In 2001, the Arnage RL, a long-wheelbase limousine model (250 millimetres (9.8 in) longer than the Arnage), was launched. The extra length is added to the car at its rear doors and its C-pillar. With the standard Arnage model, the rear wheel wells butt up against the rear door frames, but with the RL they are a few inches further back. The overall effect is a larger rear area inside the car. This style of saloon stretch is sometimes called "double-cut" in the United States, due to the two main points where the car is extended. (Jankel and Andy Hotton Associates, for example, are two aftermarket coachbuilders especially known for this style.) Available only as a bespoke ("Mulliner") model, each RL is customised to the desires of the buyer. The RL, however, was also the first of a new series of Arnages which would finally cure the Bentley Arnage of the reliability and performance deficiencies experienced following its forced deprivation of the modern BMW engines it was designed to use. The RL would also present a credible challenge to BMW's attempts to revive the Rolls-Royce brand with its planned new model, the Phantom.
Wheelbases ranged from 3,336 millimetres (131.3 in) (or only slightly longer than the standard Arnage) to 3,566 millimetres (140.4 in),[3][4] and even 3,844 millimetres (151.3 in), the latter two including a 100 millimetres (3.9 in) increase in the height of the roof. The 151-inch (3,800 mm) wheelbase version[5] is stretched between the front and rear doors (rather than at the C-pillar and at the rear doors), American limousine-style. 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 clientele. A full B6 package was available for $243,000 to $300,000, offering protection from assault weapons and grenades. The RL remains in production as of 2006.
Though not particularly well advertised for reasons stated above, the RL's introduction saw the introduction of an entirely reworked version of the 6.75 litre V8 engine. Where the engine used in the Red Label was a quickly and less than completlely satisfactorily modified version of the Turbo RT's unit, the RL featured an entirely reworked version of the old 6.75 litre V8. More than half of the engine's parts were completely new, with Bosch Motronic ME7.1.1 engine management replacing the old Zytek system, and two small Garrett T3 turbochargers replacing the single large T4. This new engine developed 405 metric horsepower (298 kW; 399 bhp) and 835 newton metres (616 ft·lbf), and was said to be capable of meeting all future emissions requirements. Finally, the Arnage was powered by a modern twin-turbo unit with state of the art electronic management system similar to the originally Cosworth-BMW unit developed for the Arnage in 1998. Perhaps ironically, what was essentially a new engine developed by Volkswagen Group engineers for the RL in 2001, was now producing the same sort of power as the original BMW V8 4.4 engine used in the first Arnage in 1998.
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 465 metric horsepower (342 kW; 459 bhp) and 875 newton metres (645 ft·lbf). The Arnage T's 0–60 mph time is 2.9 seconds; a top speed of 168 miles per hour (270 km/h) is claimed.
All Arnage R and T models share the same 3,116 millimetres (122.7 in) wheelbase. The Arnage range was facelifted in 2005, with a front end resembling that of the new Continental GT.
UK State Limousine
The Bentley State Limousine is an official state car created by Bentley Motors Limited for Queen Elizabeth II on the occasion of her Golden Jubilee in 2002. The vehicle's twin-turbocharged, 6.75 litre V8 engine has been modified from Bentley's Arnage R version to produce 402 metric horsepower (296 kW; 397 bhp) and 835 newton metres (616 ft·lbf) of torque.
2007 mechanical upgrade
| Engine(s) | 6.8 L Rolls-Royce V8 6.75 L Rolls-Royce V8 twin-turbo |
|---|---|
| Transmission(s) | 6-sp ZF automatic |
| Wheelbase | 3,116–3,366 mm (122.7–132.5 in) |
| Length | 5,400–5,640 mm (212.6–222.0 in) |
| Width | 1,900 mm (74.8 in) |
| Height | 1,515 mm (59.6 in) |
| Kerb weight | 2,585–2,655 kg (5,699–5,853 lb) |
| Related | Bentley Brooklands |
For the 2007 model year, the Garrett turbochargers were replaced with low-inertia Mitsubishi units designed to improve engine response. The engine was mated to a version of the six-speed ZF automatic transmission found in the Continental range. Also, the capacity of the engine is increased from 6,749 cubic centimetres (411.8 cu in) to 6,761 cubic centimetres (412.6 cu in). The new tunings give Arnage T 500 metric horsepower (368 kW; 493 bhp) and 1,000 newton metres(738 ft·lbf), while the milder Arnage R having 460 metric horsepower (338 kW; 454 bhp) and 875 newton metres (645 ft·lbf). For the performance oriented T, factory stated 0-60 mph acceleration is only 5.2 seconds, and the top speed is 288kilometres per hour (179.0 mph).
Arnage T
- max. power: 500 PS (368 kW; 493 bhp) @ 4,200 rpm
- peak torque: 1,000 N·m (738 ft·lbf) @ 3,200 rpm
- 0-60 mph: 5.2 s
- 0-100 km/h: 5.5 s
- max. speed: 290 km/h (180.2 mph)
Arnage R and Arnage RL
- max, power: 460 PS (338 kW; 454 bhp) @ 4,100 rpm
- peak torque: 875 N·m (645 ft·lbf) @ 1,800 rpm
- 0-60 mph: 5.5 s
- 0-100 km/h: 5.8 s
- max. speed: 270 km/h (167.8 mph)
[edit]Diamond Series
Bentley marked its 60 years of production at the Crewe factory with a special Diamond Series Arnage in 2006. 60 vehicles were planned, the majority for the United States, with diamond wood inlays, diamond quilted leather seats, a stainless steel front bumper, special 19 inch alloy wheels, and Union Jack badges on the front wings.
