate control, a DVD player has also appeared. As an option, a radiator grill with chrome-plated vertical bars was available on this version. It was very reminiscent of the Bentley style of the distant twenties. By the way, if we talk about the design of the chassis and engine, then the RL version is absolutely identical to the base Bentley Arnage R.
Second generation
In 2007, the second generation of this model was released. This is not to say that the concern had a simple task, because it was necessary to maintain the brand spirit unchanged, but at the same time present to the public a completely new (in quality and concept) model. But he managed to create a car that corresponds to the level of the 21st century. Appearance, it was decided to leave unchanged. After all, the Rolls-Royce model was discontinued, so the look of the Bentley automatically became unique.
First of all, we strengthened the structure of the supporting body. Since the one that was in the “Bentley” of the first generation, was not tough enough torsion. But the representatives of the second generation have new bottoms, as well as the structure of the rear and front overhangs. Improved and roof racks. In general, the rigidity of the supporting structure was made better by 10 percent (1/10!). The new Bently Arnage has become more dynamic, faster, more reliable and more modern.
Key changes
Naturally, the second-generation model has changed dramatically. Both front and rear suspension have been upgraded. They stand on double levers. Electro-hydraulic shock absorbers also appeared (there is a variable degree of damping ARC). Thanks to these updates, the Bentley car gained incredible controllability.
They also brought something to the exterior. Although the appearance as a whole remained intact, the twin round headlights were replaced with completely new optics. It was designed in such a way that the final result would be as much as possible similar to other brand cars.
What word can describe the interior? Probably only one - luxurious. Already in the basic equipment inside, everything is trimmed with a walnut root. And in the top version (Bentey Arnage T) you can see the panels made of aluminum, polished by hand. Details are all covered with chrome. And the upholstery and chairs are, of course, made of exquisite exclusive Connoli leather (a choice of 27 different shades was provided).
Equipment
In the basic configuration there is an adjustable steering column, a built-in telephone (equipped with bluetooth function), an electronic emblem drive on the radiator grill (it can be hidden under the hood cover). There is also a premium multimedia system .
By the way, due to the elongated 2.5 centimeter steering column ergonomics have significantly improved. The developers decided to build the information panel, taking as the basis TFT-technology. The display is very harmoniously integrated into the dashboard. By the way, the gear lever and the “handbrake” are clad in covers made of genuine leather.
It is also worth noting that the studio called Mulliner is committed to finalizing the car at the request of customers. They select colors, various exclusive finishing materials, as well as shades for upholstery.
About cost
Naturally, the cost of this car is rather big. It's a Bentley! The price of this 1999 model year with a 354-horsepower 4.4-liter engine, rear-wheel drive, automatic transmission, rich equipment and very modest mileage (approximately 100-120 thousand kilometers) will cost 4,200,000 rubles. Naturally, the car will be in good condition. It is generally not recommended to take a car of this company, in which there are breakdowns or malfunctions. Of course, everything can be replaced. Bentley Arnage is no exception. Spare parts will only cost a considerable amount. So, for example, a water pump will pull 23 thousand rubles. Brand new wheels - 190 000 p. An oil filter and an oil seal on the engine will cost about 3 thousand rubles - not very expensive. And how much will the power unit cost? For the engine on the model 1998/99 model year (V8, 4.4) will have to lay out about half a million rubles. That is why it is worth buying a car in good and good condition. Although I must say, there are no “killed" Bentley cars.
In general, this car is not cheap. But I must say that the pleasure and status that this car gives its owner is priceless. That is why Bentley cars were, are and will be popular.