The Bentley Azure is a four-seater convertible grand tourer produced by Bentley Motors. The first version debuted in 1995 on the Continental R platform and was made until 2003; after a three-year break, a completely new version appeared in 2006 and was built until 2010 on the Arnage platform.
Bentley Azure at a glance
| Maker | Bentley Motors, Crewe |
|---|---|
| Production | 1995–2003 and 2006–2010 |
| Type | four-seater convertible grand tourer |
| Platform | Continental R (first generation), Arnage (second) |
| Engine | 6.75-litre V8, turbocharged |
| Power | about 365–390 PS (first), 456 PS (second), 507 PS (Azure T) |
| Torque | 750 N·m, 875 N·m, 1,000 N·m |
| Transmission | four-speed automatic, later six-speed ZF |
| Acceleration | 0–100 km/h in 6.5 s, later 0–97 km/h in 5.6 s |
| Top speed | 241 km/h, later 270 km/h |
| Length | 5,340 mm (first generation) |
| Weight | 2,608 kg (first generation) |
History of the Bentley Azure
The name Azure had already been used for sportier two-door conversions by Robert Jankel that evolved into the Continental R. The Azure itself debuted in March 1995 at the Geneva Motor Show on the platform of the Continental R, which had been launched in 1991. Production started slowly, with only nine cars finished in the first year, but after full production began in 1996 no fewer than 251 were built.
Pininfarina helped in the two-year process of turning the Continental R into a full four-seater convertible and built the shell and soft-top at its factory in Italy, largely from parts sourced in the UK; final assembly took place at Crewe. A roll-bar was never considered, which required extensive reinforcing of the chassis. At 5,340 mm long and 2,608 kg, the Azure often surprised onlookers with its size, intended to convey presence and to seat four adults in comfort. The electrically powered fabric roof was designed and made by Pininfarina, which added significantly to the cost: the Azure was priced at £215,167 when new, £22,590 more than the Continental R on which it was based.
First generation running gear
Power came from the company’s stalwart 6.75-litre V8 with a single intercooled Garrett turbocharger, rated at about 365 PS because Rolls-Royce and Bentley did not yet publish official figures. By the time production began in earnest, a new Zytek engine management system raised output to 390 PS at 4,000 rpm and 750 N·m at 2,000 rpm. A modified General Motors four-speed 4L80-E automatic sent drive to the rear wheels. Acceleration to 100 km/h took 6.5 seconds and the top speed was 241 km/h, very rapid for a car of this size and aerodynamic shape. From 1999 to the end of production a Mulliner trim was offered with bespoke fittings, and the Final Series Performance of 2002–2003 accounted for 62 cars.
Second generation and the Azure T
Volkswagen bought Bentley from Vickers in 1998 and kept the Azure in production until 2003 before introducing a successor. The new car, built for the 2006 model year, moved to the Arnage platform and used the twin-turbocharged version of the 6.75-litre V8, rated at 456 PS and 875 N·m. A six-speed ZF 6HP-32 automatic replaced the old four-speed unit. Bentley claimed 0–97 km/h in 5.6 seconds and a top speed of 270 km/h. The Azure T of 2009–2010 raised output to 507 PS and 1,000 N·m, with 20-inch alloy wheels, Le Mans-style wing vents and a Naim audio system available.
Design and features
- Four real seats: a full convertible with room for four adults, reinforced for the lack of a roll-bar.
- Pininfarina body: the first-generation shell and fabric roof were built in Italy.
- Torque-rich V8: the 6.75-litre unit in single-turbo and later twin-turbo form.
- Mulliner trim: bespoke fittings and extra equipment were offered from 1999.
Bentley Azure versions
- Azure (1995–2003): first generation on the Continental R platform.
- Azure Mulliner: the bespoke trim available from 1999 to the end of production.
- Azure Final Series Performance (2002–2003): the closing edition, 62 cars.
- Azure (2006–2010): second generation on the Arnage platform.
- Azure T (2009–2010): 507 PS and 1,000 N·m, the most powerful Azure.
The Azure shares its platform with the Continental R and the Mulsanne. More cars are in the Bentley collection.
Video: Top Gear – Bentley Azure
Video by rollsroyceman on YouTube.
Sources
- Bentley Azure, English Wikipedia: both generations, engines, performance, prices
- Bentley Azure, Italian Wikipedia: engines, performance, Mulliner
- Bentley Azure, French Wikipedia: generations, Azure T
