Bentley Arnage

Recently, manufacturers are striving to unify structures. This reduces development costs and production cars. Basically, this sin when creating massive vehicles. However, there are many years in the hands of one prestigious brand Rolls-Royce and Bentley introduced a long time ago this practice. But everything comes to an end: first bought the BMW, the second went to Volkswagen. So Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph and Bentley Arnage will be the latest models, which have almost the same design. However, as is the case with mass models, the general body, suspension, and a number of other units and units does not mean that a car was a copy of another. What is the difference, "Autopilot" found in the "living" machines.
FACE AND SHOES."She was dressed fashionably and, most importantly, fashionably shod." From this banal phrase from the "feminine" novel, many would agree. Comparison of the Arnage and Seraph - too much evidence of this: in fact, except the radiator grille and wheels, the external differences between the cars do not. Nevertheless, even modest means so much can be accomplished ...
Angular front Rolls-Royce co famed "Spirit of Ecstasy" and really gives the car a more formal look. A delicate fine picture of wheels emphasizes moderation style of the symbol of luxury. Especially against the background of expressive 17-inch wheels with five powerful Bentley spokes, which are visible through the huge discs brakes. Not so striking difference in tire sizes: Arnage has a little more broad and low-profile Michelin (255/55 R17 against Avon 235/65 R16 on the "Rolls"). That's all, perhaps, the external differences.
BROTHERS. BUT NOT TWINS.Both machines are equipped with engines of BMW. However, for the Silver Seraph used conventional V12, familiar to us from BMW 750i. Of course, to the executive sedan more important than power (326 hp though - do not change), and the characteristic of smoothness of the engine. The fact that the engine does not "squeeze" all that it is theoretically capable of, connected with the desire to give him the maximum share. Thank brand cars which operated for many decades, should be confirmed in each model!
In the Arnage put a more modern powerplant: a 4.4-liter 32-valve V8, so even with the assistance of the British modified Cosworth. Two turbochargers with intercooling helped bring power to 354 hp, and time - up to 570 Nm. So even when overclocking on city streets is quite possible to achieve expected of a sports car "indentation" in the back seat. And if "vtopit" all the way, the box in the "kick-down" does not begin to switch to the thousands of 1.5-2, and 5.5-6 in the area, and welcome feeling of power and speed are provided to all sterling - the dynamics of Acceleration is comparable with the BMW 540, which is easier to Bentley about a third.
THE MOST IMPORTANT THING.The overall design creates a similar feeling when landing ... No, at the entrance to the car. Machines are very high for a sedan, but, as befits a prestige vehicle, the height of it used inefficiently - greatly elevated passenger compartment floor. Although there is no need to mask the frame: in both cars carrying element - body. But there are no thresholds.
Then the differences begin, and they mostly relate to the instrument panel. The front part of interior Rolls-Royce recalls the traditions of British design: the main thing - crisp lines, and there is much more restraint in the details. Secondary indexes are collected in a single round the block. Not very comfortable, quite frankly, but it turns out for the symmetric pair of Speedo. The entire instrument panel is framed as a large flat board. The traditional round holes for air from the ventilation system are proprietary adjustment: turn throttle when pulling chrome rukoyatochek as suction machines to previous years. Located in the middle of the remote climate control, in contrast, looks very modern, because no special ploys borrowed from BMW. Ironically, his plastic buttons look quite harmoniously next to the traditional chrome knobs windows. Perhaps it is this ease in such a combination of various styles and finishes gives a purely British charm: a harmonious assemble parts made in the same style, maybe a fool, but a truly delicate taste is manifested in the skillful combination of heterogeneous elements.
The same principles applied in the design of interior Arnage. However, Bentley driving much more pleasant. What is the "car driver", and emphasizes the abundance of individual devices, placed in the center panel, and the transfer lever from the steering column to the console. The latter is framed much more stylish than the Seraph, - at least, is not prefixed to the instrument panel, and its organic continuation. However, all governments - are the same. Incidentally, the background provided with labels and icons key "Bavarian" origin left without any notation British chrome buttons and handles more annoying. However, it is also a sign of the car for the elite - those who should already know what's what.
You can find fault and to another element of the traditional design: scale devices are very small and on a background of ivory dial is not very well distinguished. But as they look gracefully!
Interestingly, the rear seats vary considerably smaller. However, the instance of the Silver Seraph, which we found in Moscow, took place additional equipment in the UK-based Jack Barklay. It is equipped with video system with two Philips LCD monitors in the front headrests and wireless headphones (the last time such equipment is available and the list of factory options), as well as a fridge for the rear seat center armrest and mini-bar. As for the actual design of chairs and sizes - there is practically no difference. In both machines, for example, a longitudinal adjustment of each of the two rear seats. Actually, the main purpose of this adjustment - change the angle of inclination of the back. Of course, if seats are installed in different positions, the man behind the third will be very uncomfortable ... However, the only thing that allows us to consider three-seat, - a central three-point seat belt. Even the umbrellas in the scope of Bentley is only four! However, for the Silver Seraph, and they do there are only two ...
Out, so to speak, the principal moments of note that the tables set into the backs of front seats, the smaller the size of Bentley, and there is no conventional mirrors in the rear rack. That's all signs of "secondary" rear passengers.
Virtually no difference in the trunk. Completely flat floor and walls (nobless oblige!) Make it easy to reconcile with the relatively small volume. Actually, the fact that 375 liters - not so much in these times, just do not notice. A panel looking at the floor, you find carefully spread out in a special tool tray ... ZIP, which includes even the light bulbs - each in its own nest. In short, if you need the perfect boot - is here! The only drawback, perhaps, a compact spare tire, dokatka. But we do not find fault with this. In the same back, under the boot floor, two batteries - an abundance of electric forces take care of the stock of energy.
ADVANTAGES OF UNIVERSALITY.The task of "dilute" cars for different market niches made. And with minimal differences in the structure. In spite of the same body, the cars become more familiar are perceived as different. More versatile vehicle where the owner is equally appropriate to look and behind the wheel, and as a passenger, it seems Bentley. But Rolls-Royce frankly meant to be a hired driver. Can be formulated as the difference this way: fun to drive a Bentley and Rolls-Royce needed to have it seen. And versatility is reflected in the statistics of Bentley sales in Russia, if only a few years ago, great demand RolIs-Royce, but now it sports a "family" is sold at 20-30 per cent more.