Geneva sees Bentley introduce two new limited editions, specially developed to celebrate the company's return to the Le Mans after 71 years. Unlike some other manufacturers, Bentley's limited editions are a little more special than the batches of Friday afternoon cars with go-faster stripes and a sunroof.

Given the ingredients, it's a surprise they get away with it - flared wheel arches, red brake calipers and alike on Bentleys? Although detailed with these attributes of many a hotted up hatch, Bentley get away with it thanks to the superb detail and solid look to the cars. 

The show cars are finished in an appropriately special Bentley green known as Verdant Green. The interiors, which showcase the leather working skills of Bentley Motors' Crewe-based craftsmen and women feature two colours: the main trim is in Autumn Hide with contrasting detail in English Tan.

Leather and chrome

A number of exquisite details, wrought by Bentley's specialists at Crewe further distinguish the Le Mans Series cars. The Arnage Le Mans has its instrument gauges finished in racing green, with special Limited Edition insignia on the speedometer and tachometer and the gear lever is finished in English Tan hide.

Externally, 18 inch Le Mans Series five spoke, sports wheels and chrome, tasteful yet purposeful quad exhaust pipes, two on each site of the modified rear bumper clearly state the car's credentials. Vents on the lower front wings and special badges designating the car as a Le Mans Series model underline the exclusivity of each one to be produced. Red brake callipers complete the subtle additions.

How much torque?

Mechanically the enormous 6.75 litre V8 engine powers the Bentley Arnage Le Mans Series. Producing 400bhp at 4,000rpm, the intercooled and turbocharged engine also develops a tractor like 616lb ft of torque at only 2,100rpm.

The two-door Bentley Continental R Le Mans Series is developed from the Continental R Mulliner. With power increased to 420bhp the car is further distinguished from its four door sibling by sports seats with perforated hide, a unique front console package with racing style starter button and gear change knob with an integrated sports mode switch.

A casual glance at the outside may not immediately tell the whole story but the flared wheel arches, red-painted brake callipers, two sets of twin exhaust pipes on either side, front wing vents and front wing badges proclaiming the proud legend 'Le Mans Series', say it all.

Only 150 Arnage and just 50 Continental R Le Mans Series models will be made.

Link: Bentley