Bentley Azure / Bentley Azure Mulliner
(1995 – 2002 / 1999 – 2003)
Bentley Azure, 1997, #SCBZKI4C0WCX61519, Pininfarina-designed Mulliner Park Ward Convertible. The fully automatic hood provides perfect protection from inclement weather.
The exciting success of the Bentley Continental R made it predictable that here was the basis for a most promising convertible. Indeed the company did ask Sergio Pininfarina in Italy to take over the task of styling one. Testimonial to successful Anglo-Italian cooperation was the elegant Bentley Azure with its automatically operated, fully disappearing hood. The name was evocative of those very special models too whose designations could be traced back to areas in the South of France: Corniche and Camargue. But here was an out-and-out sports car for the most demanding driver whereas the previous models had neither been noted for brisk acceleration nor for sure-footed roadholding. Later models of the Bentley Azure are distinguished from the first series quite easily because the special radiator matrix replacing the radiator slats – was only fitted from model year 1998 onward (i.e. on Bentley Azure delivered from July 1997 onward).
Clearly distinguished from the basic version was the Bentley Azure Mulliner, unveiled in 1999. Not only was a maximum torque of 875Nm provided – an increase of some 10% – but the roadholding was improved accordingly with torsion bars stiffened 15% front and 20% rear.
Technical Data:
8 cylinder 90 degree V-configuration; aluminium-silicon alloy cylinder block with cast iron wet cylinder liners; bore x stroke 104.14 x 99.06 mm (4.1 x 3.9 in), capacity 6,750 cc; aluminium alloy cylinder heads, Zytek EMS3 digital engine control, exhaust driven Garrett AirResearch turbocharger with intercooler, 385bhp/286.1kW at 4,000rpm, max. torque 750Nm at 2,000rpm (from 1999 Bentley Azure Mulliner 420bhp/313kW at 4,000rpm, max. torque 875Nm at 2,200rpm); 4-speed automatic gearbox; independent suspension front and rear with adaptive ride control; ventilated disc brakes front, plain discs rear, anti locking device; wheelbase 3,061mm (120.5in); tyre size 255/55WR17; max. speed 150mph / 245km/h
Bentley Azure, 1996, #SCBZK15CBTCX53730. In conjunction with Pininfarina of Italy the styling department at Crewe developed the convertible based on the successful Bentley Continental R
Bentley Azure, 1997, #SCBZKI4C0WCX61519, Pininfarina-designed Mulliner Park Ward Convertible.
A famous song stated «Heaven is on the back seat of my Cadillac» – this song was written prior to the Bentley Azure putting things right!
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No. made: |
|
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1098 |
Bentley Azure (1995 – 2002) |
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154 |
Bentley Azure Mulliner (1999 -2002) |
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4 |
Bentley Azure Le Mans (2001) |
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62 |
Bentley Azure Final Series Performance (2002-2003) |
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3 |
Bentley Azure Final Series Luxury (2003) |