The 2006 Bentley Arnage R came with a 400-horsepower twin-turbo V8 sourced from BMW. But was that enough to justify the Bentley price?
2006 Bentley Arnage R Review
The Bentley Arnage is a luxury model produced by Bentley Motors in Crewe, England, between 1998 and 2010. It was a sibling to the Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph, also launched in the spring of 1998. The Arnage and Silver Seraph were the two carmakers' first wholly new designs after 1980. The Arnage was initially manufactured with a powerful BMW V8 engine with a twin-turbo installation. In 2008, Bentley announced that the model would end production by 2010. The model was revamped with an older Rolls Royce engine adapted for the heavier Arnage when the Volkswagen takeover caused issues using the BMW engine in the Bentley models. The new car models with the older engines were sold under the Red Label variants in 1999. The Red Label was relaunched as the Arnage R as a supplemental model for the Arnage T, a sportier variant of the Arnage series. The Arnage R featured twin Garrett turbochargers and slightly better fuel economy compared to older versions.
Smooth Operator
The Bentley Arnage R comes with a 400-horsepower twin-turbo V-8 that generates 616 pounds-feet of torque, making it one of the more powerful road-going Bentleys of the time. The car was facelifted from the front in 2005 with new bumpers and redesigned exhaust pipes and flanks. The Bentley Arnage R has less flash and more road presence. It is a 3-ton behemoth of a sedan, and its road performance is an astounding experience for those unfamiliar with the magic of precision-crafted engineering. The car has an understated road presence, making driving effortless and pleasurable in spite of its heaviness. The interior is lovingly built, with fine details like smooth, seamless window joints and door frames, leather seats, and wood trim, which is still a class above what other smaller car makers offer. The driving is performance-based and more like a sports sedan than a luxuriously comfortable cruise car. The twin-turbo V8 and heavy suspension combination is a treat to drive and ride in. The car speeds up effortlessly, crossing 60 mph in 6 seconds and reaching its engineered maximum speed limit of 170 mph in under a minute. The car takes corners like a much smaller and lighter car, and its road handling is exceptional for its bulk and weight. This fast, comfortable, and large vehicle is one of the last models from a memorable era of comfort and luxury.
Limousine-Like Ambiance
All the descriptions in the world do not prepare you for the sheer comfort of the car, and its spaciousness is equal, if not more, than that of an SUV and has much more comfort and legroom than any sedan. This huge, comfortable car is built with attention to detail and an interior that spoils you for other vehicles. The Arnage got a facelift in 2005, which updated the exterior to some extent, and the interior got a new front console and instrument design. Less important controls are placed behind wood-veneered panels. Buyers could pick from an interior trim menu that included walnut, oak, maple, black lacquer, and 27 leather finishes for the interior. The technical updates included a DVD-based navigation system and automated driver’s and rear seats. The car comes with anti-lock braking, traction control, and electronic stability systems. The interior is almost soundless when in motion, with no engine sound or rumble felt in the cabin. On highways, at higher speeds, the cabin is still almost noiseless, with some wind noise felt, which is expected at high speeds for most cars.
Sedate Classiness
The 2005 facelift gave the Arnage rounder headlamps with xenon and halogen-based low and high beams. The hood line differs slightly; buyers could pick from two grille patterns. Arnage four-door cars have stayed close to the Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph but keep some unique design features. The GT-based Arnage R has a suspension designed for optimum comfort and comes with 18-inch wheels. These are very classy, six-spoke alloy wheels and add to the classiness of the exterior. The side mirrors have electrochromic glass to reduce light glare and fold in when needed. The car has a 26-gallon fuel tank, essential for the fuel-guzzling engine.
Power Packed Performance
In the Arnage R models, the twin-turbocharged 6.8-liter V-8 has 400 hp and 616 pounds-feet of torque. This power is combined with Bentley’s signature four-speed automatic transmission. The Arnage R can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 6 seconds, and its maximum speed is fixed to remain under 170 mph. Rear axle movement is facilitated, which offers passengers better ride comfort over rough surfaces. This allows for better energy absorption and smoothens the ride out without affecting the car’s road handling performance.
How Much is a 2006 Bentley Arnage R
The launch price of the Bentley Arnage R was $212,000 in the US. The lapse of almost 20 years has seen the car’s fall to some extent, which is very welcome as it has now become more affordable for fans of the brand and people who love British and German automotive workmanship. Want to know more about a Bentley Arnage? Or are you interested in checking out other Bentley models? You have come to the right place here at Exotic Car Trader, where we have a wide range of Bentley Models listed.
Final Thoughts
The power-packed performance and sumptuous luxury of the Arnage series are a rare combination now. The Arnage R calls to all luxury car lovers with its outstanding engineering performance and luxury. With a much lower market value, the 2006 Arnage R is an excellent option for buyers seeking top-class performance at a relatively lower price point.
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