2006 Bentley Arnage: What's New

Vehicle Overview
For 2005, Bentley said each Arnage model had been completely re-engineered from bumper to bumper. Little has changed for 2006. The British luxury motorcar company’s Arnage sedan still comes in regular R and high-performance T forms.

A 450-horsepower twin-turbo V-8 produces 645 pounds-feet of torque in the Arnage T, making it the most powerful road-going Bentley ever produced. New bumpers and redesigned tailpipes and side sills were installed for 2005. This version has less chrome than the regular Bentley sedan, and the seats have diamond-pattern upholstery. A 400-hp V-8 powers the Arnage R.

Bentley also offers an Arnage RL limousine that features a 9.8-inch wheelbase extension. Most RLs are likely to be chauffeur-driven. Developed by Bentley’s Mulliner organization, the RL can be configured in just about any way to suit its owner. Broad D-pillars sit behind the rear doors, a small back window is installed, and passengers sit deeply recessed in the rear compartment. Interior fittings are discreet, but two 12-inch DVD screens are installed.

Bentley unveiled an Arnage Drophead Coupe concept early in 2005, but the subsequent production version has adopted the Azure name and is listed separately in the cars.com Research section.

Exterior
New styling for 2005 included round headlamps with xenon low beams and halogen high beams. The hood line was revised, and buyers could choose between two front grille patterns. New wheels became available for all models.

Bentley sedans are largely hand-built. These four-door cars are similar to the now-departed Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph, but they look slightly different and feature several unique characteristics. Buyers can choose from 40 factory body colors or specify a two-tone combination.

Arnage T sedans get a sport-tuned suspension and seven-spoke, 19-inch alloy wheels. The minimally chromed exterior includes front fog lights. The grand-touring Arnage R has a comfort-tuned suspension, and 18-inch wheels are installed.

The outside mirrors feature electrochromatic glass to reduce night glare and can fold in electronically when required. A 26.4-gallon fuel tank is installed for good reason, as fuel economy isn’t a Bentley benefit.

Interior
For 2005, the Arnage’s interior was updated with a new dashboard top and instruments. Secondary controls are hidden behind veneered panels. Bentley buyers can choose walnut, oak, bird’s-eye maple or black lacquer interior trim to complement the 27 interior leather options.

Tucked amid all this traditional luxury are several technological treats, including a DVD-based satellite navigation system. The driver’s seat automatically moves rearward to ease entry and exit, and both sides of the rear seat also move.

Under the Hood
In regular R form, Bentley’s twin-turbocharged 6.8-liter V-8 develops 400 hp and 616 pounds-feet of torque. Output escalates to 450 hp and 645 pounds-feet of torque in the Arnage T. Both engines team with a four-speed-automatic transmission. Bentley says the Arnage T can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, versus 5.9 seconds for the Arnage R.

Safety
Antilock brakes, traction control, an electronic stability system, and side-impact and side curtain-type airbags are standard.