Bentley launched the Arnage in April 1998 under the ownership of Vickers plc, mere months before the company became part of the Volkswagen Group. The Arnage Red Label, announced for the 2000 model year, was therefore the first Bentley to bear the results of a new and more rigorous approach to engineering. To the delight of Bentley enthusiasts, it was powered by a fresh evolution of the aluminium 6.75-litre V8 engine.  

Green and Red Label

The first Bentley Arnage of 1998 was powered by a BMW-derived 4.4-litre V8 engine, leading many to assume that the turbocharged 6.75-litre V8 from the Turbo R had reached the end of the line. One of the first acts of the new Volkswagen-installed board was to reverse that decision, bringing in a turbocharged 6.75-litre Arnage Red Label as the flagship model, alongside the 4.4-litre Arnage, now called Green Label. 

A Unique Driving Experience

Though the new Arnage Red Label only had 50bhp more than the Green Label – 400bhp compared with 350bhp – the difference in maximum torque was dramatic, with the 6.75-litre engine developing 835Nm compared with 570Nm from the higher-revving 4.4-litre. This restored the effortless ‘wave of torque’ character to the Arnage that had been such a distinctive feature of the Turbo R. Performance was impressive; 0-62mph took just 6.3 seconds with a governed top speed of 155 mph. 

Increased Torsional Stiffness

The 1998 Arnage had a body 65 percent stiffer than that of the Turbo R, but for the 2000 model year stiffness was further increased by 20 percent, to the benefit of refinement, agility and driving precision. Other changes included stiffer suspension, speed sensitive steering and traction system tuning to provide a more engaging driving experience for the keen driver. The turbocharged 6.75-litre engine in the Arnage would continue to evolve throughout its production, right up to the 450bhp Arnage T. The Red Label proved to be hugely popular and the Green Label was discontinued in 2001. 

Y662 SEO

The Arnage Red Label in the Heritage Collection is a 2001 model. It is finished in Fireglow, while the main interior hide is Barley with Fireglow piping and trim on top roll, gearlever and carpet. It was acquired in 2021.