Bentley Arnage teaser

Bentley's new flagship is emerging from the shadows! This is the first picture of the Crewe firm's replacement for the much-loved Arnage, which it is calling the 'new grand Bentley'.

Although the firm has only released this single teaser image, it tells us a lot about the new model – and the biggest change will be the adoption of a clamshell bonnet, just like the Continental range.

Expect the rest of the car to share a similarly updated look, but one that's still traditional and imposing in the fine tradtion of the firm. Under the skin, the new model is expected to make use of Audi's aluminium spaceframe chassis in order to cut weight and improve emissions.

inside, the newcomer will boast the same high seating position as the outgoing Arnage plus an extremely luxurious cabin with the finest leather and wood.

It's still not clear what engine will power the new model. An updated version of the current car's 6.75-litre V8 and the Bugatti Veyron's 987bhp 8.0-litre V16 engine have both been mooted, as has a V12 diesel from parent company VW.

We'll know more when the car makes its rumoured debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in August.