Friday, April 3, 2009

Bentley Arnage T (2005)


Bentley Arnage

In 2001, the Arnage RL, a long-wheelbase limousine model, was launched. Available only as a bespoke ("Mulliner") model, each RL was customised to the desires of the buyer. The RL, however, was also the first of a new series of Arnages which would break Bentley from its BMW-rooted past permanently, as well as presenting a challenge to that company's attempt to revive Rolls-Royce sales.

The RL was larger than any contemporary limousine, notably including those from its former sister company. Wheelbases ranged from 3336 mm (131 in) to 3566 mm (140 in) and even 3844 mm (151 in), the latter two including a 100 mm (3.9 in) increase in the height of the roof. The suspension was retuned for the added weight, allowing the larger car to still handle well.

Many RL models are ordered with armoured elements, reflecting the car's clientelle. In fact, some of the "basic" car's components were armoured from the start. But a full B6 package was also available for £250,000 to £300,000, offering protection from assault weapons and grenades. The RL remains in production as of 2006.

Notable, though overlooked on the RL's introduction, was an entirely reworked engine. Where the Red Label had merely freshened the Turbo RT's engine, the RL featured an entirely reworked version of the old 6.75 L V8. More than half of the engine's parts were completely new, with Bosch Motronic ME7.1.1 engine management replacing the old Zytec system and two small Garrett T3 turbochargers replacing the single large T4. This new engine developed 400 hp (298 kW) and 616 ft·lbf (835 N·m), and was said to be capable of meeting all future emissions requirements.

In 2002, Bentley updated the Red Label as the series two Arnage R. This model was launched to contrast the Arnage T, which was developed to be more sporting. The Arnage R features two Garrett T3 turbochargers, as with the RL.

The Arnage T, also from 2002, was claimed to be the most powerful roadgoing Bentley at its launch at the Detroit Motor Show. As with the Arnage R, there were twin turbochargers, but tuned to develop 450 hp (340 kW) and 645 lbf ft (875 N·m). The Arnage T's 0–60 mph time is 5.5 s; a top speed of 168 mph (270 km/h) is claimed.

All Arnage R and T models share the same 3116 mm (122.7 in) wheelbase. The Arnage range was facelifted in 2004, with a front end resembling that of the new Continental GT.

Bentley Arnage R (2005)


Bentley Arnage

In 2001, the Arnage RL, a long-wheelbase limousine model, was launched. Available only as a bespoke ("Mulliner") model, each RL was customised to the desires of the buyer. The RL, however, was also the first of a new series of Arnages which would break Bentley from its BMW-rooted past permanently, as well as presenting a challenge to that company's attempt to revive Rolls-Royce sales.

The RL was larger than any contemporary limousine, notably including those from its former sister company. Wheelbases ranged from 3336 mm (131 in) to 3566 mm (140 in) and even 3844 mm (151 in), the latter two including a 100 mm (3.9 in) increase in the height of the roof. The suspension was retuned for the added weight, allowing the larger car to still handle well.

Many RL models are ordered with armoured elements, reflecting the car's clientelle. In fact, some of the "basic" car's components were armoured from the start. But a full B6 package was also available for £250,000 to £300,000, offering protection from assault weapons and grenades. The RL remains in production as of 2006.

Notable, though overlooked on the RL's introduction, was an entirely reworked engine. Where the Red Label had merely freshened the Turbo RT's engine, the RL featured an entirely reworked version of the old 6.75 L V8. More than half of the engine's parts were completely new, with Bosch Motronic ME7.1.1 engine management replacing the old Zytec system and two small Garrett T3 turbochargers replacing the single large T4. This new engine developed 400 hp (298 kW) and 616 ft·lbf (835 N·m), and was said to be capable of meeting all future emissions requirements.

In 2002, Bentley updated the Red Label as the series two Arnage R. This model was launched to contrast the Arnage T, which was developed to be more sporting. The Arnage R features two Garrett T3 turbochargers, as with the RL.

The Arnage T, also from 2002, was claimed to be the most powerful roadgoing Bentley at its launch at the Detroit Motor Show. As with the Arnage R, there were twin turbochargers, but tuned to develop 450 hp (340 kW) and 645 lbf ft (875 N·m). The Arnage T's 0–60 mph time is 5.5 s; a top speed of 168 mph (270 km/h) is claimed.

All Arnage R and T models share the same 3116 mm (122.7 in) wheelbase. The Arnage range was facelifted in 2004, with a front end resembling that of the new Continental GT.

Bentley Arnage Limousine (2005)


Bentley Arnage

The Bentley Arnage is a luxury car produced by Bentley Motors in Crewe, England. The Arnage and its Rolls-Royce-branded sibling, the Silver Seraph, were introduced in the Spring of 1998 and were the first entirely new designs for the two marques since 1980.

Another break from the past was to be found under the bonnet, for decades home to the same 6.75 L V8, a powerplant which could trace its roots back to the 1950s. The new Arnage was to be powered by a BMW V8, with Cosworth-engineered twin turbo installation, and the Seraph was to employ a BMW V12.

The Arnage is over 5m long, almost 2m wide, and has a kerb weight of more than 2.5 metric tonnes. For a brief period it was the most powerful and fastest four-door sedan on the market.

Bentley Arnage Drophead Coupe (2005)


Bentley Arnage Drophead Coupe

On January 17, 2005, the Arnage Convertible concept car, also known as the Arnage Drophead Coupe, was shown at the Los Angeles Auto Show. In April 2005, Bentley confirmed that the model will be produced at Crewe for Spring 2006 sales. Bentley also confirmed the new model will adopt the Azure tag, replacing the previous Azure as the company's large four-seat convertible. The new Azure will use a 6.75 L twin-turbo V8 which produces 460 hp (335 kW) and 645 ft·lbf (874 N·m).

Bentley Arnage Blue Train Series (2005)


Bentley celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Blue Train Race

Crewe, 31st October 2005 - Some 75 years since the adventurer and Le Mans winner Woolf Barnato raced and beat the famous Blue Train on its journey across France, Bentley Motors and its coach building division Mulliner are celebrating his achievement with a powerful, distinctive and luxurious grand tourer based on its flagship four-door saloon: the Arnage Blue Train Series.

In specification, the Blue Train Series Arnage features the 450bhp version of Bentley's remarkable 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, allied to the chassis and suspension set-up of the refined and supple Arnage R. With a 0-60mph acceleration of 5.5 seconds and a top speed of 168mph the Blue Train Series Arnage has the performance to satisfy the most demanding of drivers. A mountainous 645lb ft of torque (875Nm) available at 3250rpm means that the Bentley's performance is instantly accessible.

Externally, the Arnage Blue Train Series is distinguished by its 19" seven-spoke alloy wheels, sunroof, chrome radiator shell, chrome mirror caps and quadruple exhaust tailpipes. Both front and rear bumpers are designed specifically for the Arnage Blue Train Series, with stainless steel matrix mesh to the front bumper cooling ducts. In homage to the slatted bonnet of the original 'Blue Train' Bentley Speed Six, Bentley's design team has specified vertical slatted vents, painted in body colour, behind the trailing edge of the front wheel arches. The Blue Train Arnage will carry the black winged 'B' inside and out, as the distinguishing mark of the most powerful and performance-focused Bentleys, and will also have Blue Train badging on the front wing and door aperture treadplates. A 'privacy' rear backlight may also be specified, another feature which echoes the coachwork of Barnato's 1930s coupé.

The interior is equally distinctive. All instrument and dial faces are black, and the centre console features a subtle Bentley Blue Train badge. Mulliner's meticulous craftsmanship is evident in the veneer waistrails, which feature chrome inlay with winged 'B' badges, and the 'Blue Train' embroidered headrests, in a coordinating thread colour. Other special elements of the interior specification are the wood and hide steering wheel, additional wood veneer panels on the doors and contrast piping on the seats.

A limited number of the Blue Train Series will be produced, the majority being intended for the USA, and all orders have already been filled.

"I am delighted with the Arnage Blue Train Series," said Derek Davies, Brand Director, Arnage and Mulliner, "The engineers and craftsmen of Bentley Mulliner have created an exceptionally desirable car, and a fitting tribute to Woolf Barnato's amazing achievement. In doing so, Bentley Mulliner has created another unique chapter to the Bentley story."

Earlier this month, the first model in the series joined the original 'Blue Train' Speed Six, now owned by Bentley enthusiasts Bruce and Jolene McCaw, along with other historically significant Bentley cars in a 75th Anniversary tour from Cannes to London, following Barnato's original route. Participants enjoyed a more leisured approach to the journey than that taken by Woolf Barnato, with attractions such as wine-tasting, overnight stops and gastronomic meals at chateaux en route.

Bentley Continental R (2003)


Bentley Continental R

The Bentley Continental R was a large, expensive, luxury coupé made by Rolls-Royce from 1991 to 2002. It was the first Bentley with a body that was not shared with a Rolls-Royce model since the S3 of 1965, the first to use the GM 4L80-E transmission, and the quickest, most expensive, and most powerful Bentley of its day. A convertible derivative, the Bentley Azure, was launched in 1995.

Origin

Many elements of the Continental R design were first seen at the 1984 Geneva Motor Show in Rolls-Royce's "Project 90" concept car, a mock-up of a future Bentley coupé. An enthusiastic reception led the company to develop the vehicle for production as the Continental R 1991. Based on the Bentley Turbo R floorpan, an aerodynamically shaped coupé body had been styled. The Continental debuted at the 1991 Geneva Motor Show, reportedly upstaging the W140 S-Class also launched there. Customer response was enthusiastic, and the Sultan of Brunei purchased the red show car right off the Geneva stand.

The "Continental" designation recalls the Bentley Continental of the post-war period, whose fame resulted from the combination of an impressive powertrain and attractive design as well as custom features specified by customers. The "R" was meant to recall the R Type Bentleys from the 1950s as well as the successful Turbo R of the 1980s.

The car's body, styled by John Heffernan and Ken Greenley, was a departure for the marque. It had a slight curving Coke bottle shape, a stark contrast to the slab-sided Rolls and Bentley cars of the time. While its 0.73 coefficient of drag was not impressive in itself, it was a large improvement over previous Bentleys. The Continental R also featured roof-cut door frames in the modern style and a subtle spoiler effect in the rear. Sixteen-inch alloy wheels also gave a sporting look.

Continental R

The well-proven 6.75 L Garrett-turbocharged engine from the Bentley Turbo R was chosen. Power output of 325 hp (242 kW) and torque of 450 ft·lbf (610 N·m) was estimated, as Rolls continued to refuse to supply official figures. Other sources estimate as high as 400 hp (298 kW) and 590 ft·lbf (800 N·m).

The car used the new 4-speed GM 4L80-E automatic transmission and stopped with ventilated disc brakes front and plain discs at the rear. Top speed was 145 mph (233 km/h), and Rolls estimated a 6.6 second sprint to 60 mph (97 km/h). The R was priced at US$271,780 in 1992.

The Continental S was a limited-edition performance model made in 1994 and 1995 with an intercooler added. This pushed power output up, and after the 18 S models were finished was applied to the regular Continental R as well.

The opportunity for customizing the specification was offered again from March 1999 with the Continental R Mulliner model range, introduced at the Geneva Motor Show to cater for an unusual requirements. A Bentley customer could specify his car in direct contact with engineers and designers at the Crewe factory. The Bentley Continental R Mulliner was equipped with the most powerful engine as hitherto only found on the Bentley Continental T. A power output of 420 hp (313 kW) and a maximum torque of 650 ft·lbf (881 N·m) was more than any other manufacturer in the world could offer. The car could be pushed up to a top speed of some 170 mph (274 km/h).

Production

+ Continental R (1991-2002): 1533
+ Continental S (1994-1995): 18

Bentley Continental GT (2003)


Bentley Continental GT

Bentley Continental GT is a grand tourer coupé with two doors and a 2+2 seating arrangement released in 2003, replacing the previous Rolls-Royce-based Continental R and T.

The Continental GT has a 6 L W12 engine with twin turbochargers which develops 552 hp (411 kW) at 6100 RPM and 479 lb-ft (650 N-m) at 1600 RPM. Never before had a 12 cylinder engine been employed on a Bentley car. Acceleration from 0-60 mph takes 4.7 seconds (0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 s), the top speed is 198 mph (312 km/h). It has all-wheel drive, the first Bentley to do so, and a six speed automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted gearshift paddles for instant override. The engine and air suspension are loosely based on owner Volkswagen's flagship car the Phaeton.

The Continental GT features the largest brake disc on any production car at 405 mm (16 in) in front. The rear disc measures 335 mm (13 in).

Controversy

Bentley has said the Continental GT is the fastest four-seated vehicle. This has often been disputed, since the 2 rear seats have a lack of real leg and head space.

Success

With a waiting list of 1 1/2 years it has proven to be a huge success for Bentley and Volkswagen. Depending on options it is priced around $170,000 (A$375,000). The Continental GT has also been popular among celebrities; Ben Affleck, Vince Carter is known to own one and Chris Tucker was infamously caught speeding in his.

Bentley Azure Final Series (2003)


Bentley Azure

The Bentley Azure was a large, four-seat convertible luxury car. Production ended in 2003. The Azure was based on the Bentley Continental R and later T models with nearly the exact same styling and engines, with the exceptions that the T and slightly more power, 420 hp (313 kW), and slightly more torque 650 ft·lbf (881 N·m).

Pininfarina designed and built the Azure's top. The Azure was priced at $347,645 — $36,355 more than the Continental R.

There were two versions: the Bentley Azure produced from 1995 to 2002 and the Bentley Azure Mulliner produced from 1999 to 2003. The Mulliner version comes from Bentley's in-house customizing department with a few visual differences.

The car has a 6.75 L Garrett turbocharged/intercooled V8 engine, producing 400 hp (298 kW) and 645 ft·lbf (874 N·m) of torque. The car is rear-wheel drive and is controlled via a four-speed automatic gearbox. The Azure can reach 60 mph (98 km/h) in 6.1 seconds.

The Azure was made to combine glamour and performance with the long-legged, continent-crossing capabilities of a modern sporting Bentley.

Bentley Arnage RL (2003)


Bentley Arnage RL

In 2001, the Arnage RL, a long-wheelbase limousine model, was launched. Available only as a bespoke ("Mulliner") model, each RL was customised to the desires of the buyer. The RL, however, was also the first of a new series of Arnages which would break Bentley from its BMW-rooted past permanently, as well as presenting a challenge to that company's attempt to revive Rolls-Royce sales.

The RL was larger than any contemporary limousine, notably including those from its former sister company. Wheelbases ranged from 3336 mm (131 in) to 3566 mm (140 in) and even 3844 mm (151 in), the latter two including a 100 mm (3.9 in) increase in the height of the roof. The suspension was retuned for the added weight, allowing the larger car to still handle well.

Many RL models are ordered with armoured elements, reflecting the car's clientelle. In fact, some of the "basic" car's components were armoured from the start. But a full B6 package was also available for £250,000 to £300,000, offering protection from assault weapons and grenades. The RL remains in production as of 2006.

Notable, though overlooked on the RL's introduction, was an entirely reworked engine. Where the Red Label had merely freshened the Turbo RT's engine, the RL featured an entirely reworked version of the old 6.75 L V8. More than half of the engine's parts were completely new, with Bosch Motronic ME7.1.1 engine management replacing the old Zytec system and two small Garrett T3 turbochargers replacing the single large T4. This new engine developed 400 hp (298 kW) and 616 ft·lbf (835 N·m), and was said to be capable of meeting all future emissions requirements.

In 2002, Bentley updated the Red Label as the series two Arnage R. This model was launched to contrast the Arnage T, which was developed to be more sporting. The Arnage R features two Garrett T3 turbochargers, as with the RL.

The Arnage T, also from 2002, was claimed to be the most powerful roadgoing Bentley at its launch at the Detroit Motor Show. As with the Arnage R, there were twin turbochargers, but tuned to develop 450 hp (340 kW) and 645 lbf ft (875 N·m). The Arnage T's 0–60 mph time is 5.5 s; a top speed of 168 mph (270 km/h) is claimed.

All Arnage R and T models share the same 3116 mm (122.7 in) wheelbase. The Arnage range was facelifted in 2004, with a front end resembling that of the new Continental GT.

Bentley State Limousine (2002)


Bentley State Limousine

The Bentley State Limousine is a car created by Bentley for Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom on the occasion of her golden jubilee in 2002.

The vehicle's twin-turbocharged, 6.75-liter V-8 has been modified from Bentley's Arnage R version to produce 400 hp and 616 ft·lbf of torque. Maximum speed is 130 mph.

The royal State Limousine is three feet longer than a standard Bentley Arnage, 10 inches taller, and six inches wider. It is equipped with broad suicide doors, which are hinged at the rear and open almost 90 degrees.

The car has been given an armor-plated cladding, a mine-resistant floor, bazooka-proof glass, and a cabin that can be sealed against a gas attack. These security and safety measures hike the car's weight to almost 4000 kg, and it rides on run-flat tires.

Only two of these cars were ever built to a bespoke design, both for the Queen, making it even rarer than the legendary Rolls-Royce Phantom IV, of which only 18 were built, exclusively for royalty and heads of state.

Bentley EXP Speed 8 (2002)


Bentley EXP Speed 8

The Bentley EXP Speed 8 is a LMP race car that competed in the Le Mans series from 2001 to 2003, taking first place in 2003. It has a strong resemblance to and shares some technology with the Audi R8C (which cars won Le Mans the preceding 3 years). The Speed 8 marked Bentley's return to racing after a 73-year absence.

Technical data

The most developed version of the Bentley Speed 8 was powered by a 4.0-liter V-8 producing 600 hp, mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. The car weighed 900 kg (1984 lb) in with the minimum weight mandated for 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Racing history

In 2001 Bentley returned to the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans race, after a gap of 73 years, for a three-year campaign with the EXP Speed 8. The car, a closed-top sports prototype, built to the ACO LM GTP regulations, had a twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter V-8 race engine from parent company Audi, who were campaigning their successful R8 prototype since 1999. The same basic V8 engine was also used in the Audi R8, although separate developments were made to each engine. Developing around 600 hp, the Bentley achieved 105 mph in first gear, and went on to a top speed of over 220 mph. The two-car entry gained 3rd place in 2001, with the other car retiring in a fireball after a strong run in the rain. In 2002 the lone entry achieved 4th place, now powered by a 4.0-liter turbocharged version of the V-8 engine and carrying revised bodywork. Both 2001 and 2002 races were won by the works Audi Sport Team Joest team. Being the only entrant in its class—all other prototypes were of the open-cockpit variety—the Speed 8 always finished 1st in the LM GTP category.

It had been rumoured that the Volkswagen Group intended the 2001 and 2002 events to be solely 'warm-up' races for Bentley so that the works Audi Sport Team Joest outfit could try and claim a hat trick of wins in 2000, 2001 and 2002 (which they did do, emphatically) and then leave Team Bentley to go for overall honours in 2003 after the works Audi team quit in 2002.

So, for 2003 Bentley returned for its final race with an all-new car simply called Speed 8, featuring new bodywork, new chassis, and a much-improved drive train. Starting from pole and with no works Audi team participating, the no. 7 car led the field away at 1600 hours on Saturday, June 14th, and on it went, through the night, closely followed by the no. 8 car, which was only slowed by battery problems. 24 hours later, and after 377 rounds of the Circuit de La Sarthe, the green machine drove under the chequered flag: Bentley had won at Le Mans, and given the Volkswagen Group a remarkable 4th straight Le Mans victory.

Bentley Continental T (2002)


Bentley Continental T

Bentley were determined to leave no gap in their range of luxury high performance cars. This led to the devolpment of the even more powerful Continental T, with more emphasis on sportiness and slightly less on luxury.

Performance of the 1996 Bentley Continental T were without equal. The Continental T had 590 ft·lbf (800 N·m) and from 1997 650 ft·lbf (881 N·m) positioned this car at the top. There existed no other passenger motor car in the world which came even near this figure. The Bentley Continental T was a 2+2 coupé developed from the Bentley Continental R with a more athletic outward appearance due to a 4 in (10 cm) shorter wheelbase and extended front and rear wheel arches. The driver found an engine-turned dash with chrome finish instruments, (as opposed to the wood finish in the Continental R) as a delicate reminiscence of the heyday of Bentley. The Continental T's engine responded to a separate push-button starter. All Continental's were aimed at crossing continents with ease and luxury.

Introduced in 1999 the Bentley Continental T Mulliner could be specified by a discerning Bentley driver by comparison to the basic model. Modified shock absorbers in combination with stiffer torsion bars (front +40%, rear +20%) did permit to use the engine's most impressive power even under conditions, which previously might have been considered as beyond the limit.

However, many of the motoring press criticised the Continental T's soggy handling and lack of quick responses, which the company claimed it had. Although, they all fell in love with the sheer presence and character of the car.

Production

+ Continental T (1996 — 2002): 322
+ Continental T Mulliner (1999): 23
+ Continental T Le Mans (2001): 5

Bentley EXP Speed 8 (2001)


Bentley EXP Speed 8

The Bentley EXP Speed 8 is a LMP race car that competed in the Le Mans series from 2001 to 2003, taking first place in 2003. It has a strong resemblance to and shares some technology with the Audi R8C (which cars won Le Mans the preceding 3 years). The Speed 8 marked Bentley's return to racing after a 73-year absence.

Technical data

The most developed version of the Bentley Speed 8 was powered by a 4.0-liter V-8 producing 600 hp, mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. The car weighed 900 kg (1984 lb) in with the minimum weight mandated for 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Racing history

In 2001 Bentley returned to the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans race, after a gap of 73 years, for a three-year campaign with the EXP Speed 8. The car, a closed-top sports prototype, built to the ACO LM GTP regulations, had a twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter V-8 race engine from parent company Audi, who were campaigning their successful R8 prototype since 1999. The same basic V8 engine was also used in the Audi R8, although separate developments were made to each engine. Developing around 600 hp, the Bentley achieved 105 mph in first gear, and went on to a top speed of over 220 mph. The two-car entry gained 3rd place in 2001, with the other car retiring in a fireball after a strong run in the rain. In 2002 the lone entry achieved 4th place, now powered by a 4.0-liter turbocharged version of the V-8 engine and carrying revised bodywork. Both 2001 and 2002 races were won by the works Audi Sport Team Joest team. Being the only entrant in its class—all other prototypes were of the open-cockpit variety—the Speed 8 always finished 1st in the LM GTP category.

It had been rumoured that the Volkswagen Group intended the 2001 and 2002 events to be solely 'warm-up' races for Bentley so that the works Audi Sport Team Joest outfit could try and claim a hat trick of wins in 2000, 2001 and 2002 (which they did do, emphatically) and then leave Team Bentley to go for overall honours in 2003 after the works Audi team quit in 2002.

So, for 2003 Bentley returned for its final race with an all-new car simply called Speed 8, featuring new bodywork, new chassis, and a much-improved drive train. Starting from pole and with no works Audi team participating, the no. 7 car led the field away at 1600 hours on Saturday, June 14th, and on it went, through the night, closely followed by the no. 8 car, which was only slowed by battery problems. 24 hours later, and after 377 rounds of the Circuit de La Sarthe, the green machine drove under the chequered flag: Bentley had won at Le Mans, and given the Volkswagen Group a remarkable 4th straight Le Mans victory.

Bentley Azure (2001)


Bentley Azure

The Bentley Azure was a large, four-seat convertible luxury car. Production ended in 2003. The Azure was based on the Bentley Continental R and later T models with nearly the exact same styling and engines, with the exceptions that the T and slightly more power, 420 hp (313 kW), and slightly more torque 650 ft·lbf (881 N·m).

Pininfarina designed and built the Azure's top. The Azure was priced at $347,645 — $36,355 more than the Continental R.

There were two versions: the Bentley Azure produced from 1995 to 2002 and the Bentley Azure Mulliner produced from 1999 to 2003. The Mulliner version comes from Bentley's in-house customizing department with a few visual differences.

The car has a 6.75 L Garrett turbocharged/intercooled V8 engine, producing 400 hp (298 kW) and 645 ft·lbf (874 N·m) of torque. The car is rear-wheel drive and is controlled via a four-speed automatic gearbox. The Azure can reach 60 mph (98 km/h) in 6.1 seconds.

The Azure was made to combine glamour and performance with the long-legged, continent-crossing capabilities of a modern sporting Bentley.

Bentley Arnage Red Label (2000)


Bentley Arnage Red Label

Launched in late 1999 was the Arnage Red Label. Volkswagen, who had purchased the Bentley name and Crewe factory was loathe to continue purchasing BMW's engines, and it turned out that Bentley engineers and customers felt the same way. The BMW-powered Arnage, while objectively more modern than the Turbo RT it replaced, was more than a second slower to 60 mph than that car, and lacked the massive torque that Bentley customers had grown accustomed to.

Vickers had outsourced to Cosworth the production of the old 6.75 L Rolls-Royce engine for use in the continued Continental and Azure models, so reverting to the old standby engine was a natural choice for the company. In fact, Volkswagen purchased Cosworth as well, so all the pieces fell into place to eliminate the BMW engine.

The Red Label model reverted to the old V8, which boasted torque of 835 N·m with a single Garret T4 turbocharger. This was the greatest amount of torque for a four-door car at the time. Also returning was the General Motors-sourced 4-speed 4L80-E automatic.

A long-wheelbase version of the Red Label was launched at the Detroit Auto Show in 2001, and the Green Label ended production. The Red Label models were replaced in 2002.

Bentley Brooklands (1992)




Bentley Brooklands

The Bentley Brooklands was a full-size luxury sedan introduced for 1992 as the marque's new flagship after the Bentley Mulsanne and Bentley Eight were discontinued. The Brooklands was replaced by the Bentley Arnage in 1998 as the Bentley flagship model.

The Brooklands continued Bentley's relatively angular design scheme which was used on both, Rolls-Royce as well as Bentley vehicles, throughout the 1980s and early 1990s. The exterior design featured the classic Bentley waterfall grille as well as dual headlights with wrap-around parking lights. As in many Bentley and Rolls-Royce vehicles the Brooklands also featured the trademark descending trunklid and chrome B-pillars.

The interior remained relatively unchanged from previous Bentley models with a more curvaceous design elements surrounding the leather wrapped center console. The steering wheel and interior door panels remained unchanged. The interior continued to be surrounded by ample woodgrain which featured engraved, lighter-colored outlines on the door panels.

In the U.S. prices for the Brooklands started at around $156,500.

Technical specifications

The Bentley Brooklands was driven by a 6.7 L V8 with a 4-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle was rear wheel drive and featured independent front and rear suspension. While not as large as some other Ultra-luxury sedans, the Brooklands remained quite large with an overall length of 211.4" and 214.5" wheelbase (207.4" and 120.5" in SWB trim).

Bentley T2 (1977)


Bentley T2


Bentley T-Series

The Bentley T-Series was even more rarely built than the Rolls Royce Silver Shadow. The Bentley being technically an identical twin of the Rolls Royce seems to have been bought mostly by owners wishing a little more understatement. The formerly more sportive image of Bentley motor cars differing from Rolls Royces was gone by the time the Silver Shadow/Bentley T was introduced and thus couldn't motivate buyers any more. The outward appearance of a Bentley T is slightly more dynamic because the bonnet design is a few centimeters lower and the radiator shell shape with its rounded edges is smoother.

The T1 was made from 1967-1977 and the T2 was made from 1977-1980.

Production

T1: 1868
- T1 saloon (1965-1977): 1703
- T1 long wheelbase (1971-1976): 9
- Bentley T1 two door saloon (1966-1971): 114 (15 by James Young)
- T1 coupé by Pininfarina (1968): 1
- T1 convertible (1967-1971): 41
T2: 568
- T2 (1977-1980): 558
- T2 long wheelbase (1977-1980): 10

Bentley T1 (1966)


Bentley T1


Bentley T-Series

The Bentley T-Series was even more rarely built than the Rolls Royce Silver Shadow. The Bentley being technically an identical twin of the Rolls Royce seems to have been bought mostly by owners wishing a little more understatement. The formerly more sportive image of Bentley motor cars differing from Rolls Royces was gone by the time the Silver Shadow/Bentley T was introduced and thus couldn't motivate buyers any more. The outward appearance of a Bentley T is slightly more dynamic because the bonnet design is a few centimeters lower and the radiator shell shape with its rounded edges is smoother.

The T1 was made from 1967-1977 and the T2 was made from 1977-1980.

Production

T1: 1868
- T1 saloon (1965-1977): 1703
- T1 long wheelbase (1971-1976): 9
- Bentley T1 two door saloon (1966-1971): 114 (15 by James Young)
- T1 coupé by Pininfarina (1968): 1
- T1 convertible (1967-1971): 41
T2: 568
- T2 (1977-1980): 558
- T2 long wheelbase (1977-1980): 10

Bentley S1 Continental (1956)


Bentley S1 Continental


The Bentley S1 was a luxury car produced by Bentley Motors Limited from 1955 through 1959. It marked Bentley parent, Rolls-Royce, reducing the differences between their Bentley and Roll-Royce models, with the S1 differing only in its radiator design and badging from the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I.

The models shared the 4.9 L (4887 cc/298 in³) straight-6 engine, with this being the last vehicle to use this engine. The bore was 95.25 mm (3.7 in) and the stroke was 114.3 mm (4.5 in). Twin SU carburetors were fitted, with upgraded models from 1957. A 4-speed automatic transmission was standard, with a 4-speed manual available as an option. Two wheelbases were produced: 123 in (3124 mm) and, from 1957, 127 in (3226 mm).

A somewhat sportier coachbuilt-only S1 Continental was introduced six months later.

Production

S1: 3072 (145 with coachbuilt bodies)
S1 long wheelbase: 35 (12 with coachbuilt bodies)
S1 Continental: 431

Bentley S1


Bentley S1

The Bentley S1 was a luxury car produced by Bentley Motors Limited from 1955 through 1959. It marked Bentley parent, Rolls-Royce, reducing the differences between their Bentley and Roll-Royce models, with the S1 differing only in its radiator design and badging from the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I.

The models shared the 4.9 L (4887 cc/298 in³) straight-6 engine, with this being the last vehicle to use this engine. The bore was 95.25 mm (3.7 in) and the stroke was 114.3 mm (4.5 in). Twin SU carburetors were fitted, with upgraded models from 1957. A 4-speed automatic transmission was standard, with a 4-speed manual available as an option. Two wheelbases were produced: 123 in (3124 mm) and, from 1957, 127 in (3226 mm).

A somewhat sportier coachbuilt-only S1 Continental was introduced six months later.

Production

S1: 3072 (145 with coachbuilt bodies)
S1 long wheelbase: 35 (12 with coachbuilt bodies)
S1 Continental: 431

Bentley R-Type


Bentley R Type

The R Type was the second series of post-war Bentley automobile, replacing the Mark VI. The front of the saloon model was identical to the Mark VI, but many had custom coachwork.

The Continental model was produced specially for continental Europe, with many coachbuilt by H.J. Mulliner. This would be the first appearance of the famed Bentley Continental name.

All R Type models used an iron-block/aluminum-head straight-6 engine fed by twin SU carburettors. The basic engine displaced 4.6 L (4566 cc/278 in³) with a 92.08 mm (3.6 in) bore and 114.3 mm (4.5 in) stroke. The Continental had a larger bore of 94.62 mm (3.7 in) for a total displacement of 4.9 L (4887 cc/298 in³).

A 4-speed manual transmission was standard with a 4-speed automatic optional.

Production numbers

Bentley R Type: 2320 (303 with coachbuilt bodies)
Bentley R Continental: 207 (plus one prototype)

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