Arnage Limousine By Bentley Mulliner
Published: 6th December 2002
First shown at the Paris Motorshow in September, this Arnage
Limousine - neither an impractical 'concept' car, nor a series
production car - is a fine example of Mulliner's stretch limousine
expertise. It is simply an example of what Bentley Mulliner
can achieve for any customer with an open mind and a wish
to own a Bentley that is not just exclusive, but unique. And
judging by the numbers of Bentley customers old and new who
expressed an interest in the car, it would seem to have struck
a chord, even in a market with increasing and welcome competition
from other
marques.
The focal point of the car is a 728mm (28 inches) extension
to the wheelbase, giving Bentley Mulliner's design team the
opportunity todesign an interior of a quality, magnificence
and individuality that no production car could hope to emulate.
The theme chosen for this Arnage Limousine was to demonstrate
how traditional the very latest entertainment technology can
be successfully and stylishly integrated with traditional
materials such as leather and particularly wood can be used
in challenging ways to create an entirely contemporary feel.
It demonstrates clearly that the skills handed down from generation
to generation at Crewe are as relevant today as ever, and
that this combination of expertise, experience and understanding
is unavailable anywhere else in the world.
Enter the car and the first sensation is one of space. Sit
in one of the rear seats and you can stretch your legs until
they meet footrests that also double as rear-facing occasional
seats. A rear compartment sunroof has been fitted to provide
additional natural lighting if preferred.
Stylistically the main focus falls on the use of both straight grain and burr English oak. Using dramatic curves, the cabin conceals a host of features many owners would consider essential. There is an independent air-conditioning system for the rear cabin, a concealed drinks bar, cigar drawer and bottle cooler. Lighting is provided not by conventional bulbs, but instead by fibre-optics, bathing the interior in warm light.
Most startling of all however is the hidden 22-inch (55 cms) entertainment screen that is skilfully designed to raise itself into view from in front of the electrically operated glass dividing screen between the front and rear cabins. Boasting Dolby 5.1 surround sound, which works in conjunction with the DVD and television systems and blinds on all windows to the side and rear, the Arnage Limousine turns itself into a private cinema in an instant.
