Cars service manual

2007 Bentley Azure Preview

In early 2006, Bentley will try to beat Rolls-Royce to market with a new ultraluxury convertible. Displayed at the 2005 Los Angeles auto show in concept-car guise, project Panama effectively replaces the Azure coproduced between 1995 and 2003 with Pininfarina. Based on the underpinnings of the Arnage sedan, the conservatively styled but very elegant convertible is roomier than its predecessor.






Other improvements include a heated, glass rear window, active rollover protection elements for rear-seat passengers, and a more spacious trunk.



The power-operated canvas roof takes twenty-five seconds to open or close. Like the Arnage R, the four-seat droptop is powered by the classic 6.75-liter twin-turbo V-8, which delivers 450 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque. Inside, we find full-length armrests, fluted leather trim, and enough wood to see a small family through a cold winter. Although it is still too early to talk about prices, a tick under $300,000 should be a good estimate. Too expensive? Then stand by for the Continental GT drophead, which should go on sale in late 2006 for about $175,000.

The Azure is expected to sport the same all-powerful 6.75-liter twin-turbocharged V8 that accelerates the Arnage sedan with such alacrity, an engine that boasts 450-horsepower at 4,100 rpm and 646 lb-ft of torque at 3,250 rpm in top trim. A slightly more moderate 400-horsepower version of the twin-turbo V8 with 616 lb-ft of torque is expected to be offered as well.

It is also expected that the Azure will feature a version of the Arnage Ts sport-oriented suspension setup, as well as the comfort suspension as equipped to the Arnage R, which combines a modern double-wishbone suspension with the updated models extremely rigid body structure.

The Azures rapid expected acceleration and substantial weight necessitate top-notch braking and stability control equipment. Therefore, the Azure will most likely get the Arnages large ventilated brake systemenhanced by ABS, Electronic Brake pressure Distribution and Electronic Stability Program. Of course, to meet the new Azures body stiffness targets the engineers will strengthen the cars passenger cell significantly, with additional steel bolstering added to the sill sections and extending into the A-pillars to reinforce the windshield frame. Likewise the convertibles undercarriage will be beefed up, with steel crossmembers reinforcing its entire framework.

The rear bulkhead, behind the rear seatbacks where an automated rollover protection system is to be located, will also been stiffened. Like similar systems, with the first of its type developed for mass use by BMW for its 3-Series convertible, two hoops integrated within the rear headrests will deploy if sensors detect an impending rollover, and by so doing join the reinforced windshield frame to act as a roll-cage, supporting the entire weight of the very hefty car - no small feat.

Much of the Drophead Coupe Concepts styling details are expected to carry forward with the new Azure, including its chrome trim, conservatively styled, chrome-finish 19-inch alloy wheels and burred walnut interior. A high-performance "T" model should also get the green light, which along with heightened driving dynamics would also include dash panels, console and door trim surfaced in machine turned metal, in memory of yesteryears classics, along with drilled-aluminum brake and accelerator pedals, chrome finished switchgear, perforated leather seats, trim and headliner, plus dark gray stained woodwork.

Of course, chrome-finished solid metal switchgear would remain prevalent throughout the new models cabin, while all of the Azures electronic interfaces would mirror those recently upgraded for the 2005 model year Arnage.

Other 2005 interior upgrades that will reflect on the Azure include improved ergonomics due to hidden secondary controls, updated instruments and switchgear, a new DVD-based navigation system, and a completely revised dashboard top. This makes for a more integrated design, with a much more powerful nav system that now includes coverage of entire continents on a single DVD disc.

Whats New for 2007: Luxury and Performance Cars

Its creator bills it as “The World’s Most Elegant Convertible,” but the rest of us call it the 2007 Bentley Azure, an exquisite drop top that should set buyers back about $350,000. Power comes from a 450-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 6.75-liter V8 that Bentley claims will propel this car of the stars to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, with a top speed of 168 mph.

Preliminary Specifications:


Body Type: 2-door convertible
Layout: front engine, RWD
Engine: Engine: 400 hp, 616 lb-ft of torque, 6.75-L, 16-valve, OHV twin-turbocharged V8
Transmission: 4-spd auto
Brakes: disc/disc, ABS
Cargo Capacity (estimated): 374 L (13.2 cu ft)
Curb Weight: N/A
Web Site: www.bentleymotors.com