The Arnage is the last of the old school Bentleys, the final model designed before the British brand was scooped up by Volkswagen a decade ago. We reported the other day that the team from Crewe wanted the Arnage to be back on top of the Bentley lineup in terms of performance. To achieve that they are considered using a detuned version of the Bugatti Veyron engine in the big sedan.
Now comes word from AutoCar that Bentley boss Franz-Josef Paefgen also wants to keep the near half century old 6.75L V-8 alive in the Arnage as well. With plans for a redesigned Arnage around the end of the decade, the old engine will need updates to meet new emissions requirements. One option for helping it achieve its clean-living goal is to mate it up with the new hybrid powertrain being developed for the Audi Q7, VW Touareg, and Porsche Cayenne. Paefgen acknowledges Bentley will have to face up to new fuel economy requirements and will do what is necessary to meet them. But in doing so they will continue to build "proper" Bentleys.
[Source: AutoCar]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
jurm @ Oct 18th 2007 9:44AM
While I am in favor of increasing fuel efficiency, I really don't think a hybrid powertrain is appropriate in a car like this. This move doesn't come across to me as adding any real value to the car. On the contrary, I see it as diluting the brand's heritage and tarnishing its image. Bentley is just hopping on the hybrid-hype bandwagon, and using emissions requirements as a lame excuse for doing so. They're taking an exotic dream car, and turning it into a Prius wannabe.
James @ Oct 18th 2007 10:15AM
The Arnage will be updated soon, however it will keep its current form but be more like the Brooklands:
http://www.sybarites.org/2007/03/06/bentley-brooklands-coupe/
J @ Oct 18th 2007 12:27PM
Whats next a Camry fighter, just ridiculous.
Mehul Kamdar @ Oct 18th 2007 3:19PM
AFAIK VW have been looking for a home for their brilliant racing V 12 diesel. Why not find a way to put that in a Bentley? From all reports, it is a remarkably quiet engine, is very fuel efficient and is extremely powerful, but, unfortunately, heavy for the Audi range of vehicles. Which would just make it ideal for an environment friendly Bentley...
This would certainly kill several birds with one stone and bring true racing tech to wealthy clients who also want something that is easier on the environment than the current alternative.