Azure(Introduced1995) Author: Reknine Bellsoth Posted Date: Sep 27 2007 11:07PM   Azure (Introduced 1995) On 7 March 1995, at the Geneva Motor Show, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Ltd unveiled a convertible version of the Continental R, which it called the Bentley Azure. This was the first first entirley new convertible since 1967. The much acclaimed Continental R lines were superbly adapted to convertible form with the assistance of Pininfarina of Italy, arguably the world leaders in convertible styling. Chris Woodwark, the then newly appointed Chief Executive of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Ltd (replacing Peter Ward) was delighted with this first new model following his appointment :"We have shown how we continue to develop new models that exceed the highest expectations of our customers and set new standards at the peak of the performance and luxury market. Great credit is due to the Bentley design team at Crewe and our colleagues at Pininfarina. We believe this to be the most exciting product announcement in recent years. It represents another major step forward for this company, and one in which we can all take great pride." Technical Specification Maximum Power 385 bhp at 4000 min-1 Maximum Torque 553 lbft between 2000 & 3450 Maximum Speed 150 mph (231.4 kp/h) Acceleration (0-60mph) 6.3 seconds Fuel Consumption Urban: 10.9 mpg Highway: 21.6 mpg Combined: 15.9 mpg Wheelbase 120.5 ins Overall Length 17 ft 6.3 ins Overall Width 6 ft 9 ins Overall Height 4 ft 10.1 ins Turning Circle 39 ft 10.7 ins STYLE Two door open tourer, with accommodation for four adults. Fully powered hood with single button operation. Modern, contoured body style with wrap-around and colour-matched bumpers.   TECHNOLOGY State of the art computer simulation methods used to design a rigid and refined body structure. Automatic ride control provides computer control of the suspension dampers to optimise ride comfort and handling. Transmission shift energy management and adaptive shift control provide computer control of the gearbox to produce smooth gear changes under all conditions. Dynamic shift pattern (DSP) modifies the gear change points in "normal" mode according to driving style. Zytek EMS3 engine management system provides high density 32x32 site bit-maps for fueling and ignition, enabling more accurate engine mapping, so providing greater efficiency, power and almost instant throttle response. CFC-free air conditioning system.   PERFORMANCE 6.75 litre V8 engine with exhaust driven turbocharger and liquid-cooled charge cooler. Digital boost control system. 7.5J x 17 aluminum alloy wheels fitted with directional 255/55WR17 tyres provide responsive steering and sure-footed roadholding in both wet and dry conditions. Viscous control differential provides optimum sharing of the engine's power output between the driven wheels for optimum traction and control. Centre console-mounted gearshift with sport/standard gear change pattern selector. Four speed electronically controlled automatic gearbox with torque converter lock-up.  http://www.darkforce.com/royce/benaz.htm No Related Blogs