Bentley Azure

The Bentley Azure is a four-seater convertible grand tourer produced by British automobile manufacturer Bentley Motors. The first version debuted in 1995 on the Bentley Continental R platform and was made until 2003. After a three-year break, a completely new version debuted in 2006 and was produced until 2010. It was powered by a significantly updated engine and based on the newer Arnage platform.

First generation (1995–2003)

The name was taken from earlier Robert Jankel sportier 2-door conversions that evolved into the Continental R.[1] The Azure debuted in March 1995 at the Geneva Motor Show on the platform of the Continental R model, which had been originally launched in 1991. Production only crept to a start, with a mere nine examples finished in the first year – in 1996, after full production had started, no less than 251 cars were finished.[2]

Second generation (2006–2010)

Volkswagen purchased Bentley from Vickers in 1998 when the Azure had been in production for three years. Volkswagen executives decided to keep the then-current Azure in production until 2003, then introduce its successor at a later date. Production of the new Azure began for the 2006 model year.

Now based on the Arnage platform, power came from the then-current variant of the Bentley twin-turbocharged V8 rated at 456 PS and 645 lb·ft of torque. The Arnage was designed for the BMW 4.4-litre engine. However, due to the takeover battle in 1998 between BMW and Volkswagen Group for ownership of Rolls-Royce and Bentley Motors, BMW had threatened to stop supply of their engines if Volkswagen Group won. While the threat was later withdrawn in conjunction with BMW acquiring the right to manufacture Rolls-Royce automobiles at a new location, it was clear that Volkswagen could not accept the business and reputation risks associated with having their rival as a long-term business partner.[8] Furthermore, customers were uncertain about engine and part availability. Volkswagen was thus forced to significantly re-work the "original" 6.75-liter Rolls-Royce/Bentley V8 in 2001, including a switch from the old single-turbo system to a modern twin-turbocharger setup, reducing turbo-lag and increasing horsepower output. A new, 6-speed ZF 6HP-32 automatic transmission fed power to the rear wheels.

Bentley claims a 0 to 97 km/h acceleration time of 5.6 seconds and a top speed of 168 mi/h, slightly faster than the previous model and still very good for a vehicle of this size and weight.

The United States Department of Energy lists Bentley Azure as the least fuel-efficient car in its class[9] with only 9 mpgus in the city and 15 mpgus on the highway.

Azure T (2009–2010)

The "T" is a higher performance version of the Azure. Styling changes include 8.5J x 20-inch five-spoke, two-piece alloy wheels with 255/40 ZR20 Pirelli P Zero tyres, 'Le Mans' lower front wing air vents, dark-tinted upper and lower grilles, 'jewel' fuel filler cap (made from billet aluminium) and wing mirror mountings finished in body colour. The exterior styling was inspired by the Bentley Mark VI.

Audio system includes large display audio head unit with Secure Digital (SD) memory card slot, iPod/USB/3.5 mm AUX interface; with optional 'Naim for Bentley' 10-speaker, 1,100W audio system. Electronic Stability Programme, Tire Pressure Monitoring System are now standard equipment.

The twin-turbocharged engine was now rated 507 PS and 1000 Nm torque. It has a 0–97 km/h acceleration time of 5.1 seconds (0–100 km/h acceleration time of 5.5 seconds), 0–160 km/h acceleration time of 12.0 seconds and a top speed of 179 mph.

The Azure T was unveiled at the 2008 LA Auto Show.[10]

Successor

The Azure had no immediate successor. However, at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show, Bentley unveiled a concept car built on the

manufacturer	Bentley Motors
production	1995–2003 1,403 Produced
layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive
platform	Rolls-Royce SZ
class	Grand tourer (S)
body style	2-door convertible
engine	6.75 L turbocharged Bentley L410 MT 1T V8
transmission	4-speed GM 4L80-E automatic
related	Bentley Continental R Bentley Brooklands Rolls-Royce Corniche (2000)
predecessor	Bentley Continental Convertible
weight	2610 kg
wheelbase	120.5 in
length	5350 mm
height	1475 mm
width	1880 mm
assembly	United Kingdom: Crewe (Bentley Crewe: final assembly) Italy: Cambiano (Pininfarina S.p.A.)
sp	uk

First generation (1995–2003)

Second generation (2006–2010)

Azure T (2009–2010)

Successor

Production

Bibliography

External links

References