2005 Bentley Arnage Limousine Preview

The engine is as beautifully displayed as its power is awe-inspiring to contemplate. Bucking a trend of covering

The robust Bentley 4-speed automatic is velvety smooth, and kicks down quickly albeit imperceptibly. (Photo: Bentley Motors)

mechanicals with a sculpted shroud, something that started in the premium class, Bentley veils the less appealing open area of the engine bay and through the center exposes enough polished aluminum to make a hotrod buff salivate.

I drove a 2004 Arnage R a while back, and can attest that it's an impressive machine. Its robust 4-speed automatic is velvety smooth, kicks down quickly albeit imperceptibly and, due to Adaptive Shift Control, is quite sporting in the curves.

Yes, believe it or not the Arnage is extremely agile, unlike most full-size luxury cars in this class. During my previous drive I stole through the snaking California coastal highway system, up over crests and down into deeply descending dips, around long sweeping

Believe it or not the Arnage is extremely agile, unlike most full-size luxury cars in this class. (Photo: Bentley Motors)

arcs and then switching back through sharp curves. No matter the roadway, the Arnage R charged forward relentlessly, only bettered by the more sporting T that I also sampled, and even more so by the 2005 T Mulliner I recently drove throughout Washington State's Olympic Peninsula.

It drives so well because of a double wishbone independent front and rear suspension setup, but due to the added curb weight the limousine will get enhanced springs and reinforced subframes. These work together with Bentley's computer-controlled adaptive electro-hydraulic damping system (ARC) allowing optimal ride and handling balance no matter the forces exhibited on the chassis.