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Performance
Each Bentley Arnage R is fit with an all-aluminum, 400-horsepower, twin-turbo 6.75-liter V8 that produces an impressive 616 lb.-ft. of torque. All of the power is fed to the rear wheels through an aging four-speed adaptive automatic transmission. Bentley claims a 0-60 mph acceleration time of six seconds flat and a governed top-speed of 155 mph. At this price level one might expect at least a five- or six-speed transmission, especially with Mercedes-Benz and Lexus upping the ante in current models with seven- and eight-speed transmissions.
Handling
The stiffer-than-expected ride is the first clue that the Bentley Arnage R is a driver's car and the first hard corner reiterates that. For such a big sedan, the Arnage holds its own in the corners displaying slight understeer when pushed. Brakes are soft and don't offer the kind of feedback I prefer, but communication through the thick wood-and-leather steering wheel is great and the Pirelli P-Zero tires, along with changes to the spring, damper and bushing rates, offer occupants an improved ride comfort. The Arnage rides on a double wishbone suspension both front and rear.
Visibility
Visibility to the back through the rearview mirror is good despite the small rear window, but the thick C-pillars and small side mirrors produce difficulty in seeing out. In fact, the passenger's side mirror displayed magnification that made vehicles appear much closer making it difficult to trust the mirrors when changing lanes. They are also too small to give a clear view of the passenger's side blind spot.
Fun to Drive
The Bentley Arnage is a fun car to drive for a couple of reasons. First, the Arnage features a surprisingly firm feel of the car. A luxury car is expected to be soft and floaty, but the Arnage throws that expectation out the window during the first mile of driving. The Arnage is a driver's car and the respectable handling and taut but compliant ride make for a lot of fun. Second, driving around town in a car as exclusive as the Bentley Arnage R, which turns heads at every turn, can really play up one's ego. Fact is, you don't really have to tell anyone it's not yours, right?
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About Ron Perry
Before joining the Autobytel family in June of 2005, Ron Perry spent twenty years as a freelance photographer in the automotive community, shooting cars for automakers and magazines, including Road & Track. Before striking out on his own with camera in hand, Ron worked at a daily newspaper as a staff photographer shooting news stories – at least until an editor with a passion for cars fueled his automotive interests. Today, Ron focuses on high-performance sports cars of the past and the designs of the future. Not surprisingly, then, Ron owns a 1990 Porsche 928S4, but someday hopes to add a Ferrari Testarossa, a Lotus Esprit, and Volvo P1800 to his stable. Having to give up his 2000 Jaguar XJR in favor of a 2004 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab was, “a necessity of the craft,” he says.
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