LOS ANGELES, CA -- Billy Crystal used to do a parody on Saturday Night Live in the 80's based vaguely on Fernando Lamas. His Fernando was a silver haired gentleman of a certain age who would greet everyone with his trademark phrase, "You look Marvelous", followed by his sage advice that, " It's better to look good than to feel good". In the Bentley Azure almost anyone and everyone does look good.
My Azure came to me in a cafe au lait color that Bentley calls "Porcelain", with a cream colored interior they label "Portland", and a tobacco brown convertible top. It was very tasteful and simply gorgeous. However, if this combination doesn't suit, Bentley offers 39 paint colors, and will even custom match paint if none of the 39 are to your liking. The sumptuous leather upholstery is offered in only 21 different shades. It's nice to be rich.
Many upscale cars are subtle and understated, but this car looks expensive and is. Bentley loaned me a vehicle that has a base price of $330,000. Mine retails for a mere $354,545, before taxes, title, and license. The gas-guzzler tax alone is $4500, and the estimated annual fuel cost is over four grand.
The Azure is EPA estimated to get a whopping 9 miles per gallon in the city and only a somewhat better 15 mpg on the highway. However, the Azure is nearly 18 feet long and weighs 2 1/2 tons. Bentley has installed a twin turbo 6.75 liter V8 with 450 HP to move all of that mass. The Azure gets about the same mileage as a large SUV because it's virtually the same size and weight of one. The Azure, however, has a top speed of 171 MPH and goes from zero to sixty in 5.6 seconds, which is likely a tick faster than your Ford Expedition or Chevy Suburban.
But this car certainly isn't about fuel economy---it's about style. The Azure oozes sex and money; especially money. The hunchback of Notre Dame could get a date with this car. Pictures just don't do justice to the actual car. Somehow, it's more than the sum of it's parts---it's simply stunning.
As with a Duesenberg in its day, anyone in the actual presence of the Azure recognizes it as something special. However, also like a Duesenberg, which cost an amount equal to a nice house in it's time; the purchase of an Azure is the equivalent of buying a pretty nice house in most parts of this country today (LA and NYC excepted).
The design is inspired by the classic Bentley 1955 Park Ward S1 Drop Head Coupe, and is iconic, with a nice blend of retro combined with more modern elements. The front end shares the current design of the entire Bentley line, including the elegant Continental GT. The net effect is that of an instant classic.
In fact, I say, if you can afford the $350k, buy one now and store it for twenty years. At the end of that time, you will have a guaranteed Best of Class winner at Pebble Beach, if not Best of Show.
Bentley produced the previous model Azure from 1995-2002, and reintroduced the current model at Pebble Beach in 2005, for sale in 2006. Deliveries began in December 2006, and the Azure has just barely completed a full year of sales. Only 226 have been sold to date. Compared to the more popular Continental GT, which sells in the thousands each year, the Azure is a truly rare bird.
This is the car for Beverly Hills, South Beach, and the Cote d' Azur, which of course echoes in the very name of the car. This car reminds one of a more genteel lifestyle while making those otherwise annoying trips from the yacht club to your private banking office. Azure drivers, one imagines, must wear Navy Blue blazers and ascots. Surely they drink fine wines and clarets, Manhattans or Martinis. These people couldn't possibly drink Margaritas, Gallo, or Bud Light.
However, the car itself appeals to virtually every class. It strikes a chord in the heart of almost anyone that sees it. This is an "old Hollywood" movie star of a car. It just reeks of glamour with a capital G.
Initially I had assumed that the Azure would appeal to the more mature among us, but in fact people of all ages were drawn to the car. When I pulled into a Malibu parking lot to shoot some photos, four young men from East LA begged me to simply let them just to sit in it for one second in order to take a picture. While driving back that same day on the PCH from Malibu, a young man in his twenties honked at me and pulled alongside, so that he could give me a "thumbs up" before he pulled away. At another location the next day, A homeless looking man carrying several bags of his possessions stopped in front of me just to tell me what a pretty car this was.
As far as the driving experience, the Azure is at its best while cruising, but doesn't really like to work hard, unlike it's younger sibling the Continental GT. Even though both proudly wear the Bentley nameplate, these are two vastly different cars. Whereas the GT is a true sports car and a "driver's car", The Azure is really a boulevard cruiser. This car likes to lope along with no muss and no fuss, but it doesn't really like to be hurried and it's not inclined to break a sweat. It's a classic both in looks and driving characteristics.
The Azure shares the same chassis as the Arnage, and seems to harken back to the time when Rolls-Royce and Bentley were twins with different hood ornaments. This is a vehicle designed for the traditional Rolls/Bentley owner, but with a much sexier persona.
If you want a car that will get the prime parking spot from the valet at every upscale restaurant, this is it. If you want a car that will get you noticed, this is it. If you want a car that will make you feel special, this is it. If you want a car that will cosset you in luxury, this is it. If you want a car that you can drive aggressively into the turns and toss into the corners, this is not it. Buy two Continental GT's instead---his and hers.
However, for those who want the ultimate in style and luxury, and ultra exclusivity; this is the car for you.
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