2007 Bentley Arnage (R, RL, T)

Bentley updated its flagship Arnage range with the introduction of major powertrain and chassis enhancements for the 2007 model year. The Arnage T's 6.75-litre V8 engine now develops up to 500 hp and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

The powertrain changes are complemented by subtle exterior, interior and under-bonnet design cues.

In the performance-oriented Arnage T model, the revised twin-turbocharged V8 engine produces a staggering 500 hp and 738 pound-feet of torque -- an 11 percent increase in power and a 14 percent increase in torque over the outgoing model. In the Arnage R and RL models the new engine is boosted from 400 to 450 horsepower, while peak torque climbs from to 645 pound-feet.

Another important development for the 2007 Arnage range is the separation of the sports suspension and sports gearbox settings, allowing the driver to select their preference for each system independently - via a 'Sport' button on the dashboard for the suspension and by positioning the gearlever for the transmission's Sport mode.

A comprehensive chassis tuning programme was instigated alongside the powertrain updates to ensure the Arnage's chassis comfortably handles the additional performance. Refinements to the ESP logic system allow more spirited handling without any reduction in stability or safety.

The Traction Control system is extensively recalibrated with the aim of avoiding unnecessary reduction in engine torque. The ESP system now monitors the car's overall stability rather than simply loss of grip to the wheels. This reduces the amount of intervention required and restores power earlier and more progressively, allowing the power of the engine to be fully exploited.

"We don't believe in creating power and then taking it away," says Brian Gush, Director, Powertrain and Chassis. "This new system allows the driver a lot more freedom to feel where the traction limit is without ever getting into trouble. The traction control is much more progressive and proportional - you can drift the car with some wheelspin but it never lets you ge