Currently reading: Bentley’s 2010 Arnage takes shape
Bentley says it will replace it's long-running saloon, the Arnage, in 2010

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.

Steve Cropley

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hurricaneone 6 August 2008

Re: Bentley’s 2010 Arnage takes shape

I toured the Bentley facility for an article I was putting together on Continental production and it was very well organized. Over the past few years, the company has made leaps and bounds of progress in the production process and fully deserves to remain in Crewe - and in business. Not to mention, having driven a Continental Flying Spur Speed, I can say that the build quality is superb.

I'm sure there'll be many takers for this new model, whatever the price of petrol or road tax.

Apex Twin 19 July 2008

Re: Bentley’s 2010 Arnage takes shape

This is good news; keeping the spirit of Barnato, Birkin, and Benjafield alive. Earlier today, whilst supping a quiet pint at a local pub, a late 80's / early 90's Bentley Turbo R (in a lovely Royal Blue) drove past and it looked majestic. Keep it up Bentley. As you were.

kerrecoe 14 July 2008

Re: Bentley’s 2010 Arnage takes shape

Roy Twycross wrote:

Even in these uncertain times with high oil prices, extreme taxation of fuel and the likelihood that we're all being encouraged to cut fuel use or drive more efficient cars, the world still needs Bentley and its' fantastic creations.

Too right Roy! Those magnificent men in their flying machines and all that!!! If you can afford to buy and run a Bentley then good for you. We're not communists yet......