Bentley Arnage Drophead Coupe
By The News Editor - 20/04/2005
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Bentley Arnage Drophead Coupe
Bentley Arnage Drophead Coupe
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The glamorous Bentley Arnage Drophead Coupe that was launched
to worldwide acclaim at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January
2005 is to go into series production.
The magnificent four-seater convertible show car stimulated
such interest among Bentley aficionados, both in the USA and
Europe, that the decision was immediately taken to continue
its extensive development programme in time for delivery of
the first cars in Spring 2006.
The Arnage Drophead Coupe is a true luxury four-seater convertible
for the 21st century: a unique blend of classic Bentley design
and craftsmanship married to a high-technology platform sourced
from the 2005 Model Year Arnage.
As such, it is the perfect natural successor to the Bentley
Azure, whose eight-year lifespan cemented the marque's status
as the prime provider of four-seater convertibles to this
sector of the market.
"We knew that the Drophead Coupe would create quite
a stir," says Bentley chairman Dr Franz-Josef Paefgen,
"because it is the most sensationally beautiful convertible
with strikingly contemporary lines and an unashamed luxurious
interior. Yet even we were surprised by how much demand there
has been for us to put it into production.
"Our customers obviously remembered how good our last
convertible was and naturally their expectations for this
car were even higher. I'm glad to say they haven't been disappointed."
The Arnage Drophead Coupe will be the fourth new model to
go on sale in just four years at Bentley, reflecting the incredible
success of the brand since becoming part of the Volkswagen
Group in 1998.
Since 2002, Bentley has launched the all-new Continental
GT Coupe, the 2005 Model Year Arnage, the 4-door Continental
Flying Spur and now the Arnage Drophead Coupe.
"This convertible will be the flagship of our range,"
says Adrian Hallmark, member of the board, sales and marketing.
"While we are excited to be able to offer our cars to
a wider market thanks to our Continental series, no-one should
doubt that Bentley will continue to be known the world over
as the creator of the world's most exclusive cars. The Arnage
Drophead Coupe is a perfect example of that intent."
The twin-turbocharged V8 engine, double-wishbone suspension
and extremely rigid body structure of the Arnage provide a
state-of-the-art basis for the Drophead Coupe.
It is powered by a 336kW (450bhp) version of the Arnage's
6.75-litre twin-turbocharged, intercooled, V8 engine and produces
875Nm (645 lb-ft) of torque. The complex folding roof on the
convertible is operated hydraulically at the touch of a switch
and the impressive three-layer canvas roof is elegantly stowed
beneath the rear parcel shelf in under 30 seconds.
Further details, including full technical specification,
market availability and pricing, will be released nearer the
Arnage Drophead Coupe's on-sale date.
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