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Bentley Azure 6.8 i V8 (408 Hp)
Overall Rating
Bentley Azure:
The Bentley Azure is a four-seater convertible grand tourer produced by British automobile manufacturer Bentley Motors. The first version debuted in 1995 on the Bentley Continental R platform and was made until 2003. After a three-year break, a completely new version debuted in 2006 and was produced until 2010. It was powered by a significantly updated engine and based on the newer Arnage platform.
The name was taken from earlier Robert Jankel sportier 2-door conversions that evolved into the Continental R. The Azure debuted in March 1995 at the Geneva Motor Show on the platform of the Continental R model, which had been originally launched in 1991. Production only crept to a start, with a mere nine examples finished in the first year – in 1996, after full production had started, no less than 251 cars were finished. Pininfarina assisted in the two-year process of turning the Continental R into a full four-seater convertible, and also built the shell and soft-top at their factory in Italy, largely from parts sourced in the UK. Final assembly was then carried out at Crewe. A roll-bar was never considered, which necessitated extensive reinforcing of the chassis. At 210 in in length and 2,608 kg in weight, the Azure often surprised onlookers with its size and bulk, intended to both convey a sense of "presence" and allow for comfortable seating of four adult passengers....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Azure Overview:
Bentley Azure (Azure). With 750 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. At around 2610 kg, it’s on the heavier side. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 6.7 s). The top speed reaches 240 km/h. A convertible car with a retractable roof, offering open-air driving experiences. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Bentley Azure generation was not tested by Euro NCAP, which is typical for low-volume, high-luxury vehicles of its era. It featured standard safety systems like ABS.
6.8 i V8 (408 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Delivers robust and smooth performance, providing ample power for comfortable and swift grand touring, characteristic of Bentley.
Fuel Economy
High fuel consumption at 17.8 l/100 km, typical for a luxury V8 of its size and era.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Unparalleled luxury and craftsmanship
- • Powerful and smooth V8 engines
- • Exclusive and timeless design
- • Exceptional ride comfort
- • Open-top grandeur
Cons:
- • Very high fuel consumption
- • Significant running and maintenance costs
- • Large size can be cumbersome in urban environments
- • Limited practicality (trunk space)
- • High depreciation
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Bentley |
| Model: | Azure |
| Generation: | Azure |
| Modification (Engine): | 6.8 i V8 (408 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1995 |
| End of production: | 2005 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Cabriolet |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 408 Hp @ 4000 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 60.5 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 750 Nm @ 2000 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 6748 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Turbocharger |
| Engine oil capacity: | 9.4 l |
| Coolant: | 18 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 104.14 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 99.06 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 8:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 25.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 13.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 17.8 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 6.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 6.7 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 240 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 6.4 kg/Hp, 156.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 3.5 kg/Nm, 287.4 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 6.4 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 2610 |
| Max. weight: | 2980 |
| Max load: | 370 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 193 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 100 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5350 mm mm |
| Width: | 1878 mm mm |
| Height: | 1475 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 3061 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1549 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1549 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 255/55 R17 |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
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