The Bentley Arnage was arguably the first modern Bentley. With the introduction of the Arnage back in 1998, the brand switched to much more aerodynamic and streamlined designs and power-to-weight ratios were given much more attention. That's part of the reason why Bentley switched to using smaller BMW V8 engines which were more efficient and provided better performance. And while Bentley was forced to switch back to its own 6.75 V8, initially much to the dismay of many customers, today we are glad it did. The main reason we are glad it did is the fact that we got the Arnage T because of it. When the Arnage T came out in 2003 it showcased just how capable the ancient Bentley V8 was when you strap modern technology to it. The result was the most powerful Bentley ever made until that time with over 450 horsepower which pushed this nearly 6,000-pound castle effortlessly. The 2003 Arnage T also got some modern suspension, steering, and brake upgrades making it one of the most advanced Bentley models at the time as well, but more on that later. What's interesting to note is that the Arnage T now goes for well under $30,000 making it somewhat of a bargain, at least initially. And if you are looking for a Bentley Arnage T, feel free to check if any are available here at Exotic Car Trader.
For a few years back in the nineties, Bentley switched to the BMW 4.4 V8 engine from its own 6.75 liter V8. That came as quite a shock to everyone as Bentley had been using the same basic 6.75L V8 for decades up until that moment. That said, the BMW engine was an improvement in every regard but as VW acquired the brand, BMW announced that it would halt engine deliveries. And it did after 2002 when VW was forced to further develop the old Bentley 6.75 V8. The result was a slower car with bad fuel mileage and poor handling as the 6.75 liter lump was substantially heavier than the BMW 4.4. And the fact that the Arnage was designed around the smaller 4.4 engine didn't help the handling either. Luckily, VW didn't have much choice but to double down on the 6.75 engine so it first strapped one single turbocharger on it, and later two turbochargers on the Arnage R and Arnage T. It turned out that the engine had so much potential that it continued production up until 2020 in the Mulsanne despite the W12 Volkswagen engine getting into all other Bentley models. And the 2003 Arnage T was the car that showcased the engine the best and it remains one of the last Bentley models with the iconic 6.75 Litre Bentley V8.
Although the Arnage model was a huge step ahead of the old Turbo R whose design dates back to 1984, today, the Arnage doesn't look all that exciting. Granted, today's luxury cars are flashy to say the least, as is largely the trend with all cars, but in a way, that makes the Arnage better as it offers something modern cars don't. But don't get us wrong, the exterior of the Arnage T doesn't look cheap by any means. While it won't grab the attention of every pedestrian, once you get close to one you will immediately know it's something special. The giant front grille alone immediately gives away that the Arnage T owner knows a thing or two about money management. The same goes for the sloping rear end which finds its inspiration in Bentley models dating back to the fifties. Then, the aggressive front bumper intakes, huge wheels and brakes, and big dual exhausts reveal that this huge sedan will also outrun most cars on the road even today, and they separate the Arnage T from other versions of the model. The 2003 Arnage T is then the perfect car for someone who wants something special but doesn't want to shove it in everyone's face, and it's difficult to find something similar today. Even the following facelift model looks miles more extravagant than the 2003 Arnage T making it the best of its kind.
If the outside of the Arnage T looks outdated, the interior does even more. However, that's more thanks to the exponentially developing infotainment systems rather than it being the Arnage's fault. But don't think it won't be obvious where your money went once you sit in one. Virtually everything inside the Arnage T is covered in the finest leather real wood and brushed aluminum. The center console is dominated by five analog gauges, something every car guy knows how to appreciate. Another interesting detail is the radio which is hidden behind a wooden lid, a trend that dates back to the nineties. Passengers in the back get their own climate vents, heated and power-adjustable seats, tables, and even computers or fax machines for example. That said, there are some parts shared with BMW. Most notably the climate controls are pulled straight from the E38 7-Series, but in Bentley's defense, the controls are masked with, yet again, real wood. That said, hardly any Bentley customer would be able to recognize VW buttons. And today, all the parts sharing just means the 20-year-old Arnage T will often be cheaper to fix.
Throughout history, Bentley models always had a certain amount of racing spirit in them despite putting the ultimate emphasis on luxury and comfort. But the Arnage T marked a new page in Bentley's history books as it's one of the first models where performance moved very close to the top of the priority list. At the time, the Arnage T was the most powerful production Bentley ever, and the fastest one as well. Its 6.75 liter V8 was tuned to push out 450 horsepower and even more impressively, 645 lb-ft of torque (875 Nm). That meant it was good for a 5.2 second 0-60 run and a top speed of 168 mph, all while weighing in at 5,699 lbs. But extra power isn't the only thing that makes the T the ultimate performance Arnage. The Arnage T also got a 10% stiffer chassis thanks to bolt-on reinforcements which did add 15 kg of weight but that's a drop in the sea considering the overall weight. Furthermore, the suspension was stiffer at the front and it got an anti-roll bar in the rear which was the first time a Bentley got one on the rear axle. Other changes include heavier steering and a sportier different adaptive suspension setup. All in all, the Arnage T not only outruns every other Bentley up until that time but outhandles it as well.
2003 Bentley Arnage T prices, and Arnage T prices in general, have never been lower than they are right now. A nice, clean 2003 Arnage T with less than 50,000 miles usually goes for around $30,000 which is about the same price as a used Honda Civic with the same mileage. And if you don't mind a mileage close to six figures, you can even find examples for around $25,000 or even less. Those are some impressive numbers considering you are getting one of the most luxurious and fastest sedans of the 21st century. That said, maintaining a Bentley with the original 6.75-liter engine is never cheap, but it's good to know that in 2003, all the major common problems were solved al the Arnage T is a pretty reliable car.
The 2003 Arnage T is among the most impressive cars of its time and it's pretty impressive today as well. Luckily for potential buyers, the 2003 Arnage T has gone under the radar for the past decade and the prices are as cheap as they have ever been. That makes this 450-horsepower, 2.5-ton monster one of the best luxury car bargains at this time. And if you find one here at Exotic Car Trader, we can help you make the entire purchasing process as convenient as it gets. Exotic Car Trader handles everything from escrow and paperwork to inspection and shipping. At the same time, Exotic Car Trader can help you sell your current car in much the same way, and even help you trade it with one of our other customers.
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