With
an overall length of 5.41 metres or 213 inches, the new Bentley Azure is
the largest convertible in the world and with its design, it more resembles
a yacht than a convertible. Bentley Motors chairman, Dr Franz-Josef Paefgen
explains: "We enjoy an excellent dialogue with our customers and the new
Azure epitomizes how responsive Bentley is to satisfying their aspirations.
Bentley develops and produces cars that people desire and that are faithful
to our heritage. The new Azure is the perfect example of this philosophy."
The luxurious four-seater Azure, which went on sale in Spring 2006, is
the latest in a portfolio of wonderfully desirable 'dropheads' stretching
back many decades and reaffirms Bentley's reputation as creator of the
world's most elegant convertibles.
The
design of the new Azure is, first and foremost, unmistakably Bentley. It
shares its face with the current Arnage range and its platform ensures
it seats four adults in supreme comfort. But it is also unmistakably unique.
The entire cabin and rear section of the car are newly designed, with a
lavish bespoke interior; the objective being to create an opulent and inviting
seating area that reflects its status as a car that is at home in Palm
Springs or the Riviera. The complex folding roof on the convertible is
operated hydraulically at the touch of a switch: the impressive, three-layer
fabric assembly being elegantly stowed beneath the hide-trimmed tonneau
in under 30 seconds.
The
twin-turbocharged V8 engine, double-wishbone suspension and extremely rigid
body structure of the Arnage provide a state-of-the-art basis for the new
Azure. It is powered by a 450bhp (336Kw) version of the Arnage’s 6.75-litre
twin-turbocharged intercooled V8 engine and produces 875Nm (645lb ft) of
torque. The specification of the production version of the Azure is virtually
unchanged from the original L.A. show car. The principle change is the
introduction of high technology, lightweight, carbon fibre, under-floor
cross braces that contribute to the exceptional levels of body stiffness,
benefiting refinement, ride and handling. In addition, the chrome trimmed
bumpers and sills of the show car are now painted in body colour with a
delicate chrome trim that runs the length of the car, enhancing the flowing
lines of the Azure body.
Engine: 6.76L V8
Horsepower: 450 bhp
/ PS
Top Speed: 168 mph (270
km/h)
Peak torque: 875 Nm
(645 lb-ft)
Acceleration: 0-60
mph in 5.9 sec (0-100 km/h in 6.3 sec)
Retail Price: starting at
250,000 pounds (350,000 euros or 330,000 dollars MRSP)
With
an overall length of 5.41 metres or 213 inches, the new Bentley Azure is
the largest convertible in the world and with its design, it more resembles
a yacht than a convertible. Bentley Motors chairman, Dr Franz-Josef Paefgen
explains: "We enjoy an excellent dialogue with our customers and the new
Azure epitomizes how responsive Bentley is to satisfying their aspirations.
Bentley develops and produces cars that people desire and that are faithful
to our heritage. The new Azure is the perfect example of this philosophy."
The luxurious four-seater Azure, which went on sale in Spring 2006, is
the latest in a portfolio of wonderfully desirable 'dropheads' stretching
back many decades and reaffirms Bentley's reputation as creator of the
world's most elegant convertibles.
The
design of the new Azure is, first and foremost, unmistakably Bentley. It
shares its face with the current Arnage range and its platform ensures
it seats four adults in supreme comfort. But it is also unmistakably unique.
The entire cabin and rear section of the car are newly designed, with a
lavish bespoke interior; the objective being to create an opulent and inviting
seating area that reflects its status as a car that is at home in Palm
Springs or the Riviera. The complex folding roof on the convertible is
operated hydraulically at the touch of a switch: the impressive, three-layer
fabric assembly being elegantly stowed beneath the hide-trimmed tonneau
in under 30 seconds.
The
twin-turbocharged V8 engine, double-wishbone suspension and extremely rigid
body structure of the Arnage provide a state-of-the-art basis for the new
Azure. It is powered by a 450bhp (336Kw) version of the Arnage’s 6.75-litre
twin-turbocharged intercooled V8 engine and produces 875Nm (645lb ft) of
torque. The specification of the production version of the Azure is virtually
unchanged from the original L.A. show car. The principle change is the
introduction of high technology, lightweight, carbon fibre, under-floor
cross braces that contribute to the exceptional levels of body stiffness,
benefiting refinement, ride and handling. In addition, the chrome trimmed
bumpers and sills of the show car are now painted in body colour with a
delicate chrome trim that runs the length of the car, enhancing the flowing
lines of the Azure body.