RED LABEL. A polished brass B, set in red enamel: The sign of a Red Label Bentley motor car. For those who know the marque, the meaning is clear. A Red Label represents the passion of Bentley motoring; the challenge of performance and style combined in a new, exciting way.
THE JOURNEY. To understand the Bentley Arnage Red Label, you must understand its past. The name itself is shared with a corner of a race track where Bentley motor cars forged their reputation: Le Mans. Seventy years ago, with three previous victories to the marque's credit, a Bentley took first place at the Le Mans for a fourth time. It was not to be the last. One year later, a fifth victory sealed the legend. From this success in endurance racing came a legacy of grand touring motor cars, tuned for the demands of the road. Yet they still carry the spirit of the race track, machines of power and fine balance. In 1998, the Bentley Arnage four and a half litre was launched, the latest model in an illustrious lineage. A thoroughbred Bentley, wearing a green label badge. Today, the Bentley Arnage six and three-quarter litre extends the range, a motor car worthy of a Red Label.
UNRIVALED POWER AND TORQUE. This Bentley Arnage has a greater combination of power and torque than any other production saloon car in the world. Its turbocharged and intercooled six and three-quarter litre Bentley V8 engine produces 400bhp (405PS, 298kW) and 619lb.ft. (835Nm) of torque.
Developed for the Arnage, every aspect of the engine has been designed to meet the requirements - and expectations - of the driver. Hand-assembled at Bentley Motors, it is refined, efficient and capable of effortless performance. On paper, the performance statistics speak for themselves. From a standing start, a Bentley Arnage Red Label accelerates to 60mph in 5.9 seconds (0-100kph in 6.3 secs), and through to 100mph (160kph) just over 9 seconds later, where conditions permit. Maximum speed is limited to 155mph (249kph), at which tyre and suspension refinement is maintained.
On the road, the manner in which this performance is achieved is all the more remarkable. Unlike most turbocharged motor cars, there is no delay in engine pick-up when the throttle is opened, the reserves of torque at low engine revs allowing an instant response before the turbocharger seamlessly cuts in at 1200rpm. The liquid cooled turbocharging system is particularly effective, increasing engine output both strongly and progressively as boost pressure rises. For overtaking, the engine management system permits a short period of turbocharger overboost, increasing the effect of the system by up to 85%. The result is a feeling of ceaseless acceleration from any engine speed, a tide of torque that appears to swell, but never subside.
The 'high torque, low revving' design of the six and three-quarter litre engine also makes the Arnage an extremely relaxed tourer. Having prodigious torque low in the rev range means that progress can be made without extending the engine beyond the quietest reaches of its operation. This heightens the impression of the engine refinement, but is not in itself responsible for it; close attention has been paid to the reduction of noise and vibrations to ensure that the engine is as unobtrusive as possible.
Unwelcome noise has been eliminated at every opportunity, from the exhaust system (tuneful and charismatic under full throttle, yet subdued around town or when cruising) to the cooling fan (which features unequally-spaced blades for minimal sound). And the innate smoothness of the engine's 90 degree 'V' configuration is improved even further through fine manufacturing tolerances and by individually balancing each engine during assembly.
RESPONSIVE AND ASSURED. To be the world's most exhilarating saloon car requires more than the might of a six and three-quarter litre engine. Handling, cornering and braking must be able to harness the performance available, enabling it to be exploited on all manner of roads, in all manner of driving conditions. Only then can the driving experience become truly accessible; the driver confident that personal limits, as well as those of the motor car, are able to be safely explored without being exceeded.
For a motor car that offers spacious and comfortable accommodation, the Arnage has an agility that belies its size. Responsive steering allows the driver to place the motor car on the road with accuracy are surety, and as the Arnage is guided into a corner, feedback through the rim of the steering wheel provides a steady stream of information about the reserves of grip available. Tracking through a bend, the double-wishbone independent suspension operates quickly and effectively, the result of a rigid bodyshell and electronically-controlled hydraulic dampers than can react to changes in the car's attitude within 1/100th of a second.
To the driver, the sensation is one of being in control of a much smaller motor car, where response to driver input is immediate and weight-transfer under acceleration, braking and cornering is fully contained.
As well as accessing more aggressive suspension settings, the sports mode also affects the transmission, enacting an uncompromising gearshift pattern. Downward gearshifts can be induced with a lighter throttle opening, and gear ratios are held for longer, upshifts only occurring when the engine has reached maximum power.
Braking performance completes the dynamic profile, granting the driver total control over the motor car, and confidence when on the road. Servo-assisted, and featuring multi-channel anti-lock system, the brakes are capable of slowing Arnage swiftly and safely. Large single fist calipers clamp 348mm vented discs at the front, whilst 345mm vented discs are used at the rear; a set-up which allows Arnage to brake from 60mph to standstill in just 2.85 seconds (40 metres). Pedal feel always imparts confidence, accuracy and firmness helping the driver judge the exact amount of effort needed for the deceleration required.
AT EASE ANYWHERE. Although Arnage shows extraordinary ability on the open road, it is a motor car which is equally at ease around town, or when touring. Transmission, suspension and steering adapt to the new role demanded of them, quality of ride and relaxed progress taking priority over absolute dynamic responsiveness.
The Electronic Control Unit of the automatic gearbox constantly monitors and processes information from the engine, transmission and brakes, to determine the exact moment at which a ratio should be changed; remote actuation of the electro-hydraulic gearchange contributing to a seamless shift. Working in conjunction with Adaptive Shift Control system - which tailors the gearchange programming to suit individual driving styles - the transmission is never intrusive, yet always ready to react to changes in either car behaviour or driver input.
Like the transmission, the suspension system is also automatically regulated; to deliver the optimum balance between ride quality and handling, damper rates are changed by electronically-controlled solenoid valves to suit the prevailing conditions. At low speeds on a cobbled road, the softest setting is chosen, but as soon as the road surface improves and the speed of the motor car increases, a firmer rate is selected. The transition is barely noticed by the driver, a wealth of information from the motor car (including vertical, horizontal and lateral acceleration) placing the emphasis on comfort or sporting agility both naturally and effectively.
Furthermore, the active suspension system can compensate for variables in load. Passengers, baggage - and even the changing level of petrol in the fuel tank - traditionally compromise the ride height and handling of a motor car because of their adverse effect upon weight distribution. With the Arnage, however, hydraulic ride height control keeps the motor car level regardless of load, maintaining ride and handling characteristics and keeping the headlamp beam at an optimum angle for visibility.
Also adapting to the role demanded of it, the steering increases or decreases the amount of power assistance available to the driver. At slower speeds the steering is lighter, aiding maneuverability of the motor car in a confined space or when parking. However, when a more sporting agenda has been set, less assistance is offered to the driver, enhancing feedback through the steering wheel and imparting confidence when traveling at higher speeds. (always drive within legal limits)
A WORLD OF DETAILS. Hand-built in Crewe on the world's slowest-moving automotive production line, the Arnage is a motor car which rewards close inspection. As the eye follows the distinctive curves of the bodywork, details emerge, but they never distract from the look of the whole: harmonious, well-proportioned and purposeful, in the Bentley tradition.
Made from fully-galvanised steel, the bodyshell has been designed and constructed for maximum torsional rigidity and inherent strength, with single-pressing body apertures and high strength doors. Resisting body flex over uneven surfaces, a flat and stable platform for the suspension components is provided, allowing the suspension to work consistently and effectively at all times.
Smooth and aerodynamic, the body shape has a sleekness of line which hints at the capability of Arnage to reach high speeds, whilst a number of performance-led features confirm its sporting intent. Sitting low on 18 inch six-spoke alloy wheels, the Arnage has a commanding presence on the road. The front air dam has a mesh grille and cooling ducts to feed air to the turbocharger and engine cooling system. Large diameter ventilated brake discs and imposing single fist calipers can be seen through the spokes of the alloy wheels. And from the back of the motor car, two large oval exhaust tailpipes hint at the high output of the engine.
As you move around the Arnage, reflections from the paintwork promote these details, and create a sense of movement. To achieve the 'mirror' paint finish requires rigorous inspection and preparation. Every motor car is carefully examined in a room bathed in bright light to identify any inconsistencies in the panelwork, before the body is sanded and polished by hand. Then, multiple layers of paint and lacquer are applied in a controlled atmosphere free from dust particles and other airborne impurities, before a final polish that takes up to 10 hours. The paint finish which results is spectacular in its clarity and lack of texture.
THE TRADITION OF CHOICE. The latest manufacturing technology can be bought, but the skills of a craftsman must be learnt - often over many generations. Out of the hundreds of hours taken to build a Bentley Arnage, a substantial proportion of them are spent creating the interior; a process which cannot be rushed or automated.
The finest materials are employed in this process, from exquisite replenishable hardwoods through to premium-grade hide. As has always been the case with Bentley motor cars, the customer can be involved with many aspects of the interior specification, choosing a look and feel for the cabin which is entirely to their preference.
With 23 hide colours, four choices of wood finish and numerous other options, care is taken to allocate every piece of interior trim to a particular motor car from the outset. This allows for perfect matching, with each section of hide or veneer being taken from the same batch.
It takes a total of 13 days to create a full set of veneer for the Arnage, mirror-matched from side to side throughout the interior. The sections are formed by applying a thin layer of natural, unbleached hardwood veneer to a substrate - a piece of walnut which helps to provide strength and support to the fragile veneer top layer. Then, moistened to reduce splitting, they are pressed into the shapes needed for them to follow the curves and apertures of the cabin. Any microscopic splits that occur are painstakingly removed through the insertion of slivers of wood from the original batch of veneer, to ensure that the shade of the veneer remains constant. Six to eight hours of sanding later, the wood is inspected for any visual imperfections, such as cross-graining, and these are rectified before the solid wood substrate is stained and the whole wood set is lacquered. Lacquering takes an entire day, and when the four coats have cured three days later, a further six to eight hours of sanding takes place to remove wax and lacquer ripples. Finally, each section is polished by hand for two and a half hours to capture the deep lustre expected from the wood veneer of a Bentley motor car.
Craftsmanship of the highest order is also a hallmark of the leatherwork. Judged to be uniform in colour, grain and texture, the 550 square feet of premium "A" grade Connolly hide needed for each Arnage is then inspected to make sure that it is free from the smallest imperfection. Once assigned to an individual motor car, it will be used generously throughout the interior, for the dashboard top roll, steering wheel and gearbox selector lever, as well as the seats and door panels.
Cutting the hide is a meticulous task which requires some 300 special blades, and as the hide is used economically there is little wastage. This, of course, means that there is no margin for error during preparation or stitching - one mistake could compromise the whole set of carefully matched hide. Attention is always paid to the feel of the leatherwork, not just the fit, so the hide is thinned where necessary, before being stitched by hand or machine. Four types of stitch are employed, yet it is the hand sewn double-stitch that remains the signature of the craftsman - a fact confirmed by the 14 hours it takes to double-stitch the hide-covered steering wheel.
However, tailoring the Arnage to the preferences of the owner does not have to be confined to the interior. Besides the 27 paint colours, there are a number of exterior options, including alternative alloy and chromium-plated wheel designs. Whether dictated by practical requirements or personal taste, every decision helps to create a motor car of exceptional individuality and finely-tuned ability.
Of course, should further refinements be required, unique solutions can be commissioned through Mulliner, the specialist coachbuilding and engineering division of Bentley Motor Cars.
COMFORT AND STYLE. The interior of the Arnage offers superb accommodation to its occupants, whether they are driving or being driven. Because noise and vibration through the engine, transmission, suspension and steering were addressed during the motor car's development, refinement is already impressive; a factor which contributes significantly to the quiet and relaxing cabin environment.
With a bodyshell which transfers less noise to the cabin, an extensive sound insulation programme - including triple element door seals to minimise wind and road noise - and ferric window glass to reflect sunlight and help keep cabin temperatures low in hot weather, the Arnage is an extremely comfortable motor car to travel in. The front seats are shouldered and bolstered to hold the occupant firmly in position during fast cornering, and the vertical fluting stitched into the hide evokes early Bentley motor cars. Electrically adjustable for height, rake and reach, and with dual lumbar adjustment and heating, their variable density foam cushioning provides comfort and support in equal measure.
For the driver, an elevated and natural driving position means that effortless progress can be made; the curved profile of the bonnet and wings helping placement of the motor car in the road, and all controls falling easily to hand to prevent any distraction. The parchment-faced instrument dials are clear and comprehensive, and stylishly complement the classic shapes, materials and textures found elsewhere in the interior.
Passengers will appreciate the space in the rear of the motor car, as legroom and headroom are considerable. Sitting in individually sculpted seats - which move to their rearward position when a rear door is opened to aid entry and exit - there is always room to work, or sit back and enjoy the journey.
Separate heating, air conditioning and ventilation controls allow each occupant to specify their own chosen temperature and airflow settings. Divided into two independent circuits, the climate control system is so flexible that side-to-side, split level (face/feet) and front-rear temperatures within the cabin can be set to differ by as much as +- 10 degrees celsius. When the engine has been switched off, residual heat from the coolant system can be used to maintain the temperature settings.
Air quality is maximised using pollen and dust micro-filters, and by the use of fresh air control: should ambient air pollution rise above a certain standard, the system automatically starts to recirculate the air inside the car until the quality of air outside the motor car reaches an acceptable level.
In Car Entertainment is available from a bespoke audio system with tuner, cassette player and multi-disc CD player. Four 35 Watt channels ensure a dramatic soundstage through the discrete speaker system, and the refined cabin also contributes to the quality of sound reproduction. When not in operation, the head unit is hidden beneath a veneered 'one-touch' panel.
Other electronic equipment can be carefully and subtly integrated, if required.
SECURE IN ITSELF. The ability to make safe, relaxed progress in all driving conditions is the hallmark of a Bentley Arnage. Excellent visibility is afforded by the commanding driving position. Moreover, the agility and considerable performance of the motor car help the driver avoid potential hazardous situations in the first place.
Powerful brakes can slow the Arnage from high speeds, quickly and smoothly. Should the level of grip be compromised because of inclement weather conditions or a poor road surface, the four-channel anti-lock braking system activates, pulsing the brakes at up to 12 times a second and enabling directional control over the motor car to be maintained.
The ABS system works in conjunction with an advanced traction control system - Automatic Stability Control (ASC). As soon as the ignition of Arnage is switched on, ASC is engaged, monitoring traction to all wheels. Although the driver can always override the assistance it provides, ASC is an essential safety feature; when a tyre starts to slip, both engine management system and braking system can intervene to restore traction.
The primary (or 'active') safety of Arnage is supplemented by a number of secondary (or 'passive') safety features. The rigid steel body shell, designed using the latest computer technology to predict its behaviour in crash situations, is inherently strong. Impact-absorbing body sections, crumple zones and anti-intrusion beams in the doors help protect occupants in the event of a collision, and the driver and front seat passenger both have full-sized airbags to reduce the risk of injury. Inflating within milliseconds should they be required, the airbags* have gold-plated connectors whose corrosion resistance ensures the highest reliability.
With security on the open road comes security off it. A multi-function alarm and immobilisation system guards Arnage when parked. Owner-programmable, the system is highly versatile and offers a wide range of alarm, arming and courtesy options: the central locking system can be linked to the ignition to prevent doors from being opened externally when on the move; and headlights can be activated for a designated period when the motor car is locked at night, to provide illumination up to a doorway.
*Airbags are supplemental restraints only. Always use safety belts and seat children only in the rear, using restraint systems appropriate for their age.
ADVANCING THROUGH TECHNOLOGY. Few motor cars owe as much to their heritage as the Bentley Arnage, but this is not a motor car which stubbornly adheres to the past. The latest technology is used to improve the driving experience, by enhancing the motor car's dynamics through computer-controlled engine, suspension, transmission and braking systems, and by the use of sophisticated electronics, like satellite navigation.
By using a Global Positioning Satellite receiver, the location of the Arnage can be pin-pointed to within 10 metres, anywhere that has been digitally mapped. Using detailed local digital mapping information provided on CD, the motor car can then be followed as progress is made, its position illustrated on a full-colour wide screen that is integrated into the top roll. In the driver's line of sight, with a three dimensional horizon view, the screen is clear and easy to interpret - although it is possible to use the system without visual guidance, voice commands providing audible instructions. Navigation id therefore simple and effective, helping reduce stress on long journeys and allowing the driver to concentrate on enjoying the handling and performance of the Arnage.
Other forms of driver assistance have been made possible by the application of technology. A Park Distance Control system uses ultrasound to judge the distance between the Arnage and nearby obstacles during parking. The system is activated via a switch in the driver's roof console, or automatically when reverse gear is selected, and gives audible information whilst the motor car is being manoeuvred. When an obstacle closes within 30 cm of one of the four bumper-mounted sensors front and rear, a warning signal sounds.
To make parking even simpler, the door mirrors also dip when reverse gear is engaged, to allow a view of the kerbside. Like the central mirror, they are electrochromic to reduce glare at night, and have a single-pull power-folding facility to lie flat against the side of the motor car when required.
Even when the motor car is stationary, technology works for the owner. The luggage compartment, for example, has an automatic soft-closing operation for additional convenience and refinement.
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price
EXTERIOR. All steel monocoque construction with high torsional rigidity. High strength door construction and single pressing body apertures. Doubled-sided zinc coated skin panels. Ten-stage metal treatment process prior to cathodic electro-priming. Elastomeric protective coating to underbody surfaces. 'Mirror finish' paintwork. Paint range of 27 colours plus personal specification facility. Flexibilised polymer clearcoat. Park distance control. Energy absorbing bumper system. Bentley matrix grille in stainless steel. Glass with ferrous compound to control solar loading. One-touch powerfolding door mirrors with electrochromic glass. Six-spoke 18" aluminium alloy wheels with low profile 255/50 R18 Pirelli P-Zero tyres (optional 5 spoke sports and chrome wheels). Touch release luggage compartment lid with powered closing mechanism.
INTERIOR. Full grade "A" hide upholstery: 23 hide colours. Burr veneer woodwork individually mirror matched for a specific vehicle. Choice of burr walnut, burr oak or bird's eye maple veneers. Traditional fluted style seating. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system with side-to-side, split level (face/feet) and front-rear temperature regulation, pollen and dust micro-filters, dehumidifier and residual heating. 4x35 Watt, tuner cassette, 6 CD autochanger audio system with remote control for rear passenger operation. Two-stage seat heating to front seat positions. Bi-level lumbar support systems to front seat positions. Independently electrically adjustable rear seats. Optional two-stage heating and adjustable lumbar support to rear seats. Easy-entry/exit feature for rear seats. Electrically adjustable tilt steering wheel with cruise control operation and automatic easy entry/exit feature. Memory facility (4 positions) linking driver's seat. exterior mirrors and steering wheel. Analogue instruments, with driver information panel and trip computer. GPS satellite navigation system (in applicable markets) Front passenger seat fitted with four memory positions. One touch open/close electric window operation. Twin drink holders to front centre armrest and rear console.
ENGINE. 6.75 litre turbocharged V8 engine. Turbocharging system with Transient Boost facility. 90 degree V configuration. Die-cast aluminium-silicon alloy structure. 95 RON unleaded fuel.
TRANSMISSION. Four speed automatic gearbox with electric gear actuation. Adaptive Shift Control tailors gear shift to driving style. Shift Energy Management reduces torque during gear changes for smooth gear shifts. Tall gearing allows 40mph per 1000rpm in top gear for relaxed cruising.
BRAKING. Power assisted boost braking system with four-channel electronic anti-lock. Micro-alloy ventilated discs - 348mm front, 345mm rear. Single fist calipers - twin 44mm pistons front, single 46mm pistons rear.. Hydraulic brake servo. Pad and disc wear indication system. Foot operated parking brake with hand release - 'drum in disc' design.
SUSPENSION. Double wishbone independent suspension system front and rear. Automatic ride height control with auto load compensation. Computer controlled electro-hydraulic suspension dampers - response time 1/100th second linked to transmission ports mode and steering input.
STEERING. Power assisted rack & pinion steering system. Speed sensative steering. 3.2 turns lock-to-lock. Four-spoke sports steering wheel with electric rake adjust (memory linked) and automatic easy-entry/exit facility.
TRACTION CONTROL. Engine management linked to traction control system. Automatic Stability Control (ASC) via engine torque reduction control and braking intervention to rear wheels. Aquaplaning detection. 'Driver override' provision.
SAFETY FEATURES. Four-channel electronic anti-lock braking system. ASC traction assistance and stability regulation. Rigid all-steel monocoque with impact absorbing body sections to front, rear and sides. High mounted rear stop lamp. Electrochromic self-dimming rear view mirror. Exterior mirrors dip on selection of reverse gear. Headlights engage automatically on continuous windscreen wipe. Heated windscreen washer jets. Anti-intrusion beams to all doors. Full-sized driver and front passenger airbags* with occupant sensing system . Anti-submarine seat design. Front seat belt pre-tensioners. Inertia sensor fuel shut-off, door auto-unlock and steering column decouple occupant safety systems. Anti-trap electric window closing mechanism. Energy absorbing bumper system.
SECURITY. Multi-function alarm system programmable to suit owner requirements. Perimetric exterior and microwave interior volume sensing for alarm system. Driver's door only unlock feature on key fob. Remote central locking and deadlocking. Walk up/away headlights function. Courtesy light and air conditioning active on disarming. Rolling code transponder immobilisation of both engine management and starter motor systems. Master and limited access (valet parking) keys. Air conditioning system and interior lights activate on disarming. Alarm fob activation range = 10 metres. Siren output 130 db @ 1 metre.
PERFORMANCE. Maximum speed 155mph 249km/h (electronically limited) Acceleration 0-60mph - 5.9 seconds 0-100km/h - 6.3 seconds 0-100mph - 15.4 seconds 0-160km/h - 15.3 seconds 30-50mph - 2.2 seconds 50-70mph - 3.3 seconds 80-120km/h - 4.3 seconds 30-70mph - 5.5 seconds Braking 60-0mph - 2.85 seconds, 40 metres 100-0km/h - 2.92 seconds, 42 metres Max output 298kw @ 4000min-1 (400bhp @ 4000rpm) Max torque 835Nm (619lb. ft)
FUEL CONSUMPTION. EU drive cycle US mpg Urban 25.8 1/100km 12.5mpg Extra-urban 13.1 1/100km 20.5mpg Combined 17.8 1/100km 15.2mpg Range 604km (375 miles) under normal driving conditions. Fuel tank capacity 100 litres
DIMENSIONS. Wheelbase 3116mm (10ft. 2.7in.) Overall length 5390mm (17ft. 8.2in.) Overall width - across mirrors 2150mm (7ft. 0.7in.) Width- across body 1930mm (6ft. 4.0in.) Overall height 1515mm (4ft. 11.5in.) Turning circle (kerb to kerb) 12.4m (40ft. 8in.) Luggage compartment volume 374 litres (13.2ft) DIN Kerb weight 2520kg (5556lb.) Fully laden weight 2970kg (6546lb.)
OWNERSHIP. 3 year unlimited mileage warranty, see dealer for details. Service intervals 10,000 miles.
Arnage Red Label $209,900.00 Arnage Green Label $203,800.00