NEW FOR 2006

Here we have yet another new car from Bentley -- a minor event considering the infrequency with which the British luxury brand releases vehicles. The four-seat Azure convertible returns to the lineup for 2006, riding on a platform borrowed from the Arnage sedan and, as such, has more leg- and headroom than any of the automaker's previous ragtops.

Of course, this car really is about the unmistakable panache that it delivers. Imagine looking down your nose at Mercedes-Benz SLs and the like as you motor past in this six-figure, nearly 18-foot long, convertible.

The Azure gets most of its design direction from the Arnage Drophead Coup concept that debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January 2005. Reaction to the car was so positive, it was hurried to production and once again takes the reins as the flagship of the Bentley model range. The biggest change from the show car is the addition of a lightweight, carbon fibre, under-floor cross brace that adds to the body stiffness.

Under the hood is Bentley's traditional 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, making 450 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque. Acceleration to 100km/h from zero comes in around six seconds, despite the car's substantial curb weight. The roof is artfully executed, with three layers and seven supports, it folds under a leather tonneau cover in under 30 seconds.

Big pimpin' personified

About as subtle as a Sherman tank