- Powerful 6.8-litre twin-turbo V8 engine
- Comfortable ride
- Sumptuous interior
- Open-top appeal
- Weight blunts agility
- Poor fuel economy
- High maintenance costs
Review: Bentley Mk.2 Azure (2007-09)
Overview
Released in 2007, the Bentley Mk.2 Azure was a two-door, four-seat convertible with a soft-top roof. Manufactured in Crewe, England, the rear-whell drive Azure was powered by a 6.8-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine. In October 2009, the Azure range was expanded with the introduction of the more powerful Azure T.
The 6.75-litre pushrod V8 engine had an aluminium-silicon alloy block, two low-inertia Mitsubishi turbochargers, two valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 7.8:1. A six-speed ZF automatic transmission – with selectable Drive, Sport and Semi-Automatic modes – was standard across the range.
Based on the Arnage platform, the Mk.2 Azure was 5410 mm long, 1915 mm wide, 1492 mm tall and had a 3116 mm long wheelbase. The Azure, however, was also fitted with carbon-fibre, under-floor cross braces to stiffen the body, while its hydraulically-operated soft-top roof which could be opened or closed in 30 seconds. Furthermore, the Azure had double wishbone suspension front and rear with electronically-controlled dampers.
| Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azure | 2007-09 | 6.8-litre twin turbo petrol V8 | 6sp auto | 336 kW at 4100 rpm | 875 Nm at 1800 rpm |
| Azure T | 2009 | 6.8-litre twin turbo petrol V8 | 6sp auto | 373 kW at 4200 rpm | 1000 Nm at 3200 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment included dual front airbags, front and rear seat-mounted side (thorax) airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
The Azure was also fitted with ventilated front and rear disc brakes, measuring 348 mm at the front and 345 mm at the rear.
Features
Standard features for the Azure included 19-inch alloy wheels with 255/45 Pirelli P-Zero tyres, a ten speaker audio system with a six-disc CD player, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, satellite navigation, power adjustable front seats with memory settings, heated front seats, leather upholstery, cruise control, bi-xenon headlights with washers, front and rear parking sensors, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, power retracting mirrors, an electrochromatic rear view mirror, 12 volt power outlets, a trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser.
The Azure T was further equipped with 20-inch five-spoke alloy wheels with 255/40 Pirelli P Zero tyres. Visually, the Azure T was distinguished by its ‘Le Mans’ lower front wing air vents, dark-tinted mesh grille and a billet aluminium fuel filler cap.
Brochures
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