2010 Bentley Arnage to get Audi's Spaceframe Chassis

by Clinton Deacon
June 18, 2008 9:20 PM
Filed Under: Bentley, European, Rumours

The Arnage is the largest model in the Bentley portfolio and it currently sells between 600 and 800 units every year. The current model (pictured) has been on the market since 1998 and in 2010 when the lifespan hits 12 years we will see a brand new model unveiled.

Bentley officials have assured us that the new Arnage won't just be a evolution of the Continental Flying Spur. The British Luxury manfaucturer will take advantages of its links to the Volkswagen group by using the new Audi spaceframe technology which is set to grace upcoming models such as the A6 and A7. The new chassis technology coupled with some radical engineering will shed around 150kg off the weight of the Arnage and Bentley chairman Franz-Josef Paefgen has also emphasized the proportions of the current model will pretty much stay intact with the high roof and seating positions.

Despite some calls for a more environmentally friendly engine, Bentley has confirmed that neither a hybrid or diesel engine is in its thoughts at the moment due to a lack of demand from its super rich high end customers.

"We have the technology to do a diesel right now," said Paefgen, "but whether we do it really depends on how successful VW, Mercedes and others are at normalising diesel sales in the US.

Previous reports have stated the model could even go completely in the other direction by inroducing the Bugatti Veyron's 987bhp W16 engine into the lineup as Volkswagen look at further way to use the hugely expensive technology. Despite these rumours it is more likely we are going to see Audi's high displacement V10 and V12 engines used.

Source: autocar
share  |   email to a friend  |   print  |   add a comment

Comments

They can't abandon the 6.75 V8, it's Sacrilege!

by Airbag | June 19, 2008 7:00 AM
They can't and shouldn't use diesel because the idea behind the diesel is fuel economy and a Bentley arnage customer is not cheap to use diesel Plus the sound of the diesel :-(

by dorry | June 19, 2008 11:06 AM
This would be interesting whith the 6.0 V12 diesel from Audi. 500bhp, smooth, silent and lots of torque!

by cronan | June 19, 2008 11:23 AM
A new age calls for new decisions.

by cronan | June 19, 2008 11:25 AM
interesting with a 6.0 V12 diesel. downright terrifying with a 8.0 W16 987 hp petrol monster...

by Lucifa | June 19, 2008 2:13 PM
There is a Bentley with the Veyron engine in it already at Crewe and that is why the VW group went ahead and let Bugatti build it. The new Arnage will have this engine fitted to it as standard

by bentleyInsider | June 20, 2008 9:05 AM

Add Your Comment

Existing Users

Username
Password
remember me on this computer

New Users

Username
Email
Password
Comment
Subscribe to WorldCarFans Newsletter
Please enter your email in the following box and click subscribe to receive our daily email