We once had a sign in our foyer (back when we had a foyer) stolen from the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, on the famed Cote d'Azur. For some reason, we never connected the Bentley Azure's name with the wealthy playboys and topless beachgoing women on the coast of Southern France. Our foyer seemed more evocative of the region than the Bentley. Nevertheless, the Volkswagen division announced the ressurection of the Azure nameplate for its new Arnage-based convertible at Pebble Beach over the weekend.
First shown in Los Angeles (which we much more closely associate the car with), the new drophead fits with the corporate plan of the bewinged B, according to Bentley boardmember Adrian Hallmark, "The exclusivity, style, luxury and performance of the new Bentley convertible flagship evoke the Riviera lifestyle like no other, fully justifying the revival of the Azure name." Park that in your foyer, buster. [Update: Bentley will likely have more information (and some sheetmetal) at the Frankfurt show this September.]
Bentley Revives Azure name for New Flagship Convertible [Dubspeed]
Related:
Bentley Unveils Arnage Show Car at Los Angeles Show [Internal]