Auto Spies World Exclusive: Next generation Rolls, Bentley, and Maybach
Lots of hot info!
email: Robert.wolf@era.com
Dear 001,
Work on the 2 proposed Phantom derivatives is proceeding, albeit slowly. A luxury coupe/convertible code-named RR2 will compete with the replacements for the Bentley Continental and Azure and the Maybach 53, a retractable-hard-top 4-seater to be based on the next generation Mercedes-Benz S-class. The RR2 has been redefined several times, but the latest iteration has suicide doors and a large twin-panel sky roof.
The RR3 will be a 5-seat sedan positioned below the Maybach 57 but above the Bentley Arnage, effectively replacing the Silver Seraph. It might be derived from the Phantom, but it also could be a well disguised BMW 7-series spin-off powered by a turbocharged BMW V8.
Next year, Bentley will add a long-wheelbase 4-door sedan, and by spring of 2006 a 2-door convertible is expected.
Despite an upcoming facelift, the aging Arnage sedan is bound to suffer, next to its more modern and more affordable sister models. Bentley needs a new full size car, not only as a credible rival to the Rolls-Royce Phantom and the Maybach, but also as a springboard for the Azure and Continental replacements.
The Brits and their Volkswagen owners favor 2 totally different large car concepts. The faction from Crewe would love to do a rear-wheel-drive flagship featuring a heavily modified version of the venerable twin-turbo, 6.75-liter V8 and a steel body derived from the Continental GT. The faithful old V8 oozes character, but it would require a lot of money to bring it up to date.
The German's, not surprisingly, favor a more modern solution based on the NEXT generation Audi A8 and powered by a 700+ horsepower version of the Bugatti Veyron's outrageous W-16 engine. The main disadvantage of this game plan is timing: While a Coninental GT derived Arnage II could be out in 2007, the Audi-based car wouldn't appear before 2009.
And it's anybody's guess what the market for house-priced automobiles will be by then!
Take care,
Magoo
Oh Magoo! you've done it again!
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