Bentley Azure#Second generation (2006–2009)

{{Infobox automobile

|image = Bentley Continental R Azure 1995-2003 frontleft.jpg

|name = Bentley Azure (1st generation)

|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 = {{ubl

|Bentley Continental R

|Bentley Brooklands

|Rolls-Royce Corniche (2000)

}}

|predecessor = Bentley Continental Convertible

|weight = {{convert|2610|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}

|wheelbase = {{convert|120.5|in|mm|0|abbr=on|order=flip}}

|length = {{convert|5350|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}

|height = {{convert|1475|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}

|width = {{convert|1880|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}

|assembly = {{ubl |United Kingdom: Crewe (Bentley Crewe: final assembly)|Italy: Cambiano (Pininfarina S.p.A.)}}

| sp = uk

}}

File:96 Bentley Azure side (cropped).jpg

File:2001 Bentley Azure Mulliner Wide Body interior.jpg

The name was taken from earlier Robert Jankel sportier 2-door conversions that evolved into the Continental R.{{cite web | url=http://www.bentleyspotting.com/2014/08/robert-jankel-azur.html | title=BENTLEY SPOTTING: Robert Jankel Azur }} 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.{{Cite book | last = Robson | first = Graham | title = Rolls-Royce and Bentley: Volume 4: Silver Spirit to Azure 1980–1998 (Collector's Guide) | publisher = Motor Racing Publications | location = Croydon, UK | page = 98 | year = 1999 | isbn = 1-899870-30-X }} Pininfarina assisted in the two-year process of turning the Continental R into a full four-seater convertible, and also built the shell and soft-top at their factory in Italy, largely from parts sourced in the UK. Final assembly was then carried out at Crewe. A roll-bar was never considered, which necessitated extensive reinforcing of the chassis.Robson, pp. 98, 100 At {{convert|5340|mm|in|0|abbr=on|disp=flip}} in length and {{convert|5750|lb|0|abbr=on|order=flip}} in weight, the Azure often surprised onlookers with its size and bulk, intended to both convey a sense of "presence" and allow for comfortable seating of four adult passengers.

Power came from the company's stalwart 6.75-litre V8, featuring a single, intercooled Garrett turbocharger and rated in the region of {{cvt|365|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} – Rolls-Royce and Bentley did not yet give official power numbers at the time of the Azure's introduction.Robson, pp. 97, 122 By the time production began in earnest, a new engine management system from Zytek meant a slight power increase to {{convert|390|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} at 4,000 rpm and {{convert|750|N.m|lb·ft|0|abbr=on}} of torque at 2,000 rpm; power was routed to the rear wheels via a modified, General Motors sourced, four-speed 4L80-E automatic transmission. With a 0-{{cvt|100|kph|mph|0|abbr=on}} acceleration time of 6.5 seconds and a top speed of {{convert|241|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}},{{cite book | title = Automobil Revue 1997 | editor-last = Büschi | editor-first = Hans-Ulrich | publisher = Hallwag AG | location = Berne, Switzerland | language = de, fr | page = 168 | volume = 92 |date=6 March 1997 | isbn = 3-444-10479-0 }} the Azure was very fast for a car of its size, weight and poor aerodynamic profile.

Owing to the limited space and workforce at Bentley's Crewe factory, the Azure's electrically powered convertible top made from thick fabric was designed and manufactured by Pininfarina, which significantly added to the vehicle's cost. New in 1995, the Azure was priced at £215,167 – £22,590 more than the Continental R on which it was based.

From 1999 until the end of production, the Azure was also available in "Mulliner" trim, which added special bespoke trim and additional equipment and allowed the buyer the option for further customisation during the build-process; pricing varied by car, as equipment could be significantly different from one to the next depending on customer requests.

File:Bentleyazure.JPG

Just like its Rolls-Royce counterpart, towards the end of its production, it also had a final edition, called "Final series performance", created from 2002 to 2003, only 62 were made. The Last RHD sold being Chassis no. CH01228 while the very last Azure was retained at the Crewe plant.

*stated by Pininfarina production records

**From 2 varying documents, newer data used

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{{Infobox automobile

| image = 07 Bentley Azure (9885310443) (cropped).jpg

| name = Bentley Azure (2nd generation)

| manufacturer = Bentley Motors

| production = 2006–2010

| layout = Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive

| class = Grand tourer (S)

| body_style = 2-door 2+2 convertible

| engine = 6.75 L twin-turbo Bentley V8

| transmission = 6-speed ZF 6HP-32 automatic

| related = {{ubl

|Bentley Arnage

|Bentley Brooklands Coupé

}}

| weight = {{convert|5941|lb|kg||abbr=on|order=flip}}

| wheelbase = {{convert|122.7|in|mm|0|abbr=on|order=flip}}

| length = {{convert|212.6|in|mm|0|abbr=on|order=flip}}

| height = {{convert|58.7|in|mm|0|abbr=on|order=flip}}

| width = {{Convert|1900|mm|in|1|abbr=on|order=flip}} (with mirrors: {{Convert|2125|mm|in|1|abbr=on|order=flip}}){{cite web|url=http://www.allcarcentral.com/Bentley_pdf/Bentley_AzureT_2011.pdf|title=Bentley Azure Detailed Specifications | access-date=17 February 2012}}

| assembly = United Kingdom: Crewe (Bentley Crewe)

| sp = uk

| designer = Dirk van Braeckel, Raul Pires{{cite web|last=Galvano |first=Fabio | url=https://autodesignmagazine.com/en/2006/12/bentley-azure-lusso-minimalistico/ |title=Bentley Azure, minimalist luxury |publisher=Auto & Design |date=18 December 2006 |access-date=18 October 2024}}

}}File:Bentley Azure 2007 1.jpg

File:Azure interior.JPGVolkswagen 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 {{convert|456|PS|kW hp|abbr=on|0}} and {{convert|645|lb·ft|N.m|abbr=on|order=flip}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/00q1/bentley_arnage_red_label-first_drive_review|publisher=Car and Driver|title=Bentley Arnage Red Label |date=March 2000 }} 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 {{convert|168|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on|order=flip}}, 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{{cite web|url=http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bestworst.shtml |title=Most and Least Fuel Efficient Cars |publisher=Fueleconomy.gov |access-date=3 October 2010}} with only {{convert|9|mpgus}} in the city and {{convert|15|mpgus}} on the highway.

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 {{convert|507|PS|kW hp||abbr=on}} and {{convert|1000|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} 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 {{Convert|179|mph|km/h|abbr=on|order=flip}}.

The Azure T was unveiled at the 2008 LA Auto Show.{{cite web|last=Nuñez |first=Alex | url=http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/12/bentley-azure-t-to-debut-in-l-a/ |title=LA Preview: Bentley Azure T to debut in city of angels |publisher=Autoblog.com |date=12 November 2008 |access-date=3 October 2010}}

The Azure had no immediate successor. However, at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show, Bentley unveiled a concept car built on the Mulsanne platform that followed the same formula as the two generations of the Azure that proceeded it. Bentley did not use the Azure name again with the concept, simply calling it the Grand Convertible.{{cite web|url=http://pursuingwo.com/bentley-grand-convertible/|title=The Bentley Grand Convertible|publisher=Pursuing W.O|access-date=9 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150519231647/http://pursuingwo.com/bentley-grand-convertible/|archive-date=19 May 2015|url-status=dead}}

The production version of the Grand Convertible was unveiled at the 2017 Dubai Motor Show. The production version was also based on the Mulsanne platform but is {{cvt|3.9|in|mm|0|abbr=on|order=flip}} shorter due to the elimination of rear doors. The production version retained the wooden deck as shown on the concept car and the deck is described to be the biggest piece of wood ever applied to a production car. Mulliner, Bentley's internal coachbuilder, was tasked with the production of the Grand Convertible which was limited to 19 units only.{{cite web|url=https://www.motor1.com/news/221095/bentley-grand-convertible-debut/|title=Bentley Quietly Debuted $3.5-Million Grand Convertible In Dubai|date=18 November 2017|first=Adrian|last=Padeanu|publisher=Motor1|access-date=4 May 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/bentley-grand-convertible-news-specs-performance-price/|title='Exclusive' doesn't begin to describe the Bentley Mulsanne Grand Convertible|date=24 November 2017|first=Ronan|last=Glon|publisher=Digital Trends|access-date=4 May 2019}}

{{clear}}

{{reflist}}

{{refbegin}}

• {{Holmes-UltConv | pages=26–29}}
• {{cite journal|last=Hutton|first=Ray|journal=Car and Driver|title=Bentley Azure|issue=June 1995|pages=101–102}}

{{refend}}

{{Commons category|position=left|Bentley Azure}}

{{Bentley ownership & road car timeline}}

{{Bentley Mulsanne timeline}}

{{Bentley timeline 1998 to date}}

Azure (2006)

Category:Flagship vehicles

Category:Rear-wheel-drive vehicles

Category:Convertibles

Category:2000s cars

Category:2010s cars

Category:Cars introduced in 1995

Category:Cars discontinued in 2009