2006 Bentley Arnage R Diamond Series: the full story
The Arnage was Bentley’s flagship vehicle, serving as the brand’s spiritual and stylistic anchor from its introduction in 1998 through the end of production in 2009. Designed by Vickers, the Arnage debuted alongside the Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph, with which it shares DNA while asserting its own identity. The Arnage R model, positioned as the ultra-luxury counterpart to the more aggressive T, retains the same twin-turbocharged foundation but prioritizes power and polish over outright performance. This 2006 car captures the Arnage in its near-final evolution, completely realized and perfected while remaining quintessentially Bentley.
As one of the world's fastest and most powerful full-size sedans for a time, the exterior of the Arnage showcases a richly detailed mixture of sophisticated sensibility and speed. Its square-shouldered body, upright grille, and hand-finished details establish it as a car whose style is meant to endure rather than chase trends. The car is accented by chrome body trim around the side, windows, and bumpers, which also include stainless steel matrix inserts. Additionally, Union Flag badges on the front wings and the iconic Bentley “B” emblem on the rear pillar subtly reinforce the car’s namesake. Finished in Bentley’s Peacock blue paint color and sitting on 19-inch x 8J twin-spoke alloy wheels, the Arnage balances elegance with muscle. Features such as the shade band to the windscreen, the jewel fuel filler cap, and the front sunroof emphasize the thoughtful craftsmanship that Bentley built into every layer of the car.
The Arnage sports one of the boldest engines ever fitted to a luxury automobile: the twin-turbocharged 6.8-liter Bentley V8. It is a direct descendant of the Rolls-Royce/Bentley L-series motor, introduced in the 1950s. This 2006 V8 produces 400 horsepower with immense reserves of low-end torque, delivering effortless acceleration. Paired with a robust and smooth four-speed automatic transmission, double wishbone independent front and rear suspension, and rack and pinion steering, this RWD drivetrain preserves the traditional Bentley character while benefiting from slight modernization.
The Arnage’s interior blends classic Bentley styling with modern amenities. Wood and leather surround the central console with integrated storage, while deep carpeting lines both passenger and cargo areas. Comfort and convenience are provided by rear seat heating and cooling controls, front and rear ashtrays, cigar lighters, cup holders, an AM/FM stereo with a CD player and changer, and a GPS/DVD full-map navigation system. Practicality comes in the form of an overhead storage console, a lockable glove box, front seatback pockets, and dual illuminated visor mirrors. A comprehensive 4-position memory system adjusts seats, mirrors, and the steering wheel to the driver’s preferred settings, while front and rear electronic parking aids, and a multi-function anti-theft system ensure confidence and security.
The 2006 Bentley Arnage truly shines in its ability to bridge eras, celebrating 60 years of traditional British hand-built automobiles while benefiting from the mechanical improvements introduced by Bentley throughout the early 2000s. With 464 examples produced for the 2006 model year, the Arnage also has a history of bespoke commissions. From one-off interior treatments to limited-production Diamond and Mulliner editions, the car platformed individualized luxury, tailored to the owner with a level of customization that is rarely matched by
modern mass-produced super sedans. As one of Bentley’s flagship vehicles, the 2006 Arnage is the pinnacle of British craftsmanship, authority, and epic speed.
