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2004 Bentley Arnage R Road Test

Worth Every Penny

I was sitting down for dinner with a public relations rep for one of Detroits Big 3 recently, discussing the good, bad and the ugly of the automotive world. After the usual "How did that vehicle get past the design stage?" conversation, talk turned to the most desirable cars. You know what I mean, the ones that youd by if money wasnt part of the equation?

When it comes to luxury sedans, there arent many brands that qualify. Im not talking about premium cars made by Audi, BMW, Infiniti, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz, but top-tier ultra-luxury models from Maybach, Rolls-Royce and Bentley. Such marques are in a league unto themselves, not only because of their seemingly unreachable prices, but also because of beautiful craftsmanship, hedonistic

Ultra-luxury brands like Maybach, Rolls-Royce and Bentley are truly in a league unto themselves. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

luxury features and overwhelming performance.

As he is an avid collector, a true car guy to the core, I found it especially interesting that he chose Bentley as the consummate marque above all others, pointing out that the new Continental GT might just be his favorite car all-round.

This pro-Bentley sentiment is not unusual, mind you. Ive spoken to many industry insiders and enthusiasts alike who

Recently I was able to experience the Arnage R first hand, and I was pleasantly surprised by what I found. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

feel likewise. Personally, if my income stretched to stratospheric levels Id be placing my order for a new Continental myself, or an Arnage if my line of business demanded four doors.

But my enthusiasm for Bentley is not only founded in an appreciation for the automakers gorgeous design language, but through personal experience. Having had the opportunity not too long ago to drive an Arnage R first hand, I was pleasantly surprised by what I found.

Sure I expected it to drive well,

Sure I expected a luxurious ride, but the supercar-like performance from the 400-hp twin-turbocharged 6.75-L V8 was something I hadnt factored on. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

after all the car costs close to $200K. But I didnt expect it to perform to supercar levels, especially being that its far from all-new architecturally. Nevertheless, the 5,699 pound heavyweight dashes to 60 mph in no more than 5.8 seconds before attaining its speed limited maximum velocity of 155 mph, all the while displaying the sophisticated unruffled composure befitting of a car in this league. Theres nothing particularly inventive under the hood, just good old big block displacement combined with twin-turbochargers. Just the same the precision built 6.75-L V8 in the Arnage R makes 400-hp at 4,000

Considering the cars substantial size and weight, it accelerated and handled curves with ideal balance. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

rpm and 616 lb-ft of torque at 3,250 rpm, the latter spec being the motivation the moves the mountain.

While the term "4-speed automatic" doesnt evoke the same high-tech sound as it did a decade or so ago, the engines generous torque makes the extra cog of a 5-speed hardly necessary. The gearbox is equipped with Adaptive Shift Control, however, making notable adjustments to shift points in the rev range depending on how aggressively or passively I was driving. The best thing about the system is its seamlessness. I only noticed the computer controlled shift energy management system working away in the background because I was looking for differences in shift patterns. Dont get me wrong, it gets racy

The Arnage Rs performance didnt happen by chance, Bentley reengineered a majority of the car to greatly increase chassis rigidity from the prior model. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

when called upon, but the process is so velvety smooth that its shift intervals are barely perceptible.

It takes to the corners with the same ease as it accelerates, again a surprising feat considering the cars substantial heft. I took the opportunity to snake the big Bentley through a particularly serpentine stretch of coastal highway, up over crests and down into deeply descending dales, around long sweeping arcs and then switching back through sharp curves. No matter what roadway, the Arnage charged forward relentlessly, showing an ideal balance of breathtaking speed and resolute grace.

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