Just what did they do? Bentley moved the lower mounting point of the rear damper from the upright to lower wishbone, which is reported to make a substantial improvement in overall control. Bentley also made adjustments to the spring, damper and bush rates, before adding all-new Pirelli P-Zero Rosso tires to the Arnage R and RL, delivering a dramatic benefit to rear seat ride quality. Of course, dramatic to an engineer can be measured in nanometers. Last year's car was already so wonderfully smooth I find it difficult to believe Bentley has made the
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| The current car is already amazing when it comes to handling, it's actually hard to believe it can get any better. (Photo: Bentley Motors) |
Bentley made the Arnage T better too, with an improved ride for sure, but more importantly to the car's sporting clientele, enhanced at the limit handling. The 2005 T is said to offer great control when turning into a corner, delivering a "more settled feel," while its breakaway characteristics are now more predictable when the stability control system is turned off - the optimal way to drive the car in dry conditions. Part of its sticky new attitude has to do with new standard 19-inch 7-spoke alloy wheels.
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| The 2005 Arnage is a marked improvement, subtle to the uninitiated but a major upgrade to those in the know. (Photo: Bentley Motors) |
But better has its price, with the 2005 model's rising compared to the current Arnage. The 2004 R starts at $289,990, the T for $331,990 and the top-level RL, well if you have to ask? OK, it's $374,990. Canadian prices for the 2005 model have yet to be set. Part of the reason for the increase has to do with Bentley packaging popular options into its base R, RL and T models, in effect lowering what the average customer will pay. For instance the R now features more than £2000 ($4,965) of previous options now included as standard equipment. Similar upgrades have been added to the RL, basically an Arnage with a 250 mm (9.8-inch) extended wheelbase.