The discontinuation of the first-gen Bentley Azure left a void in the luxury convertible market, and even as a coupe, the Bentley Continental GT couldn't fully replace the Azure's unique appeal. Tussles between BMW and Volkswagen could have been why Bentley didn't unveil another generation immediately, but in 2006, the British automaker revived the Azure name for the second generation. Like its predecessor, the second-gen Azure soon gained popularity as it was built for relaxed driving and comfort for all four passengers and had significantly more power thanks to Volkswagen's ingenuity. Yearning for open-air motoring with a touch of British luxury? This 2006 Bentley Azure review might convince you to reconsider your next car purchase.
Volkswagen's sole ownership of Bentley meant that Bentley cars no longer had to share platforms and engines with Rolls-Royce cars, which were under BMW when the 2006 Bentley Azure was put into production. Therefore, the 2006 Azure was based on the Bentley Arnage Drophead, and since Volkswagen had no choice, they retained the older 6.75-liter engine but now had twin turbochargers instead of one like in the first-generation Azure. Production was still slow, with 2006 seeing 113 second-gen Bentley Azures built at the automaker's plant in Crewe, England, which Volkswagen had also acquired as part of the Bentley ownership deal. The following years saw a slight increase in production and by the time the Azure was retired in 2009, Bentley had built an estimated 716 examples.
A pair of turbochargers strapped onto Bentley's 6.75-liter V8 not only meant more power but also better fuel efficiency and power delivery, which were both issues in early iterations of the engine. The power rating for the 2006 Bentley Azure with this engine was 450 horsepower, and 645 lb.ft sent to the rear wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission. During production, the 2006 Bentley Azure could do 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds and reach speeds of up to 168 mph, which is quite impressive in a car that weighs nearly 6000 pounds.
Taking advantage of the Arnage Drophead's long wheelbase, the 2006 Bentley Azure's cabin prioritized comfort above all else. Its generous proportions, evident in the excellent legroom and headroom for all four seats, provide a comfortable in-cabin experience for all passengers. Like with other Bentleys at the time and today, wood and leather dominate the cabin materials palette accented by chrome-plated metallic buttons, switches, and handles, and tasteful use of composite material where necessary. A unique touch for rear passengers added for the second generation Azure was the inclusion of dual opening handles for the front doors, allowing them to open the doors from the rear seat.
The 2006 Bentley Azure adopted modern design cues while retaining its predecessor's timeless appeal, especially at the front, which features dual LED headlights borrowed from the Continental GT Coupe. Bentley's main challenge was maintaining the car's elegance when the top was raised and retracted hand had to maintain a balance between the two. Moving further down from the roof, the 2006 Azure had larger wheel arches, a design adopted from the first-gen Azure Mulliner, and a tapered rear end culminated in Bentley's signature horseshoe trailing edge, which echoes the first Crewe-built Bentley, the 1946 Bentley MK6. A generous use of chrome brought together all angles of the 2006 Bentley Azure's exterior, adorning the headlights, taillights, exhaust tips, bumpers, sills, and the standard 19-inch alloy wheels.
While not overloaded with excessive technology, the 2006 Bentley Azure prioritized comfort and convenience for a luxurious driving experience. The front seats, now made by Bentley instead of BMW, incorporated two-stage heating, electric adjustability, a massaging function, and a memory function for the driver's seat. The most significant improvement was the roof and its operating mechanism. Bentley used three-ply material for the soft top to protect it from environmental elements and provide durability. Operating time was reduced to less than half of the first-gen Azure's roof operating time at 14 seconds and if functioning correctly, you can open and close the roof in 14 seconds both ways.
Having been discontinued not so long ago, the second-gen Azure prices are averagely higher than those of other older Bentleys. However, it still offers a cheaper entry point into Bentley ownership. If you're set on a 2006 Bentley Azure, expect to pay around $70,000, which might seem like a lot, but it's a significant decrease from what you could have paid Bentley to sell you one in 2006. At Exotic Car Trader, we share your passion for exceptional automobiles. Our extensive Bentley listings may include the perfect Bentley Azure to match your desires. Browse our listings at your leisure, and if you find a car that piques your interest, our team of experts is here to guide you through the buying process.
The 2006 Bentley Azure marked a highly anticipated return for the iconic convertible. Building upon the legacy of the first-generation Azure, it offered an excellent blend of power, comfort, and timeless design. It not only fulfilled the expectations of open-air motoring enthusiasts with a desire for ultimate luxury but also ushered in a new era of modernity for the Azure lineup. Exotic Car Trader creates an exclusive and safe way of buying and selling cars, eliminating the daunting experiences of private selling for buyers and sellers. Every vehicle listed on Exotic Car Trader goes through a private seller verification process, ensuring legitimacy for our buyers. Also, Exotic Car Trader's car buying process is well outlined, with all fees and packages providing our buyers with a seamless and inclusive experience. We can handle the escrow of funds at no additional cost to the buyer and seller, and we also provide trade-in and financing options for buyers. For transaction safety, our Transactions Team is world-class and equipped with industry fraud detection tools to ensure a safe and secure transaction. These are just some of the benefits you enjoy when buying or selling on Exotic Car Trader. Contact us for listing services or to buy a car on Exotic Car Trader today! If you're searching for a remarkable, almost-classic convertible that embodies the pinnacle of British automotive craftsmanship, the 2006 Bentley Azure might just be your perfect match.
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