SUPERYACHT #521
Sep 2005
Article selected from our quarterly magazine dedicated to the largest
and most luxurious boats with information, interviews, technical
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Article by
Daniele Carnevali
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BENTLEY ARNAGE DROPHEAD COUPÉ
After its success at recent exhibitions in Geneva and Los Angeles,
the English firm Bentley is about to launch on the market (probably
next summer) the aristocratic and magnificent "Arnage Drophead
Coupé".
The new model, developed on the platform of the
updated Arnage version, signals the return of Bentley to the 4-
passenger convertible market, from which it has been absent since
2003 when it stopped making the "Azure". Stylistically, the "Drophead
Coupé" is a typical Bentley. The impressive size, the
honeycomb radiator grille boasting the famous winged coat of arms...
these are Bentley hallmarks. Compared to the "Azure", which, along
with the famous "Continental Drophead Coupé" designed in 1955
by the Park Ward studio, was the inspiration for this new model, the
"Drophead Coupé" has more internal volume as well as an
updated design, practically identical at the front to the standard
"Arnage 2005" and quite revolutionary at the rear. Just a glance is
sufficient to see the difference between this convertible and the
Arnage due to the fabric top (which closes electrically in only 25
seconds) and to the more inclined profile of the windscreen, which
makes the new Bentley 35-mm lower than the "closed" version. The rear
lighting is completely original in design and adopts the LED
technology previously experimented with on the "Continental GT",
while the forward lamps, with chromed edges, recall those used for
the "Arnage". The bodywork, painted a splendid "Meteor Blue",
contrasts softly with the finishing and chromed parts, such as the
skirts, mirrors and 19-inch alloy rims. The interior, designed by the
Bentley team in collaboration with the Norwegian designer, Olav
Eldoy, are elegant and finished with luxurious materials, with all
the typical charm of Bentley craftsmanship. The upholstery of the
model shown in Los Angeles was in "Cotswold" and "Nautic Blue"
leather, while for the bridge and the inserts for the steering wheel
and doors, Bentley opted for oak root and box wood. The layout of the
interior, while inspired by the preceding "Continental Cabriolet",
boasts new seats, suspended armrests and a sophisticated system for
variable lighting. The dashboard features a tachometer and
speedometer enclosed into large circular units with chromed edges.
These units also contain the display for the onboard computer. In
the centre of the bridge, we find the water- and oil temperature
indicators, the fuel level and clock, while, on the transmission
hump, the various controls have been positioned, including those for
the air-conditioning and the button to deactivate the ESP. The
chromed air vents, a traditional Crewe touch, open and close by means
of piston buttons. Seating is equally comfortable on all of the four
seats, with ample movement room, even for the legs of those on the
rear seats. From the technical point of view, the "Drophead
Coupé"differs from the standard "Arnage" with the adoption of
frame reinforcements in the windscreen and under-body. In addition,
in order to increase onboard safety, a system has been installed to
protect passengers in the case of overturning. The system, once it
detects the possibility of the vehicle turning over, immediately
activates two roll bars built into the back of the headrests. The
roll bars, along with the solid structure of the frame, are able to
bear the entire weight of the "Drophead Coupé". The suspension
system is the same as that recently adopted for the "Arnage R" and
consists of a double triangulation of the forecarriage and real axle,
helical springs and a computerised system for electronic calibration
of the electro-hydraulic shock absorbers. The self-adjusting shock
absorber solution, combined with electronic systems such as ESP, EDB
and ABS, make this vehicle a classic Bentley, that is, absolutely
comfortable. The unique LED rear lighting units use a new technology
experimented with for the "Continental GT". The engine is a double
turbo-charged V-8 with 6.75 litre intercooler similar to that used on
the "Arnage R", boasts 450 horsepower at 4100 rpm and 875 Nm of
engine torque at only 3250 rpm. The engine, equipped with a 4-speed,
self-adapting automatic transmission, is able to drive the Bentley to
a speed of 270 km/h and to bring it to a speed of 100 km/h from a
standstill in only 5.7 seconds. Very likely, the future owners of
this "Arnage Drophead Coupé" will not have the opportunity to
let this engine express all of its exuberance. What's more, as with
every Bentley, this model is much more enjoyable at gentler speeds,
perhaps with the top down, cruising along the C“te d'Azur, for example.
For further information: www.bentleymotors.com.
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