Under Volkswagen's leadership and, of course, financing, Bentley saw a resurgence. Their iconic 6.75-liter engine roared back to life, powering a lineup of luxurious Arnage models. While these cars prioritized comfort and refinement, a performance variant was needed. 2002 saw the unveiling of the Bentley Arnage T, which Jeremy Clarkson, known for his flamboyant car reviews, described driving one as similar to riding a brontosaurus bareback. This was after turning the traction control off and power sliding it on Top Gear's test track in a smoke show. Jezza also described the driving experience as responsive yet so relaxing and smooth that you could almost doze off while accelerating. Call it a near-hypnotic acceleration. Is the Bentley Arnage T still as good as it was when new? This review dives into the 2002 Bentley Arnage T, exploring if it remains a masterpiece of automotive luxury and performance, even by today's standards.
Originally aimed solely at luxury, the Bentley Arnage lineage received its first sportier iteration in October 1999, the Bentley Arnage Red Label, which had buyers skipping the Green Label as it still had the so-criticized BMW 4.4-litre V8 engine. The Arnage Red Label had Bentley's 6.75-liter V8 engine, which was its selling point, considering Bentley devotees had wanted the Arnage with a Bentley powerplant since its introduction. In 2002, Bentley unveiled the Arnage Red Label's successor, the Bentley Arnage R, with a revised version of the 6.75-liter V8, now with twin turbochargers, among other upgrades geared towards being more efficient and meeting emission requirements. However, these upgrades opened up the engine's further enhancements, as seen with the Bentley Arnage T unveiled the same year the Bentley Arnage R was unveiled. Designed as a standalone high-performance variant, the Bentley Arnage T wasn't based on existing Arnage models and underneath the hood, it had an entirely different story to tell. Alongside other Bentley models, the Arnage T was hand-crafted at the Crewe factory in England from 2002 to 2009. During this period, approximately 2,100 units rolled off the production line
Cradled in the palatial cabin, the power lurking underneath the Bentley Arnage T's hood can be deceptively easy to forget. A 450 horsepower and 645 lb.ft twin-turbocharged 6.75-liter V8 sits just above the front axle, driving the rear wheels via a 4-speed automatic transmission reworked from the 1999 Bentley Arnage. The result, quick and precise gear shifts, which, along with the engine, contributed to surprisingly quick acceleration, reaching 60 mph from a standstill in 5.8 seconds, defying its 5,698-pound weight, and topping out at 170 mph. This not only made the Bentley Arnage T the quickest road-going Bentley but also ranked it high among its rivals as far as performance is concerned, leaving rivals in its wake and defying performance expectations of a luxury sedan.
If you saw the 2002 Bentley Arnage T move, you'd assume it has a stripped-out interior without all the palatial amenities you'd expect to find in a sedan of its kind. However, it doesn't sacrifice comfort for speed. The cabin retained the meticulous distribution of leather and wood but with a revised layout that made the Bentley Arnage T's interior more modern. The dashboard layout adopted a more refined appeal with a new style of gauge distribution, all gauges encircled by chrome surrounds echoing other gleaming chrome accents throughout the cabin. Moving further down, the center console flows seamlessly from the dashboard with its controls, in true Bentley fashion, soft to the touch, with some having chrome accentuated surrounds. Bentley's most striking update in the Arnage T's cabin was on the seats, which have diamond-style stitching instead of contour stitching like in previous models, thus elevating the interior's visual appeal. Most examples sighted have black leather, which blends with darkened wood accents, but burgundy/brown is also a common color in classic Bentley sedans.
While a major facelift for the Arnage line arrived in 2005, the 2002 Bentley Arnage T wasn't left entirely untouched. Bentley implemented some subtle exterior refinements to keep the design fresh. The most notable updates primarily focused on the bumpers and sills, offering a slightly revised aesthetic without compromising the car's timeless elegance. Additionally, the exterior had slightly less chrome, which is valid since the Arnage T was sportier, unlike other luxury-appointed variants. As standard, buyers got the larger five-spoke wheels upgraded to handle the extra weight resulting from the change from using the BMW V8 to the humongous Bentley V8.
The 2002 Bentley Arnage T proudly bears the Bentley name, but its development benefitted from Volkswagen's engineering expertise. This collaboration resulted in an expertly built powertrain and drivetrain capable of handling the Arnage T's power and weight, considering the 6.75-liter V8 weighed significantly more than the BMW 4.4-liter V8 in previous models. The double wishbone suspension was reworked to fit the driving characteristics. Yet, like with other Arnage models, it also prioritized a smooth and serene ride, maintaining the cabin's tranquility even under full throttle thanks to added self-levelling. An electronic stability program (ESP) incorporates electronic dampers, further enhancing the suspension's capabilities in varying driving conditions. The Bentley Arnage T also received cruise control and additional side front and rear airbags in its suite of driver assist and safety features, keeping pace with automotive standards rapidly changing as the 21st century roared on. Lastly, buyers got a six-CD changer as standard equipment, which, for the early 2000s, was a must-have in a car.
The 2002 Bentley Arnage T transcends the definition of a luxury sedan. It's a captivating blend of exhilarating power and unparalleled comfort, a true collector's item for those who appreciate classic motoring. For around $40,000, you could be cruising down the road in one of the perfect examples of British engineering. Wondering where to find a Bentley Arnage T. Exotic Car Trader's Bentley listings incorporate Bentley Arnage listings. So look around; a Bentley Arnage T in your dream specs could just be one click away.
During production, the Bentley Arnage T could be described as a powerhouse masquerading as a stately sedan, the same way the BMW M5 would be described as a family sedan. It's impossible to capture its essence without getting behind the wheel and letting its power move the asphalt underneath. But again, being wrapped in the Bentley Arnage T's luxurious shell might have you drafting into a false sense of sedateness. Exotic Car Trader creates an exclusive and safe way of buying and selling cars, eliminating the daunting experiences of private selling for buyers and sellers. Every vehicle listed on Exotic Car Trader goes through a private seller verification process, ensuring legitimacy for our buyers. Also, Exotic Car Trader's car buying process is well outlined, with all fees and packages providing our buyers with a seamless and inclusive experience. We can handle the escrow of funds at no additional cost to the buyer and seller, and we also provide trade-in and financing options for buyers. For transaction safety, our Transactions Team is world-class and equipped with industry fraud detection tools to ensure a safe and secure transaction. These are just some of the benefits you enjoy when buying or selling on Exotic Car Trader. Contact us for listing services or to buy a car on Exotic Car Trader today! Just like its Arnage siblings, the 2002 Bentley Arnage T beckons discerning drivers to experience its enduring legacy on the road. Each press of the accelerator, each luxurious surface of the interior, is a testament to Bentley's commitment to timeless excellence.
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