Bentley's Azure: Happy Together

Cars are more than just modes of transportation. They’re a bona fide expression of self – a way to tell the world at large who you are, what you’re all about and how you like to live. They’re unique to you, much the way your relationship is with you and your significant other. Blending the two makes it fun to have His & Her cars, an automotive pair to match your marvelous coupling. For those endeavoring to accomplish this statement of togetherness, a bit of advice would be to choose cars made by the same company. We’ve chosen to examine the options from the famous Winged B.

Bentley has been associated with some of the most elegant, dramatic, powerful and beautiful cars on the road, something that harks back to its glory days. Notably, the Bentley Continental is all the rage, enormously bolstering Bentley’s worldwide sales. However, when selecting cars for you and your mate, it is important, we think, to choose vehicles that lend an air of exclusivity not only to your driveway, but to your relationship as well. It’s like saying, “See? We’re not like everyone else. We share something very special that is just for us.” Cars that state that subtly but assertively are the Bentley Azure and the Brooklands coupe.

We are under the impression that the lady of the house will adore the droptop freedom associated with the Azure, a true four-seat convertible, defining elegance, sophistication, power, and beauty in a sweet package. Inside, she’ll be surrounded by copious amounts of fine leather, a veritable forest of exquisite wood veneers, and a nickel-plated switchgear that complements the easy-to-read gauges. Underfoot, thick carpets ensure comfy feet, and an amazingly heavy top promises insulated motoring when not stowed. The Azure is available in a multitude of colors, and color matches are usually available, should she have a special preference for a certain hue.

The overall length of the Azure is exaggerated by the massive hood, which hides a formidable 6.75-liter engine with twin turbos. The 450 horsepower/645 lb-ft of torque lump propels the 5,942-pound convertible to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds and tops out at 171 mph. It’s enough go power to ensure that she’s never late.

While the vehicle’s design rather recalls the 1980s, rest assured that the Azure drives as well as any modern exotic car. Handling, despite its size and heft, is crisp and sharp, and braking is astonishing, courtesy of the largest set of brakes in the industry.

The Brooklands coupe is one of those handsome, imposing coupes that comes along only once in a great while. Namedto celebrate the bygone era when the BentleyBoys ruled the Brooklands racing circuit inthe 1920s, the car’s got the four P’s: power, prowess, presence and poise.

Outside, the Brooklands exhibits styling cues in alignment with the Bentley design motif, but surpasses them with a seriousness that is above and beyond other B cars. It is low slung with massive wheels, a subtle air outlet at the bottom of the front fenders and strong, long chrome appointments that lend much to its imposing appearance. Add to that the thick A-and B-pillars and a side glass area that brings to mind the lead-sled hot rods of the ‘50s, and you get the idea – this is a very serious machine indeed.

Under the hood resides a 6.75-liter V8 similar to the Azure’s. However this one hits the gym a few times a week, packing on an additional 80 horsepower and 130 lb-ft of torque. At 774 lb-ft, the Brooklands has the highest torque of any 8-cylinder automotive engine in the world. That additional influence pulls the 5,853-pound coupe to 60 mph in five seconds, and allows for a top speed of 184 mph. Thanks to a very stiff body and chassis, the Brooklands handles as well as much smaller cars.

Inside, the Brooklands offers supportive, comfortable seats and an exceedingly roomy back seat. The woods and leathers are of the highest quality, as are the nickelplated appointments. Driving the Brooklandsis a pleasure if you don’t press it too hard.Authoritative and aggressive, it leaves stoplightsbehind smartly and with supreme confidence.Once at 50 mph, introducing the acceleratorpedal to the luscious carpets will blast thecoupe to 70 mph in just over two seconds.That works out to ten mph per second, a figurethat very, very few cars can achieve, especiallyvehicles with this amount of heft.

Our recommendations are not set in stone, of course, but seeing as Bentley will only build 550 Brooklands and 400 Azures annually, purchasing them will ensure that you have something very special indeed.

*Manufacturer informational claims

Before Valentine’s Day, swing by the Bentley dealer at 999 Van Ness Avenue in San Francisco, 415-351-5102, or visit bentleymotors.com.