When the Drophead Coupe Concept debuted, Bentley's head of exterior design Raul Pires stated, "We have tried to make the roof look as 'fast' as we can," adding, "The
result is a design that combines fluidity, sportiness and elegance." The top folds up or down in a mere 25 seconds, impressive considering its size and weight, and easily within the allotted time it takes a stoplight to flash from red to green. What's most important, however, is the car looks extremely elegant doing so.
"The Arnage Drophead Coupe is the latest in a long line of much-admired Bentley convertibles and we wanted to reflect that heritage as directly as possible," offered Dirk van Braeckel, director of design, Bentley Motors. "The key to a four-seater convertible is that its grace and elegance is on display when the roof is down but it shouldn't lose any of that beauty when it is raised. We think we have struck that balance with the beautiful lines of the roof."
Overall, what Bentley is calling "the world's most elegant four-seater convertible", an arguable claim, is a suitable update to the now discontinued Azure which completed its Final Series production in model year 2003. And being a suitable update, it's worthy to carry forward the revered Azure nomenclature.
The update will deliver a more accommodating interior than the past Azure, with greater width in front and rear, the latter by as much as 20 percent, impressive driving dynamics, a sumptuous interior, and style to die for.
"There is clearly nothing quite like this car in the world - it is in a niche of its own," stated Ashley Wickham, Bentley's chief
engineer, when describing the Drophead Coupe Concept. "By the spring of 2006 we expect to be able to start production if there is sufficient interest from potential customers. It truly is the world's most elegant convertible."
And after hearing these words in January of this year I wrote, "Expect the response to Bentley's latest 'concept' to be favourable and a new 2006 model year production version to show up soon.
While hardly the prognosticator of progrnosticators, as the concept's elegance and sheer majestry elevated it into a new league of desirability, that prediction did indeed come true and a new Azure is well on the way.
While only a few immortals will be able to pay the price of entry to take one home, at least aficionados of one of the world's most revered marque's will be able to admire it from afar.
Preliminary Specifications:
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| Bentley's head of exterior design Raul Pires stated, "We have tried to make the roof look as 'fast' as we can." (Photo: Bentley Motors) |
"The Arnage Drophead Coupe is the latest in a long line of much-admired Bentley convertibles and we wanted to reflect that heritage as directly as possible," offered Dirk van Braeckel, director of design, Bentley Motors. "The key to a four-seater convertible is that its grace and elegance is on display when the roof is down but it shouldn't lose any of that beauty when it is raised. We think we have struck that balance with the beautiful lines of the roof."
Overall, what Bentley is calling "the world's most elegant four-seater convertible", an arguable claim, is a suitable update to the now discontinued Azure which completed its Final Series production in model year 2003. And being a suitable update, it's worthy to carry forward the revered Azure nomenclature.
The update will deliver a more accommodating interior than the past Azure, with greater width in front and rear, the latter by as much as 20 percent, impressive driving dynamics, a sumptuous interior, and style to die for.
"There is clearly nothing quite like this car in the world - it is in a niche of its own," stated Ashley Wickham, Bentley's chief
 |
| Bentley has every right to call its upcoming Azure "the world's most elegant four-seater convertible". (Photo: Bentley Motors) |
And after hearing these words in January of this year I wrote, "Expect the response to Bentley's latest 'concept' to be favourable and a new 2006 model year production version to show up soon.
While hardly the prognosticator of progrnosticators, as the concept's elegance and sheer majestry elevated it into a new league of desirability, that prediction did indeed come true and a new Azure is well on the way.
While only a few immortals will be able to pay the price of entry to take one home, at least aficionados of one of the world's most revered marque's will be able to admire it from afar.
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
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