Bentley's LA Drop Star

Here's the car that proves Bentley is prepared to battle hard in the fight for ultra-luxurious convertible buyers.

Auto Express Car Reviews

By Dan Strong

05th January 2005

Auto Express can lift the lid on the Arnage Drophead Coup΃©, which is aimed at Rolls-Royce's forthcoming Phantom cabriolet. It was revealed at this week's Los Angeles Auto Show, and fills the hole left by the recent retirement of the Bentley Azure soft-top.

Based on the current Arnage chassis, the four-seater machine is wider and more spacious than the old Azure, which itself was based on the shorter Continental T. As well as an electrically powered folding roof, the car features unique exterior and interior styling, plus a new two-door profile. Inspiration for the look is said to have come from the 1955 Park Ward S1 Drophead Coup΃©.

Inside, revamped seats and special wood trim add to the overall look, with the design team rightly reasoning that in this sector of the market, the cabin styling is as important as the body's.

Powered by a 450bhp 6.75-litre twin-turbo petrol engine, the newcomer has a top speed limited to 155mph. However, with 875Nm of torque available from low down in the rev range, it's expected to have peerless in-gear acceleration.

Although it's officially a concept, the Drophead Coup΃© is expected to be launched in Bentley showrooms in spring 2006. Prices won't be released until much nearer that date, but the first examples are likely to cost at least ΂£280,000.