Friday 15th April 2005

Bentley's drophead out in 2006

Arnage convertible confirmed for production

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Bentley Arnage Drophead Coupe

Bentley has announced that the Arnage Drophead Coupé, launched at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January is to go into series production. Bentley reckoned that the four-seater convertible stimulated enough interest, both in the USA and Europe, that it decided to develop the car in time to deliver the first cars in spring 2006.

Bentley's purple prose describes the Drophead as "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."

Bentley chairman Dr Franz-Josef Paefgen said, "We knew that the Drophead Coupé would create quite a stir 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 twin-turbocharged V8 engine, double-wishbone suspension and extremely rigid body structure of the Arnage provide the basis for the Drophead. It is powered by a 450bhp version of the Arnage’s 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged, intercooled, V8 and produces 645lb-ft of torque. The hydraulically operated folding roof works at the touch of a switch and the three-layer canvas roof stows itself beneath the rear parcel shelf in under 30 seconds.

Bentley's production rate has jumped since being swallowed by VW, the new Drophead becoming the fourth new model to go on sale in four years at Bentley, the list consisting of:

• Continental GT Coupé
• Arnage (2005 model)
• Continental Flying Spur
• Arnage Drophead Coupé.

Further details, including full technical specification, market availability and pricing, will be released nearer the launch date. Just don't expect it be petty cash money...

[beigepants]

Rappers and Elton John should form an orderly queue...

[Fire99]

when im 70 il have one!!

[_VTEC_]

Bling bling.

'Check 'dis ride mofo' word up homie!'

[ubergreg]

I love how the notion of Bentleys being the preserve of wealthy, middle-aged Anglo-Saxons has been completely turned on its head.

Oh Brave New World

Still, I'd rather see these on the road than that new Saloon they've seemingly cobbled together.

[lazyitus]

I just hope this doesn't contribute to production leaving Crewe and going to Dresden.

[ultimasimon]

I love Bentleys but this one just looks like a leather-lined tissue box

[johnny88]

s'alright car, i'd prefer a conti gt though. more youthful

[Marki]

johnny88 said:

s'alright car, i'd prefer a conti gt though. more youthful

Now your talking

[summit7]

It will cost 1/4 million quid if previous drophead Bentleys are anything to go by - I could stock my complete dream garage for that why waste that amount of petrol heaven on such a bloated cruiser. It's not a petrolhead car but just an object for A list celebs to own. (dino 50K, Superlight 25k, Europa and Elan both twin cam 25k, Range Rover - every day car 50k, E type series 2 coupe 20k, Lotus 23 replica 35k plus some change to pay for the track days)

[LuS1fer]

They could make a version where the rear half of the roof drops and call it...oh, I don't know, the Phaeton?