2007 Bentley Azure

At the IAA Motor Show, Bentley Motors reveals the production version of the new Azure. The luxurious four-seater Azure, which goes 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.

Bentley first hinted that a new Azure might be in the pipeline when it unveiled the glamorous Arnage Drophead Coupe show car at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January 2005. The show car stimulated such interest among Bentley aficionados that the decision was quickly taken to continue its extensive development programme in time for delivery of the first customer cars in Spring 2006. Last month, Bentley announced that the production version of the show car would carry the evocative Azure name. Like its iconic predecessor, which was in production from 1995 to 2002, the new Azure becomes the flagship of the Bentley model range.

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 stunning 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 450 bhp version of the Arnage's 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged intercooled V8 engine and produces 645 lb-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 fiber, 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 color with a delicate chrome trim that runs the length of the car, enhancing the flowing lines of the Azure body.

'The production-specification Bentley Azure graces our stand at the Frankfurt Motor Show just nine months after we revealed our concept car in Los Angeles,' says Bentley Motors chairman, Dr. Franz-Josef Paefgen. '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.'

Details of market availability and pricing will be released nearer the Azure's on-sale date.

by Bentley

Convertible
Chassis number: SCBDC47L47CX12118

Bentley's most expensive model offered in 2007 was the Bentley Azure, which rested on the Arnage sedan platform, with a base MSRP of $335,585.

This particular example was sold new in Dallas, Texas for the retail price of $350,085. It is finished in Beluga Black with Linen hued leather interior and a black fully lined and insulated power-folding soft top. It is equipped with many optional extras including the Burr Oak veneers and matching Burr Oak wasterails with Bentley logos and chrome trim inlays, two-tone leather steering wheel, upgraded chrome 7-spoke wheels, chrome mirror caps, and steel mesh Lower Bumper Matrix. Power is from the 6.75-liter Twin Turbo V8 offering 450 horsepower and 645 ft/bs of torque.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible

The full size Azure was based on the Arnage sedan and was the most expensive model Bentley offered in 2007, with a base MSRP of $335,585.

This Bentley Azure has 18,000 miles on its odometer. It has a Royal Ebony exterior with Linen leather interior. There is a rear-view camera, Burlwood interior trim, messaging seats, and 19-inch 7-spoke chromed alloy wheels. Power is from a 6.75-liter V8 engine fitted with twin turbochargers and produces 450 horsepower. The engine is mated to a six-speed ZF automatic transmission. Zero-to-sixty mph is achieved in just 5.6 seconds and has a top speed of 171 mph.

For 2007, just 125 examples were shipped to the United States.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible
Chassis number: SCBDC47L87CX12199

Volkswagen was the owner of Bentley Motors since 1998, and they chose to keep the existing Continental R-based Azure convertible in production until 2003, delaying its successor for a further three years. The new Azure production began for the 2006 model year and was based on the more modern Arnage platform. The second-generation Bentley Azure had a base price of $329,990, making it over $150,000 more expensive than its drop-top stablemate, the Continental GT Convertible. Beneath its bonnet was Bentley's traditional 6.75-liter, twin-turbocharged V-8 engine offering 450 horsepower and an astonishing 645 lbs./ft. of torque.

This 2007 Bentley Azure is powered by a 6,750cc twin-turbocharged overhead valve V8 engine with electronic fuel injection and delivering 450 horsepower at 4,100 RPM. There is a six-speed ZF automatic transmission, four-wheel disc brakes, and an independent rear suspension. It wears a black exterior with a black power retracting soft top and a saddle-colored leather interior and currently shows 4,373 miles on its odometer. There are 19-inch chrome wheels, a polished mesh grille, and 'Flying B' hood ornament. A hidden navigation screen is fitted in the center of the dashboard, and the original 6-CD stereo remains installed.

by Dan Vaughan