2005 LA Auto Show: Bentley Motors Unveils New Arnage Drophead Coupe

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 6, 2005 -- Bentley Motors unveiled a new full- size convertible show car at the 2005 Los Angles International Auto Show, to be called the Bentley Arnage Drophead Coupe.

The Arnage Drophead Coupe is a true four-seater convertible for the 21st century: a unique blend of classic Bentley design and craftsmanship married to a high-technology platform sourced from the 2005 Model Year Arnage. As such, it is the perfect natural successor to the Bentley Azure, whose eight-year lifespan cemented the marque's status as the prime provider of four-seater convertibles to this sector of the market.

First and foremost, the design is unmistakably Bentley -- it shares the same front end as the current Arnage range and its platform ensures it seats four adults in complete comfort. But it is also unmistakably unique. The entire cabin and rear section of the car are newly designed, with a stunning new interior that has been influenced by contemporary furniture design; the objective being to create an opulent and inviting seating area that reflects its status as a car that is at home in Palm Springs or the Riviera.

The Arnage Drophead Coupe show car is more than just a conceptual design study, however. Its unveiling in Los Angeles represents the culmination of a truly innovative development program that means the car is entirely production viable.

Unveiling the car in Los Angeles, the Chairman and CEO of Bentley Motors, Dr. Franz-Josef Paefgen said: "The 2005 Arnage range has been extensively re- engineered at significant cost and is a very modern, high-technology saloon. It is natural, therefore, that we would use this base to further our reputation as the pre-eminent builder of large, luxury convertibles in the world.

"We had such amazing success with the Bentley Azure, which has developed a cult following, although production stopped in 2003. There's no reason why this new Arnage derivative couldn't fill the gap left by the Azure. If customer demand is there, it could go into production within a very short space of time -- as early as Spring 2006."

OVERVIEW

- The world's most elegant four-seater convertible that provides a powerful and refined open-top driving experience.

- Accommodation for four adults in complete comfort. The interior cabin is wider in the front and rear than the previous Bentley Azure convertible -- the rear by 20%.

- New streamlined convertible body style with raked windscreen and fully automated canvas roof that stows perfectly flush in 25 seconds.

- Shares the Bentley Arnage's state-of-the-art platform, wheelbase and powertrain with 6.75-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 450bhp (336Kw) and 875Nm (645lb ft) torque.

- Benefits from the comfort suspension recently introduced on the Bentley Arnage R.

- Pop-up rollover protection system for occupant safety in the event of over-turning.

- Unique interior styling with new seats, 'floating' armrests and mood lighting. Show car trimmed in Cotswold and Nautic Blue leather and Burr Oak veneer with a Boxwood inlay.

- Full production capability by Spring 2006 depending on market reaction.