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Bentley Arnage replacement spied
06 August 2009
Bentley’s imposing Arnage replacement has been spied testing again, ahead of its official unveiling at the Pebble Beach concours in California later this month.
The huge round headlights are easily visible through the disguise and at the back there are lamps similar to the Continental.
Bentley had previously been expected to be going for an evolution of the Conti and Flying Spur’s streamlined styling, but it is likely to go with a far more classic shape.
See the Bentley Arnage replacement spy picture gallery
However don’t be fooled by the Rolls Phantom-esque appearance, this has been done to mimic its main rival and avoid attention.
Under the grille is a chromed lower air intake that echoes the new styling theme of Bentley parent VW. It runs the full width of the nose to emphasise the stance of the “Grand Bentley”, as the car is currently known.
Much of the car’s styling will be a nod to the previous Arnage and there will be a low roofline and high waist.
The 5m-plus length is accentuated by the shallow window area and there is a rakish look to the styling.
The engine will continue to be a turbocharged 6.75-litre V8, but the significant componentry is new, ousting parts that can trace their ancestry back to 1949 when Rolls-Royce/Bentley designed the engine that powers the Arnage.
To emphasise that the car is new from the ground up, Bentley is expected to ditch the Arnage name.
The new name may be lifted from the history books but, whatever its inspiration, it will have to convey a major move upmarket.
The price will increase, too. It will take the flagship Bentley closer to the Rolls Phantom, with a price will over £200,000.
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