New Bentley Drop-Top Going into Production

"This convertible will be the flagship of our range," says Adrian Hallmark, member of the board, sales and marketing. "While

Like the Arnage sedan, the Drophead Coupe will feature Bentley's velvety smooth 6.75-litre turbocharged V8, boasting 450-horsepower and an almost overwhelming 645 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Bentley Motors)

we are excited to be able to offer our cars to a wider market thanks to our Continental series, no-one should doubt that Bentley will continue to be known the world over as the creator of the world's most exclusive cars. The Arnage Drophead Coupe is a perfect example of that intent."

Like the Arnage sedan, the Drophead Coupe will feature Bentley's velvety smooth 6.75-litre turbocharged V8, boasting 450-horsepower and an almost overwhelming 645 lb-ft of torque.

Specific to the new model, the folding canvas top incorporates three layers of fabric and sound deadening material, designed to give the convertible sedan-like interior quietness. At the touch of a button the top

The folding canvas top incorporates three layers of fabric and sound deadening material, designed to give the convertible sedan-like interior quietness. (Photo: Bentley Motors)

retracts, taking 30 seconds to go from fully fixed to completely open, the top stowed neatly beneath the rear parcel shelf.

Since Bentley became Volkswagen Group's most luxurious brand in 1998, it has become the most successful in its segment. Both Rolls-Royce, now owned by BMW and struggling to sell its pricey Phantom sedan, and Maybach, a brand that was resurrected from the dead by DaimlerChrysler's Mercedes-Benz division when it failed to win either Rolls-Royce or Bentley, also experiencing slow sales of its 57 and 62 sedans, are being hit hard by the success of Bentley's Continental GT. The new Continental Flying Spur, also targeting top-tier Mercedes-Benz AMG models in the $200,000 plus range, is expected to sell well too.