Bentley Arnage replacement to take on Rolls Royce

Bentley's replacement for the Arnage in 2010 will go upmarket to compete with the Rolls Royce Phantom

The venerable Bentley Arnage is now in its last iteration, to be replaced by an all new model. But it would appear that Bentley intends to go further up-market with the Arnage’s replacement, right in the firing line of the Rolls Royce Phantom (and arguably the Maybach – although that’s a matter of opinion).

Bentley has revealed that after Arnage production finally ends in September it will be a full year before the replacement for the Arnage surfaces. Now the sceptics amongst us may put this down to the fact that Bentley are struggling to sell the cars they already make in the current climate, never mind producing an even more luxurious and expensive model. But Bentley say it’s so they can put a clear line under the current Arnage before its replacement arrives late in 2010. Perhaps.

There have been test mules for the new car seen out and about, but all look like the current Arnage – just bigger. But we feel sure that the car will be an all new design – albeit based on Audi’s Modular Platform – with a wider choice of engines. The ancient V8 in the current Arnage will certainly be one option, as VW has already made it clear they can make the engine meet forthcoming emission regulations in Europe for the next decade. But what else will be on offer?

It has long been suggested that the W12 in the Veyron could find a home in the next Arnage. It’s possible, but much more likely that Bugatti itself will produce a saloon version (perhaps the Bugatti Royale?), and dropping the engine in to a Bentley would take the edge off that. Also suggested is a version of Audi’s V12 diesel, which would be a step in to the unknown for Bentley, but could be a good fit.

And what of the new Bentley’s name? It is possible that Bentley could stick with Arnage, but if it wants to put daylight between the new and the old, it may well go for a new moniker. What are the possibilities? Well, pre-Rolls Royce ownership Bentley just used to use the engine as the designation. So we could see the Bentley W16 or Bentley 8 Litre assuming the Veyron engine gets used. That would work with the existing V8 as well, assuming a modest increase in size we could see a Bentley 7 Litre join the list. And if Audi’s V12 diesel gets used then it could be the Bentley 6 Litre. Or of course we could add to the old ‘S’ list and see the Bentley S4 or even the Bentley Mk V11.

Whatever the name, and whatever the engine, a pushed up-market Bentley will certainly keep Rolls Royce on its toes.