Aug. 2008
During the "Monterey Weekend" I was invited to sample the current models from Bentley at a great location in Carmel Valley, just past the Quail Lodge. We were given our choice of Continental GT and GTC Speed's, Flying Spur Speed's and Arnage T's. But off in the back were the objects of my desire: a black Azure and an unexpected Brooklands Coupe, the ultimate Bentley.
About 10 years ago I was given a ride in an Arnage and it was a big deal. I had grown to love the big classic Bentley's and I fantasized of Sedanca's, Continental T's, Black Labels and Azures. If my dream garage featured a McLaren F1 then my other car was a Sedanca. I had read about the lambs wool rugs, 18 coats of paint, hand stitched steering wheels and power listed audaciously as "adequate." I was told that these full-size, imposing machines were were works of art more so than just a car...and I totally bought it.
I followed the news of the "Baby Bentley" and what became spy shots of the new Continental GT closely and it was sleek and fast, but as much as I tried it never ever made me drop my jaw like the old '90's tanks. Since Volkswagen had taken over Bentley, the GT represented the changing of the guard, and what looked like the demise of the worlds last real Bentley. The Arnage puttered along, basically unchanged, and because of that the Azure convertible hung on by a thread and it was our only hope at a rebirth, someday. Even though the new VW Bentley models would be better in every way (they go, stop and turn better and have all the electric goods you'd expect), something was missing.
In 2003 the old Azure, based on the Continental Coupe was discontinued and slowly sold out and a new Azure with underpinnings from the current Arnage was developed. The classic V8 with twin turbos now (instead of the single unit) was mated to a 6-speed transmission and the massive drop-top made it's debut in 2006. With 450 hp and insane torque (645 lb/ft @ 1800 rpm) the new Azure scurries to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds and carries a top speed of 168 mph. Not bad for a nearly 6,000 lb vehicle.
In terms of the exterior, it was as if the designers looked at the classics from the recent past, used their new German wallet and came up with a timeless design that was described as the worlds ultimate convertible. Stately, modern and instantly recognizable, the new Azure was a keeper and had renewed my faith in the company from Crewe.
What's lost in photos is the sheer size and proportions of these full size Bentley's. Standing next to one, you are reminded of the tall, classic American convertibles of a lifetime ago, with overhangs and body lines that go on forever. With the Azure, everything is built around these dimensions. The doors are long and heavy, allowing for access to the wide rear seats. Real American adults can sit back there with room to spare. The front recliners are soft and accommodating and there isn't a chance you'll brush shoulders with your travel companion.
We were the first to head out with the Azure and we had full reign along Carmel Valley Road as the fog tried to burn off that morning. Out of principal we kept the top down and resorted to seat heaters to help warm the flawless swaths of autumn leather while the back seat was unheated and cold at speed. The classic vanilla dials and shiny switchgear, framed by book matched Vavona wood veneers and double stitched leather details, reminded me of the substantial old world feel of the Continentals I grew up loving.
We trundled over the steel Carmel River bridge and merged with the faster road ahead. I pointed the Azure along our intended path, pressed the accelerator to the floor and we made our way toward triple digit speeds. It was painless, sudden and firm- no question about torque. The 6-speed transmission kicked down quickly and the turbos subtly spooled; only a faint woosh could be heard. Steering was light but well connected to the large, bank-vault wheels and the driving position solid, allowing a commanding view out over the long hood and the legendary 'B'.
On my way back to base, I pressed the sport button near the gear selector and kept a brisk pace over the hills of the Coastal Range. Holding decent rpm's in 4th gear (redline is at a silly-low 4100), you can kick down a gear and press hard and the black glossy tank does it's best freight train impression. A guaranteed smile. The Azure lives up to expectations and is as fun to drive as it is rare; I think half of it comes from tricking it's heft and size. It's no secret though, that I'm not really a convertible person myself. I'm more into coupes and my eye is on the new Brooklands next.
In 2003 the old Azure, based on the Continental Coupe was discontinued and slowly sold out and a new Azure with underpinnings from the current Arnage was developed. The classic V8 with twin turbos now (instead of the single unit) was mated to a 6-speed transmission and the massive drop-top made it's debut in 2006. With 450 hp and insane torque (645 lb/ft @ 1800 rpm) the new Azure scurries to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds and carries a top speed of 168 mph. Not bad for a nearly 6,000 lb vehicle.
In terms of the exterior, it was as if the designers looked at the classics from the recent past, used their new German wallet and came up with a timeless design that was described as the worlds ultimate convertible. Stately, modern and instantly recognizable, the new Azure was a keeper and had renewed my faith in the company from Crewe.
What's lost in photos is the sheer size and proportions of these full size Bentley's. Standing next to one, you are reminded of the tall, classic American convertibles of a lifetime ago, with overhangs and body lines that go on forever. With the Azure, everything is built around these dimensions. The doors are long and heavy, allowing for access to the wide rear seats. Real American adults can sit back there with room to spare. The front recliners are soft and accommodating and there isn't a chance you'll brush shoulders with your travel companion.
We were the first to head out with the Azure and we had full reign along Carmel Valley Road as the fog tried to burn off that morning. Out of principal we kept the top down and resorted to seat heaters to help warm the flawless swaths of autumn leather while the back seat was unheated and cold at speed. The classic vanilla dials and shiny switchgear, framed by book matched Vavona wood veneers and double stitched leather details, reminded me of the substantial old world feel of the Continentals I grew up loving.
We trundled over the steel Carmel River bridge and merged with the faster road ahead. I pointed the Azure along our intended path, pressed the accelerator to the floor and we made our way toward triple digit speeds. It was painless, sudden and firm- no question about torque. The 6-speed transmission kicked down quickly and the turbos subtly spooled; only a faint woosh could be heard. Steering was light but well connected to the large, bank-vault wheels and the driving position solid, allowing a commanding view out over the long hood and the legendary 'B'.
On my way back to base, I pressed the sport button near the gear selector and kept a brisk pace over the hills of the Coastal Range. Holding decent rpm's in 4th gear (redline is at a silly-low 4100), you can kick down a gear and press hard and the black glossy tank does it's best freight train impression. A guaranteed smile. The Azure lives up to expectations and is as fun to drive as it is rare; I think half of it comes from tricking it's heft and size. It's no secret though, that I'm not really a convertible person myself. I'm more into coupes and my eye is on the new Brooklands next.
Ahh, yes. The Brooklands. Bentley's latest, limited production super-coupe. The car you drive from London to Monaco on a caviar-induced whim, and enjoy every second. You basically take an Azure, add a sleek roof instead of the bowed cloth-top, and use all the performance gear that'll fit. New 20" wheels hide impressive ceramic-composite brakes (actually, the largest in the world) that off-set the "adequate" power bump from the Arnage and Azure. Now we're dealing with 550 hp and 774 lb/ft of torque...god damn.
Only 550 will be built (this one priced at $391,465) and as rare as it is to merely see one, driving one is a true event. You won't find the level of technology in this Bentley as in, say, a CL65 Mercedes, but what the Brooklands looses in the nerd department it more than makes up with pure style.
This is my favorite interior of any car without a doubt. With it's rich smelling Burnt Oak hides, contrasting chrome stainless steel details (especially the beveled gear lever- a tiny work of art in it's own right) and the cigar parlor feel, you take this car a lot more seriously than the convertible it's based upon. I don't know quite how to explain it. It's more grown-up and brutal, like the first time you take a shot of 151 or try on a heavy bomber jacket, it's got that certain swagger.
Everything about the experience was a serious step up from the cosseting Azure in terms of performance and feel. We took the same route as earlier and I was continuously planted to the quilted leather over and over as I summoned every ounce of turbo-charged torque. I nearly tripled the speed limit for just a second and it was silly easy. Just stand on the chunky gas pedal and smugly go about your day. I assume an accent helps.
I love the profile, the dimensions and details of this old-world continental barger. The mysterious floating rear glass, long rear overhang and raked roof make it the perfect pillar-less coupe. Can you tell I'm a fan? It checks boxes that the CL or even a 612 Ferrari can't. I won't tell you it's a better car than those, but it is certainly more rare and special, and for the few that can afford such things, sometimes that's all that matters.
With the Brooklands, my dreams of the classic Bentley living on are realized. It's every bit the brutish, stately icon I've missed, minus the faulty wiring, creaking chassis and leaking mineral oil suspension. That I don't mind Volkswagen improving. And I know I keep going back to the CL comparison, but Mercedes has come up with some pretty amazing features like Distronic Cruise Control, Dynamic seats, and night vision to name a few. Although I'd be only slightly jealous when one stops next to me at a red light and I imagine the Mercedes owner would more than share the sentiment. While I would probably have a hard time convincing my accountant (if I had one) that one of these machines is worth twice that of a CL65, I wouldn't feel the same sense of pride in ownership as I would with this rare English coupe. After all, it's more than just a car.
PS. I asked the Bentley folks which car is the most fun to drive and they suggested the Flying Spur Speed. We took a dark blue sedan around the block and it was hollow and predictable, an observation that personifies the new-school Bentley's. I even forgot to take a picture. And it probably didn't help it's case that we had just driven their two best models right before.
Was it quick? No doubt. But give me an S-Class or Quattroporte any day and I'll keep the change.
A very big thank you to Bentley and Steve Pedone, without whom this article woud not have been possible.
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