BENTLEY ARNAGE T/R/RL | Named for a Corner at Le Mans
Car
April 27, 2015

BENTLEY ARNAGE T/R/RL | Named for a Corner at Le Mans


BENTLEY ARNAGE T/R/RL

BENTLEY ARNAGE T/R/RL




Named for a Corner at Le Mans



In the 1920s, the legendary “BentleyBoys” challenged the race, and after trials, achieved five victories in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. “ARNAGE” is the name of a corner on the Sarthe Circuit, the stage for this event.
When this four-door sedan from Bentley was launched, it was given a sporty image to differentiate it from Rolls-Royce, which was built under the same roof at the time. This signifies that not only the Arnage, but Bentley models in general, exist as driver's cars.

At its debut in 1998, the V8 twin-turbo produced 354ps/570Nm from a 4.4-liter displacement. However, with a minor change in 2002, the engine was revised, the displacement was increased to 6.75 liters, and two models were offered: the "Arnage T" boasting 450ps and the "Arnage R" with 400ps. Later, a long-wheelbase version of the Arnage R, the "Arnage RL," was released.

In 2006, the engine was further refined, reaching specifications of 507ps/1000Nm for the Arnage T and 456ps/875Nm for the Arnage R/RL. The accompanying automatic transmission was also upgraded to six speeds. Thanks to the improved suspension, steering, and brakes, refined slightly before this, its appeal as a driver's car was further enhanced.








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BENTLEY ARNAGE T

Body | Length 5400 x Width 1930 x Height 1530mm
Engine | 6.75-liter V8 twin-turbo
Max Output | 373kW [507ps] / 4100rpm
Max Torque | 1000Nm [102.0kgm] / 3200rpm
Drivetrain | FR
Transmission | 6-speed automatic
Price | ¥33,000,000
(As of May 26, 2008)


BENTLEY ARNAGE R/RL

Body | Length 5400 (5630) x Width 1930 x Height 1530mm
Engine | 6.75-liter V8 twin-turbo
Max Output | 336kW [457ps] / 4000rpm
Max Torque | 875Nm [89.2kgm] / 1800rpm
Drivetrain | FR
Transmission | 6-speed automatic
Price | ¥33,000,000 (RL: ¥37,500,000)
(As of May 26, 2008)



BRAND HISTORY
“I want to build the fastest and most valuable car in its class.” These are the words of Walter Owen Bentley, the founder of BENTLEY MOTORS, affectionately known as “W.O.”

W.O. gained experience as an engineer from a young age, but his initial work was with steam locomotives, not automobiles. While participating in motorcycle races during his free time, his interest turned to engines, and after retiring, he began developing racing engines in earnest after World War I.

In the 1920s, he participated in races both in Britain and abroad. Notably, thanks to the exploits of the “Bentley Boys,” the company achieved five victories in the 24 Hours of Le Mans between 1924 and 1930, establishing its reputation. However, the financial situation was dire, and in 1931, the company was acquired by Rolls-Royce, barely managing to preserve its name.

Rolls-Royce's control continued for 67 years, but a turning point came in 1998. Volkswagen acquired the Bentley name and the Crewe factory in the UK. This allowed Bentley to embark on a path separate from Rolls-Royce, and with the launch of new models such as the "Continental GT," "Continental Flying Spur," and "Continental GTC," it made a remarkable comeback in the luxury car market. Furthermore, in 2003, it secured its sixth victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, its first in 73 years.