2009 Bentley Azure T Los Angeles debut
November 13, 2008 by George Skentzos
The price tag of the Bentley Azure T may confine its ownership to only the most affluent of buyers, but its classic design and driver-focused performance ensures this is no chauffeur special.
As one of the few true four-seater luxury convertibles in the world, the Azure T stakes its reputation by offering class-leading performance.
The new Azure T boasts a high performance version of Crewe’s iconic 6¾-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine which develops 373kW and 1000Nm.
The signature Bentley ‘wave of torque’ delivers effortless performance, allowing the Azure T to sigh away from a stand still to 100km/h in just 5.5 and on to a top speed of 288km/h.
The gearbox is a ZF-developed 6-speed semi-automatic unit with three transmission modes: Drive, Sport and Manual, which allow the driver to take full advantage of the powerful V8 engine.
“The new Azure T reflects our passion for creating the world’s most exhilarating and prestigious convertibles that, true to the Bentley T tradition, blend sophistication with a powerful presence.”
The exterior offers a raft of discreet highlights which differentiate the ‘T’ from its stable mate whilst hinting at its increased performance potential.
These include five-spoke 20-inch two-piece alloy wheels, ‘Le Mans’ lower front wing air vents, dark-tinted grille, billet aluminium fuel cap and retractable Flying ‘B’ mascot.
“The Azure’s proportions provided us with the ideal platform to work with when creating the new Azure T. The prominent haunches and ‘supermodel’ body inspired our designers to create a new interpretation of a Bentley convertible with the accent placed on a more muscular, sporting stance.”
Inside, classic refinement such as Diamond quilted seat and door, and premium veneer highlights meet new-age technology such as an iPod interface linked to an Infotainment system.
The Azure T is available in the full Bentley range of 42 exterior colours, 25 interior hides, and the full range of premium veneers, plus the comprehensive line-up of Mulliner options and its bespoke colour-matching service that enable Bentley owners to create a uniquely personal car.
Tags: Bentley Azure T
1960’s ergonomics and 7 dead cows worth of interior do not a modern car make. Not that the target market that the LA launch hints at will care. Soon to be parked in the garages of rappers, drug dealers, late night talkshow hosts, soap stars and reality TV personalities desperately trying to stop the clock from ticking past 15 mins.
^ DLR, sentiments exactly.
WO Bentley hasn’t stopped spinning in his grave since VW took over the reigns and this won’t give him any reason to stop. That interior is genuinely shocking. It looks like mattel assigned barbie to do some under cover work for her own version that comes out in 2 years time.
I don’t even think Lady Penelope would take to it.
For those with money that have no taste.