After a five-year hiatus, the Azure name is back, once again adorning a Bentley flagship convertible. Inspired by the Arnage Drophead Coup concept revealed at the 2005 Los Angeles auto show, the Azure utilizes the rigid body structure and control-arm suspension from the Arnage sedan. Power comes from the Arnage Ts twin-turbocharged V-8, which produces 450 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque. To lighten and stiffen the body, Bentley fitted the Azure with carbon-fiber underfloor cross braces, a welcome addition that helps accommodate the Azures three-layer fabric roof. At the flip of a switch, the roof stows under a leather-trimmed tonneau in under 30 seconds.
Bottom line: The Bentley Azure costs more than a quarter mil, but cruising South Beach never felt so good.
...
>>next page