Vehicle Overview Sharing many components with the Arnage sedan, the Azure is a huge soft-top convertible that seats four passengers. Until recently, the Azure had no true competitors. Now there is one: the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe.
New for 2009 The Bentley Azure gets a new stereo system with a larger display screen and a slot for a SD memory card instead of a traditional CD. Optional equipment includes an iPod interface and a 10-speaker, 1,100-watt audio system.
Exterior Bentley says the current model’s design was inspired not only by the 1995-2002 Azure, but also by the 1955 Park Ward S1 drophead coupe. In addition, the Azure shares its face with the current Arnage sedan.
The bumpers are body-colored, and chrome trim runs the length of the car’s lower sides. The Azure’s three-layer fabric top is hydraulically operated and can stow beneath a hide-trimmed tonneau cover in less than 25 seconds. The Azure measures 212.6 inches long and 74.8 inches wide, which makes it smaller than a Phantom Drophead Coupe, though both are comparable in size to a full-size SUV.
19- or 20-inch wheels
Power, heated mirrors
Chrome dual exhaust tips
Auto-leveling headlamps
Headlight washers
Interior Up to four people fit inside the Azure. The company’s stated goal was clear: to create an opulent and inviting seating area that reflects its status as a car at home in Palm Springs or the Riviera. There’s 10.9 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk, which is similar to the Phantom Drophead Coupe.
Genuine leather dash, headliner, door and seating surfaces
Genuine wood trim
Massaging/heated front seats
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Navigation system
Optional 10-speaker, 1,100-watt premium audio system
Under the Hood The Azure has an adaptive sports suspension and transmission, either of which can be set to multiple settings, including Drive, Sport and Semi-Sport. The Azure has a maximum speed of 171 mph and can go from zero to 60 in 5.6 seconds.
450-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 6.8-liter V-8 with 645 pounds-feet of torque
Six-speed automatic transmission with sports function
Adaptive/auto-leveling suspension
Performance tires
Safety The Azure convertible can deploy pop-up bolsters in the event of a rollover.
