Bentley unveils topless Arnage

Bentley has announced a convertible version of the Arnage luxury saloon could go on sale as early as spring 2006 if there is enough demand for the car.

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Bentley has announced a convertible version of the Arnage luxury saloon could go on sale as early as spring 2006 if there is enough demand for the car.

Unveiled today in concept form at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the four-seat Arnage Drophead Coupe will probably cost more than £200,000.

Bentley boss Dr Franz-Josef Paefgen said the Arnage Drophead could go on sale ahead of the Rolls-Royce Phantom convertible, which will arrive in showrooms in 2007.

Bentley will be able to put the car relatively quickly into production because the convertible uses the same chassis, engine and powertrain as the Arnage saloon.

The 6.75-litre engine will be tuned to produce an impressive 450bhp but it will be paired with the more comfortable suspension settings found on the less powerful versions of the four-door car.

Body stiffening measures mean the Drophead is likely to be heavier than the 2.5 tonne saloon. However, it will be only 0.2sec slower to 60mph with a sprint time of just 5.7sec, and it will have a top speed of 168mph. No data on running costs has been released.

The car’s canvas roof can stow away at the flick of a switch in 25sec. It does not encroach on the boot, which is large enough to take two sets of golf clubs and hand luggage besides.

Bentley is expected to reveal a four-door saloon version of the Continental GT this year – perhaps at the Detroit Auto Show from January 15 to 23, 2005. Visit Whatcar.com for a preview of the show’s attractions show from Monday, January 10.