2005 Bentley Arnage Drophead Coupe Concept

The concept, or more precisely the prototype, sports the same all-powerful 6.75 liter twin-turbocharged V8 that accelerates the

The prototype sports the same all-powerful 6.75 liter twin-turbocharged V8 that accelerates the sedan with such alacrity. (Photo: Bentley Motors)

sedan with such alacrity, although at least under the hood the Drophead Coupe boasts Arnage T specification, the designation given to sportier Bentleys, with 450-horsepower at 4,100 rpm and 646 lb-ft of torque at 3,250 rpm. If produced, a slightly more moderate 400-horsepower version of the twin-turbo V8 with 616 lb-ft of torque would be offered as well.

Hard to notice but no doubt immediately noticeable when on the road, the Drophead Coupe doesn't feature the Arnage T's sport-oriented suspension setup, but rather the comfort suspension as equipped to the Arnage R, which combines a modern double-wishbone suspension with the updated sedan's extremely rigid body structure. While still providing superb dynamic characteristics, the R's more luxurious ride bias suits the elegant convertible's mission extremely well.

Softer ride or not, the car's rapid acceleration and substantial weight necessitate top-notch braking and stability control equipment. Therefore, the Drophead Coupe gets the Arnage's large ventilated brake system

The Drophead Coupe doesn't feature the Arnage T's sport-oriented suspension setup, but rather the comfort suspension as equipped to the Arnage R. (Photo: Bentley Motors)

enhanced by ABS, Electronic Brake pressure Distribution and Electronic Stability Program.

Of course, to meet the Drophead Coupe's body stiffness targets the engineers strengthened the car's passenger cell significantly, with additional steel bolstering added to the sill sections and extending into the A-pillars to reinforce the windshield frame. Likewise the convertible's undercarriage has been beefed up, with steel crossmembers reinforcing its entire framework. As a result, Bentley claims "remarkable body stiffness".