The Bentley Azure is a four-seater convertible grand tourer manufactured and marketed by Bentley, a British luxury automobile manufacturer, from 1995 to 2009 for two generations. Production of the original model, based on the Bentley Continental R platform, lasted from 1995 to 2003. After a three-year hiatus, a whole new version was released in 2006 and remained in production through 2009. The Arnage platform it was built on was newer, and Bentley greatly improved its engine.
History of the Bentley Azure
First Generation Bentley Azure (1995–2003)
When it was first introduced for the 1995 model year, the automobile underwent only minor revisions before finally being discontinued in 2003. The term "first generation Bentley Azure" is commonly used to refer to this set of vehicles. Like most specialty automobiles, this one debuted at the Geneva Motor Show. Many folks were initially amazed by the sheer size of the vehicle. Mainly because Bentley aimed to make a convertible with room for four adults. As a result, you are dealing with a big luxury car with a convertible top. Because of this, the car is significantly longer and heavier than any other convertible on the market. It's also rare for a vehicle that isn't a sports car to have a convertible top, but it works here. The 6.75L turbocharged V8 was one of the most powerful production automobile engines of its day. Over time, its torque increased from its original 450 lb-ft (650 Nm) to its current value of 650 lb-ft (881 Nm).
Second Generation Bentley Azure (2006–2009)
The Bentley Azure, released in 2006, was the only convertible to use a chassis before the split between the Rolls-Royce and Bentley companies. Relations between the German rivals didn't go so well after Volkswagen purchased the Crewe factory and the Bentley name, and BMW acquired the Rolls-Royce brand and the grille with the Spirit of Ecstasy. Volkswagen, however, lacked an appropriate engine for the Bentley and was unwilling to install the Bavarian automaker's 4.4L V8 in the British vehicle. Volkswagen executives ultimately settled on a modified version of the classic 6.75L V8 engine originally developed for Rolls-Royce and Bentley vehicles. The original 6.75L twin-turbocharged engine was under the hood. The Bentley Continental Turbo only had one large turbocharger, while the Azure had two, which greatly improved the car's responsiveness and decreased its lag. The older Bentley was upgraded with a new 6-speed automatic transmission, which was a significant advance over the previous 4-speed.
Bentley Azure T (2009)
The T is an upgraded model of the classic Azure. The convertible Azure T, powered by a 6.75L V8 capable of 500 hp, made its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Bentley's engine production spanned over fifty years, and the company never stopped refining it. Drive, Sport, and Manual modes were available for the 6-speed ZF automatic transmission and engine.
Price
In 2009, Bentley retailed the Bentley Azure with a starting manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $334,990 for the Base mode, which is around $462,621 in 2022.
Features of the Bentley Azure
Exterior Features
The huge drop-top was made for leisurely drives in comfortable surroundings. The vehicle's mass, wheelbase, and interior thickness were all factors in achieving this goal. The car's enormous profile and gently raked rear end were both characteristics of vintage luxury automobiles. Furthermore, the Azure surpassed all expectations.
Interior Features
Wood and leather were the primary materials utilized inside. Bentley mixed in plastic buttons with the metal ones. The large, horizontal front chairs were fully adjustable and even massage-capable. That wasn't out of the ordinary throughout the years, but in 2007 it certainly was. One unique aspect was the door's dual interior opening handles, which allowed front and back seat passengers to open the door quickly.
Release Date
Bentley released the Bentley Azure from 1995 to 2009 for two generations. There was no obvious replacement to follow the Azure. Bentley, however, debuted a concept car at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show that was based on the Mulsanne chassis and shared the same design principles as the previous two iterations of the Azure. However, Bentley renamed the concept merely the Grand Convertible rather than Azure and never used the name again.