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Peak performance

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THERE'S ONLY ONE word in my lexicon that comes anywhere close to describing the 2005 Bentley Arnage T: mind-blowing. The Arnage T is Bentley Motors' top-of-the range, four-door saloon, a souped-up version of the Arnage R - a pretty formidable piece of machinery in its own right.

But only a knowledgeable eye will be able to spot the exterior trim differences that distinguish the two. Inside, the differences are easier to see. The Arnage T has engine-turned aluminium panels set into the dashboard and door cappings - a throwback to its spiritual forebears, W.O. Bentley's legendary Le Mans winners of the 1920s. It also sports quilted leather upholstery and black-faced instruments instead of the R's cream.

The main differences between the Arnage R and the T are under the skin. They share the same V8, 6.75-litre engine with twin Garrett T3 turbos, Bosch ME7 engine management system and drive-by-wire throttle. But the Arnage R develops a mere 400bhp and 616lb/ft of torque, while the T produces 450bhp and 645lb/ft. Maximum torque is available at only 3,250rpm, and the rev limiter has been raised from 4,500rpm to 5,000rpm. This is enough to make the Arnage T the fastest production four-door saloon in the world, catapulting the 2,585kg car from 0-100km/h in 5.7 seconds. That's phenomenal.

The top speed is electronically limited to 270km/h. The 2005 cars comply with EU4 European emission regulations and in the US, they even achieve low emission vehicle rating. The four-speed transmission kicks down with just the right amount of encouragement and delivers overtaking performance that's startling for such a large car.

Darting out from behind a bus on a straight stretch of Tai Tam Road, your shoulders are thrust back and held against the squab while your arms feel as if they're being pulled out of their sockets as the hand-stitched leather steering wheel lunges at the horizon.

The front and rear 35cm disk brakes with four-channel ABS on the Arnage T are among the best on any car I've driven - thank goodness! Even braking hard from high speed, you feel there are still enormous reserves at your command, should you fail to anticipate correctly on Magazine Gap Road.

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