German Car Forum

Bentley is well under way with a plan to replace the mighty Arnage in 2010. It’s a project that will require the Volkswagen-owned company to address green issues, but will also provide the basis for a new generation of Bentley models for the next decade.

The new car is likely to be built around an aluminium spaceframe chassis made by Audi, skinned with aluminium panels. A major reworking of the factory — in preparation for other future models — could also be part of the Arnage project.

Although the car should be powered by Bentley’s venerable 6.75-litre V8, this is likely to be hooked up to a hybrid drivetrain, using either major components from Audi’s new-generation quattro hybrid running gear, or the hybrid transmission already being developed for the Q7.

In a recent interview, Audi engineering boss Michael Dick said all the new Bentleys would use a version of Audi’s spaceframe, cutting around 150kg from the bare bodyshell.

The Bentleys will use the core of the Audi structure, which will be available in three different sizes, but with new metal from the waistline upwards. For the Arnage the base of the windscreen will be mounted higher and the pillars reshaped.

Bentley says the first evidence of its new, more environmentally friendly thinking will be seen at the 2008 Geneva motor show.

In a candid interview with Autocar, Bentley boss Franz-Josef Paefgen revealed that he regarded the Arnage project as the biggest challenge for Bentley since the 1930s.

“This will be a totally independent car,” he said. “It will not be like the Continental, a derivative of a VW Group product, although it will use components from the group.”

Paefgen also stated his determination to keep the classic 6.75-litre V8 alive. Despite the fact that the engine turns 50 in 2009, Bentley wants it to pass new emissions regulations.

“Meeting the 2009 EU5 emissions limits with this V8 can be done,” he said. “We are now working on the proposed EU6 limits for 2013-15. All our engineers want to keep the engine alive.”

Paefgen also admitted the company now had to face green issues. “We are looking at a long-term problem that will develop over decades and centuries,” he said. “If we have to reduce fuel consumption by 20 per cent, we will do it. But we have to satisfy our customers and build a proper Bentley.”

Autocar understands that the idea of building lighter, smaller cars with downsized engines has been discussed. However, Paefgen hinted that this option had already been dumped.

“We may need to shed weight, but we still need to produce cars of a Bentley size,” he said.

Autocar - Bentley special: Arnage to go green

M

the day a bentley arnage looks like that is the day you see me up ontop of a skyscraper singing i believe i can fly...

^ile be there on top of that skyscraper for diffrent reasons..

cause thats a frog bentley.. and i dont want the arnage to be a continental frog

I knew you wouldn't resist making a comment.

^hehe you know me well

Is VAG is that stupid to pass the frog style to Bentley's flagship? i really hope not!

They're well ahead of the game at Bentley! Engineers are already busy working on a new Arnage – and we have caught a test mule for the flagship model driving through the firm’s home town of Crewe, Cheshire.

Although the next-generation saloon isn’t scheduled to appear on the road until 2010, top brass within the VW Group are keen for it to be a true Rolls-Royce beater, so the development programme is underway.

Our exclusive pictures prove that the new Arnage will be even bigger than the model it’s set to replace. Look closely at the centre of the car, and you can clearly see the B-pillar has been widened – an indication that the wheelbase has grown.

The increased length will ensure the new range-topper provides limousine levels of space inside. And for the first time ever, bosses are considering the possibility of using a diesel in the Arnage. Bentley’s parent company Audi has a rich heritage of oil-burners, so the options would include the V12 TDI fitted to the Audi R8 (driven in Issue 1,006).

The idea of a Bentley running on derv has traditionally been regarded as taboo, but strict EU emissions laws are forcing the brand to rethink its ‘no diesel’ stance. And an oil-burner would sit well with its reputation for torquey engines and lazy power delivery.

In addition, rumour has it that the W16 engine from the Bugatti Veyron supercar is also under consideration for the big Bentley. It would be most suited to the range-topping Arnage T model, and have enough power to propel the four-door from 0-62mph in well under five seconds. Don’t be surprised to see VW’s new seven-speed DSG gearbox offered, either. It would ensure the perfect blend of refinement and performance.

Inside, the Arnage’s classic luxury design would remain, with a trademark wooden dashboard, deep-pile carpets and leather upholstery. Buyers will also be able to take their pick from the usual array of lavish optional extras to personalise their car – these range from bespoke wood capping to unique colour combinations.

Expect prices for the new Arnage to start from around £180,000, and rise to in excess of £200,000 for the W16-engined Arnage T version.


Bentley Arnage | Auto Express News | News | Auto Express


M

Imo, if Maybach was not able to hold down the mighty Roll's glory, it's way harder for Bentley ...!

Still, can't make a definite statement, until she hit the streets properly ...!

On the contrary, Bentley's an established brand.

Very interesting..
I'd love to see what Bentley really can do in this uttrly upper class.

2 years of waitng so no hurry to actually get to much involved today!


VS

The Ultimate BMW vs. AUDI match

Who cares who wins. I will never be able to afford either...

But who cares. You just have to love these cars because of their history and wealth. Lets hope Bentley get it really right instead of half right like they did with the Flying Spur range.

VW

don't think they'll give the arnage T Bugatti's W16,it'll ruin the Veyron's peak!

Finally some mules shots. VAG are so discerete with testing new cars in the public. We probably won't see much more of it until it#s time for unveiling. Cool that it will increase in size but I hope that it retains the sleekness of the current Arnage, don't want it to look like a big box like the Phantom.

Never say never, no one never knows ...!

The information in the article is a little incorrect though, the car is due next year according to a heavy Bentley executive.

The past year’s sales and profits have set record benchmarks at Bentley thanks to it success of its Continental GT and Flying Spur. A few kinks in the production process recently led to the recall 13,000 cars for a possible fuel-line leak, but that hasn’t slowed progress on the new 2010 Arnage, already spotted testing once in late April. The skunk-striped monolith in the photos is believed to be the LWB variant of that car, despite its awkward proportions.

Drawing much of its innards from a revamped and reconfigured Audi modular platform, the Arnage will be powered by a bespoke RWD drivetrain. The engine is as yet undetermined, but rumors of V10 and V12 powerplants are circulating. A seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox is almost a certainty, especially on the expected high-power Arnage T.
A diesel engine is possible for the new Bentley, but nothing seen so far has confirmed its existence. The spy shots reveal a car that is at least 18 inches longer than the standard Arnage, thanks to an extended B-pillar section and a longer rear passenger area. Other styling details remain the same.
Bentley needs the Arnage update to help it keep pace with its more up-to-date rivals like the Rolls-Royce Phantom and Maybach’s saloons.
LWB Bentley Arnage spy shots

2010 Bentley Arnage spy shots

motorauthority

Bentley has "reached the solution" in its search for a new Arnage. Its long-lived and largest saloon, which currently sells 600 to 800 units a year, will be replaced with an all-new design due in about two years' time.

The new 2010 model won't just be a modified version of the Continental Flying Spur, official sources have confirmed. The Arnage and all future Bentleys will use a version of Audi's spaceframe chassis, Autocar has learnt from an Audi source in Germany.

Despite the radical engineering, which should remove around 150kg from the weight of the bodyshell alone, Bentley chairman Franz-Josef Paefgen emphasised that the new Arnage will continue to have the unique proportions of the current model, particularly the traditional high roof and seating position, that give the car its "soul".

Bentley has confirmed it is not close to launching either diesel or hybrid versions of its cars, because most recent research indicates that few buyers want it.

"We have the technology to do a diesel right now," said Paefgen, "but whether we do it really depends on how successful VW, Mercedes and others are at normalising diesel sales in the US.

"Bentley could never lead the field in that area. You could only ever respond to a strong demand."

The company's possible future requirements have been included in recent VW-Audi hybrid research, however, and it also has easy access to Audi's big-capacity V10 and V12 engines.

Despite global concern over high oil prices, it has recently built an Arnage prototype powered by the 987bhp Bugatti W16 engine.

Bugatti wants to find new uses for its legendary quad-turbo unit, which is hugely expensive to make and underutilised as power for the million-pound supercar alone.


Autocar - Bentley?s 2010 Arnage takes shape


M

If next Arnage, one of the most beautiful cars in the world, will look anything like that, the fy Bentley!

I agree, I'm done with Bentley too if they goof up the Arnage family of cars.

M

"Despite global concern over high oil prices, it has recently built an Arnage prototype powered by the 987bhp Bugatti W16 engine"

Oh really? If that is true I hope we'll see it in Paris.

Either way I want to see ZERO traces of Audi or VW in the car, it should be 100% bespoke. VAG has gone too far with component sharing. The entire Gallardo center console is straight out of the B7 A4 and the entire CGT dash board is from the Phaeton. Enough is enough. Like with Marcus, if Bentley mess this car up they will have lost me as a fan.

I just want the new model to be an evolution of the current design and keep the toad shape for cheaper Bentleys.Not sure if i like to see a 1000hp Bentley by that the Bugatti will definitely lose it's allure and aura of exclusivity.

You all know, that I absolutely adore the Arnage!! But here…oh sorry…WORDS FAIL ME!!! I hope, that they will reconsider the concept…

And I wouldn't care about the power of the car - I don't need a 1000hp Bentley - I want a Bentley, that looks like a Bentley!!!!

From MotorAuthority:


The past year’s sales and profits have set record benchmarks at Bentley thanks to the success of its Continental GT and Flying Spur. A few kinks in the production process recently led to the recall of 13,000 cars for a possible fuel-line leak, but that hasn’t slowed progress on the new 2010 Arnage, already spotted testing once in late April. The skunk-striped monolith in the photos is believed to be the LWB variant of that car, despite its awkward proportions.

Drawing much of its innards from a revamped and reconfigured Audi modular platform, the Arnage will be powered by a bespoke RWD drivetrain. The engine is as yet undetermined, but rumors of V10 and V12 powerplants are circulating. A seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox is almost a certainty, especially on the expected high-power Arnage T. A diesel engine is possible for the new Bentley, but nothing seen so far has confirmed its existence. The spy shots reveal a car that is at least 18 inches longer than the standard Arnage, thanks to an extended B-pillar section and a longer rear passenger area. Other styling details remain the same.
Bentley needs the Arnage update to help it keep pace with its more up-to-date rivals like the Rolls-Royce Phantom and Maybach’s saloons.

Fingers crossed and breath held, hope they get this one right!

M

Pretty massive increase in lenght. This car is gonna go head to head with the Phantom. I suspect it's being developed parallel with the new A8.