Bentley Arnage Final Series: Even Bigger Luxury For The Big "B"

When you're a brand all about exclusivity, what do you do when your flagship hits the end of a very exclusive run? Well, if you're Bentley, you take the last 150 cars and make them just a bit more exclusive. That's what the brand with the big "B" badge has done with this — the Bentley Arnage Final Series, an uber-luxe sedan we're told will combine the performance of the T with the refinement of the R and is coming to the Paris Auto Show next month. The "Final Series," we're told, will be "the ultimate expression of class-leading luxury and effortless power." Although the engine, transmission, chassis and running gear of the Arnage Final Series are identical to those found in the Bentley Arnage T — the same all-aluminum V8 producing an astonishing 500 bhp and 738 lb-ft of torque — there's some very unique features in the "Final Series." For instance on the exterior, there's the 20-inch five-spoke alloys, a retractable "Flying B" hood mascot and "Final Series" badging, among other styling changes. But, as always, it's the inside of the Bentley where you'll find the really fun stuff.
And Bentley doesn't skimp when it comes to luxury on these last 150 units of the Arnage. The interior gets "Final Series" treadplates and some really trick toys — a rear cocktail cabinet, a "Final Series" stainless steel flask with shot glasses and a foursome of Bentley umbrellas. Oh, yes, and for an added pound or two, you'll also get an iPod interface. You know, for the kids. Full press release below with all the details.

BENTLEY ARNAGE FINAL SERIES • Handcrafted at Bentley, Crewe, Arnage Final Series is an exclusive run of 150 cars, celebrating the last of Arnage • Combining the performance of the T with the refinement of the R, Arnage Final Series is the ultimate expression of class-leading luxury and effortless power • Arnage Final Series is the culmination of 90 years of Bentley heritage and marks the 50th anniversary of the company's iconic V8 engine • Arnage Final Series also signals the end of an era as Bentley prepares for the future (PARIS MOTOR SHOW, 2 OCTOBER 2009) Since its debut in 1998 the Arnage has conveyed an air of sophisticated understatement as the four-door flagship of the Bentley range. Over the last decade the car has undergone a process of constant refinement to its body, design, chassis and powertrain to maintain its class-leading position in the high luxury market. To celebrate 10 years of the Arnage, 50 years of its mighty V8 engine and 90 years of the marque, Bentley Motors launches its limited edition model at the Paris Motor Show today. Called the Bentley Arnage Final Series, the new model features a unique specification, combining the performance of the 500 bhp Arnage T with the refinement of the Arnage R and design elements from the Brooklands coupe, for the ultimate expression of British luxury and effortless power in a four-door saloon – a grand finale, for the grandest of Bentleys. Hand crafted at Bentley's Crewe facility, the Final Series is an exclusive run of 150 cars, a unique example of the marque's flagship created to bid 'farewell' to the highly successful Arnage line in the most appropriate manner and style. Bentley Chairman and Chief Executive, Dr Franz-Josef Paefgen, explains: "For 10 years, Arnage has enjoyed extraordinary success at the pinnacle of the luxury saloon market. The Final Series is a celebration of the Arnage era as Bentley prepares for the next generation of its flagship model." Based on the sporting Arnage T, the Final Series offers a range of discreet exterior cues that further enhance its powerful stance. Key ingredients of the distinctive appearance include a dark-tinted Bentley matrix radiator grille with Flying 'B' mascot and dark-tinted lower grille. The iconic Flying 'B', which can retract neatly into the grille surround, was originally designed by motoring artist F. Gordon Crosby and was first used on the 1930 Bentley 8-Litre. The Arnage Final Series is further distinguished by exterior design features first seen on the exclusive Bentley Brooklands coupe, comprising 20-inch five-spoke, two-piece alloy wheels and 'Le Mans' lower front wing air vents. Additional unique features include body-coloured front and rear lamp bezels, 'jewel' fuel filler cap (made from billet aluminium) together with 'Final Series' wing badges and polished stainless steel treadplates to the front doors. The engine, transmission, chassis and running gear of the Arnage Final Series are identical to those previously employed in Arnage T. In this specification, Bentley's remarkable all-aluminium 6 ¾ litre V8 engine produces 500 bhp (507PS/373kW) and 1000 Nm (738lb ft) of torque – figures that ensure that the legendary Bentley 'wave of torque' delivers effortless performance for a unique driving experience. Acceleration to 60 mph is accomplished in 5.2 seconds (0-100km/h in 5.5 secs) with 100 mph reached in 12.1 seconds (0-160km/h in 12.0 seconds). Top speed of the Final Series is 179 mph / 288 km/h. Each V8 engine bears the signature of the team leader who oversaw its hand-built construction in the Crewe factory. The six-speed ZF automatic transmission, first introduced for the 2007 model, ensures optimum flexibility, response and refinement. Three transmission modes (Drive, Sport and Semi-Automatic) allow the driver to take full advantage of the powerful 500 bhp V8 engine.