2002 Bentley Azure

Up to this point in history, Bentley's basic architecture and resurgence were shared with other Rolls-Royce products. That changed in 1985 when the Project 90 was put on display at the Geneva Auto Show. It was a mocked-up high-performance coupe that was unique to Bentley. Six years later, the model entered production as the Continental R. Its styling was created with the assistance of consultants International Automotive Design, wind tunnel testing, and computer-aided technology. It received features such as doors recessed into the roof, and a new four-speed automatic gearbox with an 'overdrive' top ratio. Performance was impressive, with zero-to-sixty mph accomplished in 5.6 seconds.

A soft-top version of the Bentley Continental R followed four years after the Coupe's introduction. It was launched at the Geneva Auto Show and was named the Azure, making it the first Bentley model in several decades to use an entirely new name. Pininfarina had been chosen to develop the Azure on the four-seater Continental R platform. Bodyshells were assembled in Italy by Pininfarina, fitted with the automatic soft-top, painted and shipped back for finishing at Crewe. The mechanical aspects of the vehicle were similar to the Continental R, but with an uprated twin-turbocharged engine offering 385 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. The 4-speed automatic transmission sent power through the rear wheels to the road. The front and rear suspension was independent with speed-proportional power steering, 4-wheel ABS-equipped ventilated disc brakes, and 5-spoke chrome-finish alloy wheels with Pirelli P-Zero tires. Top speed was in excess of 170 mph.

The interior featured hand-crafted leather, power-operated seats with position memory, power locks, power windows, remote mirrors, trunk release, conditioning and CD stereo. The dash, door panels, and console were accented by brushed and engine-turned aircraft aluminum.

The Azure was launched in 1995 and cost £215,000 in the UK. Production of the first generation Azure continued until 2003 with a total of 1,403 examples of all types built. 78 examples were hand-crafted into existence at Mulliner Park Ward in 2002. The 'Mulliner' trim added bespoke trim, additional equipment, and further customization by the buyer. The Second generation Azure, called the Azure Mark II, was produced from 2006-2009.

by Dan Vaughan

Luxurious, desirable, distinguished - the Azure is a thoroughbred Bentley. Steeped in heritage, yet, unquestionably a convertible for the twenty-first century. Never demanding attention, yet always receiving it.

Since the 1920s, Bentley has been producing remarkable, sporting Drophead Grand Tourers that radiate sophistication and elegance.

In the Azure, the spirit and excitement of every Bentley convertible throughout the decades is revived for the 21st century. From the elegance of the S1 Continental Park Ward, the spectacular lines of the 70's Corniche, through to the glamour of the original Azure.

The new Azure is a unique combination of living heritage, exhilarating performance and handcrafted refinement.

Azure

Thundering through the 1990s, the original Bentley Azure reset the expectations of every arbiter of style.

Exquisitely styled by famed Italian designer, Sergio Pininfarina, the Azure has now ascended to genuine iconic status. Becoming a byword for luxury and style, the Azure carried its handsome lines with an irrepressible glamour.

The beauty of the Azure is immediate. A sculptured masterpiece with unique styling, advanced technology and unashamed glamour – all in a contemporary style.

Convertible

The automated seven-bow roof slips effortlessly away to reveal a convertible without equal.

Down, the roof and its mechanism are completely and automatically stowed beneath a hide-trimmed tonneau cover. Up, the Azure's three-layer canvas roof provides superlative sound and temperature insulation.

The new Azure is a unique blend of heritage and modern technology, completed by traditional Bentley touches.

The laser-cut stainless steel grille, the distinctive twin headlamps, and the high waist-line that symbolize the timeless and classic Bentley design. All rounded off with the black winged 'B' badge, confirming the heritage and Bentley bloodline.

Styling

The Azure has an elegant, fluid silhouette with a high waist line, low roof, and fine sporting line.

Its raked windscreen adds contemporary style to an elegant frame.

Luggage

Give yourself the room to roam. This unrivaled convertible features a large luggage area that complements the overall spaciousness of the design. Room enough even for two golf bags...

The Azure's convertible roof stows into its own separate compartment. This means that roof up, or roof down, the Azure's excellent luggage capacity is unaffected.

Performance and Control

The Azure is powerful in a way that only a Bentley can be. State-of-the-art engineering ensures an effortless, yet exhilarating drive – safe, powerful, comfortable. Bentley's legendary V8 engine provides stunning performance with peerless refinement; a unique combination that puts the Azure beyond compare.

by Bentley