Spy photographers have spotted a test mule for Bentley’s updated Arnage sedan while undergoing testing in Crewe, Cheshire. The next-generation Arnage isn’t slated to hit the market until 2010, but Bentley execs reportedly want to create a true competitor to Rolls-Royce’s offerings and are getting a head start on the project.
To better compete with Rolls-Royce, the next-generation Arnage will grow in virtually every direction — including wheelbase and track.
And, as BMW is considering with its upcoming entry-level Rolls-Royce, Bentley execs are considering offering their new range-topping model with a diesel engine option. According to AutoExpress, Bentley could look to its parent company, Audi, for the diesel powerplant. In fact, Bentley is considering using the same V12 TDI powerplant used in the R8 V12 TDI concept that first debuted at the Detroit Auto Show. The move would also help Bentley to lower its CO2 emissions.
It is also possible that Bentley could offer its next-generation Arnage T with the Bugatti Veyron’s quad-turbocharged W16 engine. It was reported late last year that Bentley fitted an Arnage prototype with the W16 engine, proving that the British automaker is seriously considering the engine option.
When the next-generation Arnage finally hits the market in 2010, look for prices to be in the neighborhood of $400,000.
04/21, 6:40 PM
posted by:
carbonsigma
A diesel Bentley!? The W16 engine in this would be crazy…
04/21, 6:59 PM
posted by:
HemiRoadRunner
I never really liked those, they look like **** for $400,000.
04/21, 8:11 PM
posted by:
400horseSS
What a fat bitch.
04/21, 8:30 PM
posted by:
zoomzoomr
I’m hopeful VW doesn’t go overboard and make the next Arnage a bloated copy of the Phantom. With the advent of the Flying Spur, a larger Arnage is necessary.. but the sporting flair of Bentley needs to be left intact for the next generation.
04/21, 9:18 PM
posted by:
lambosrule25
The black rims look sweet, but i do agree with HemiRoadRunner, they look horrible for their price
04/21, 9:27 PM
posted by:
autonut
I am not placing deposit on this. In the mall next to me, there is convertible Bentley on display with misaligned doors. What acceptable in Beetle convertible is not acceptable in Bentley.
04/21, 9:51 PM
posted by:
Jon Luc
Even if I had the money, forget it.
04/22, 3:24 AM
posted by:
itaketime
Well, that’s kinda old. I have a pic from 10th of March so
04/22, 9:01 AM
posted by:
mkbhatia
testing
04/22, 9:02 AM
posted by:
mkbhatia
testing again?
04/22, 10:53 AM
posted by:
xkr
brilliant
04/22, 11:06 AM
posted by:
planet_drive
oh I drool everytime I see one of these. I love it when I’m off on business in London because thats where I see alot of them. I rode in the Continental GT which is very nice and very fast, but the Arnage is the real Bentley, the one that I would get just because it looks like a million Euros!
04/22, 1:58 PM
posted by:
1deano1
looks pretty good. Bentley are going to have to do something special to rival Rolls Royce
04/22, 3:55 PM
posted by:
Stinky007
Bentley diesel, the aristocrat’s tractor!
04/22, 6:34 PM
posted by:
Rafa LL
They’re making it diesel coz Bentley’s owners can’t afford Gas anymore…