Bentley’s two main competitors for the Arnage are the Maybach sedan and the Rolls-Royce Phantom, both of which are substantially more modern than the Arnage. Bentley plans to face its competitors head on with its next-generation Arnage by taking the land-yacht even farther upscale and making it even more luxurious.
Even though the current Arnage will cease production at the end of September, its successor will not go on sale for almost a full year. Part of the reason for this delay is the poor economy. It seems not many who can afford a car like this want to be seen flaunting it while people everywhere are losing jobs.
The new “super” Arnage will be based off of a heavily revised version of Audi’s modular platform seen in everything from the new A4 to the next A8. Although Audi owns Bentley, the next Arnage will use its own unique V-8 with ZF’s new eight-speed automatic transmission.
Earlier, there were rumors about Audi’s next-generation diesel appearing in a Bentley, however, it is now said that an E85 capable gasoline engine, similar to the Bentley Continental Supersports, will make an appearance instead.
A replacement for the high-performance Arnage T is under development as well. Several rumors suggest this vehicle may even use the crazy W-16 engine from the Bugatti Veyron, which would help distribute the large sum of money parent company VW spent developing that car. It is more likely, though, that a higher power version of the Arnage’s V-8 will power the Arnage T.