Bentley Azure T, 2009
Stylish and powerful, the new Bentley Azure T is the world's most elegant convertible and destined to become a future classic. With unique Bentley 'T' styling cues reinforcing its sporting stance, the 500bhp Azure T delivers driver-focused performance with the ability to transport four adults in first-class, open-top luxury.
The Bentley Azure T, specified with the high performance version of Crewe's iconic 6¾ litre V8 engine, is the latest in a line of Bentley models to bear the 'T' legend. The 1996 Continental coupe was the first modern Bentley 'T', followed in 2002 by the Arnage T, both flagship models with a distinctive sporting character and thunderous performance.
A UNIQUE OPEN-TOP MOTORING EXPERIENCE
Based on the Azure, the Bentley Azure T offers a range of discreet exterior cues that further enhance its powerful stance and hint at its increased performance potential. Key ingredients of its distinctive appearance include design features 20-inch five-spoke, two-piece alloy wheels and 'Le Mans' lower front wing air vents.
Further distinguishing points from the Azure are standard features such as dark-tinted upper and lower grilles, 'jewel' fuel filler cap (made from billet aluminium) and door mirror mountings finished in body colour.
Like the Bentley Brooklands, the Azure T sports the iconic Flying 'B' mascot, which can retract neatly into the grille surround. Originally designed by motoring artist F. Gordon Crosby, the 'B' was first used on the 1930 Bentley 8-Litre.
EFFORTLESS PERFORMANCE FROM MIGHTY V8
The engine and transmission of the Bentley Azure T are identical to those already employed in the high-performance Arnage T and Arnage Final Series saloons. In this specification, Bentley's remarkable all-aluminium 6¾ litre V8 engine produces 500 bhp (507PS/373kW) and 1000 Nm (738lb ft) of torque - with over 90 per cent of that torque available between 1,800 and 3,800 rev/min - figures that ensure the signature Bentley 'wave of torque' delivers effortless performance for a unique open-top convertible driving experience.
Each of these hand-made V8 engines comes with a black-finish air intake manifold bearing the signature of the team leader who oversaw its construction by Bentley technicians in the Crewe factory. The six-speed ZF automatic transmission ensures optimum flexibility, response and refinement. Three transmission modes (Drive, Sport and Manual) allow the driver to take full advantage of the powerful 500 bhp V8 engine.
A sophisticated electronic management system provides fast yet smooth gearshifts regardless of how the car is being driven. Another important feature of the latest Bentley Azure T is the separation of the sports suspension and sports gearbox settings, allowing the driver to select their preference for each system independently - via a 'Sport' switch on the dashboard for the suspension and by positioning the gear lever for the transmission's Sport mode.
Bentley's V8 guarantees outstanding performance levels. From standstill, acceleration to 60 mph is achieved in just 5.2 seconds (0-100 km/h 5.5 seconds), 100 mph reached in 12.1 seconds (160 km/h in 12.0 seconds) and a top speed of 179 mph (288 km/h) is possible.
DYNAMIC HANDLING, SUPERB RIDE AND AWESOME BRAKING
The Azure's double wishbone front and rear suspension is carried over to the Bentley Azure T unaltered. Set-up and fine-tuned to give a refined ride that best suits the character of this convertible Bentley, the system features coil springs with computer-controlled, adaptive electro-hydraulic dampers and automatic ride-height control with auto-load compensation.
The Azure T's suspension delivers impressive body control in all driving conditions, while the new five-spoke, two-piece 8.5J x 20-inch Sports alloy wheels with 255/40 ZR20 Pirelli P Zero tyres further improve handling and road holding.
EXQUISITE CRAFTSMANSHIP
Befitting its role as a new Bentley flagship convertible, the Bentley Azure T embodies a range of standard features that were previously unavailable or only available as cost options on the Azure. The seats and door panels have Diamond Quilting, the fascia features an 'engine-turned' aluminium finish (reminiscent of 1920s racing Bentleys), and the instrument faces are finished in Black rather than Parchment.
BENTLEY AZURE T TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
POWERTRAIN o Engine type: 90-degree V8 Twin-turbocharged
o Engine displacement: 6¾ litres, 6761 cc
o Maximum power: 500 bhp / 507 PS / 373 kW @ 4200 rpm
o Maximum torque: 738 lb ft / 1,000 Nm @ 3,200 rpm
o Compression ratio: 7.8:1
o Emission standards: EU IV / US LEV II
o Transmission: 6-speed ZF automatic gearbox with semi-automatic and sports functions 6-speed ZF automatic gearbox with semi-automatic and sports functions
PERFORMANCE 0-60 mph: 5.2 sec
0-100 km/h: 5.5 sec
0-100 mph: 12.1 sec
0-160 km/h: 12.0 sec
Top speed: 179 mph/288 km/h
CHASSIS- Steering: 3.18 turns lock-to-lock
- Type: Speed sensitive, hydraulic power assisted, rack and pinion steering system
- Suspension: Double wishbones front and rear, with coil springs and computer-controlled adaptive, electro-hydraulic damping system (ARC) and automatic ride-height control with auto load compensation and headlamp levelling
- Brakes: Micro-alloy ventilated discs, Hydraulically boosted front and rear circuits with stability control system
FUEL CONSUMPTION- Urban: 28.8 (litres/100km) / 9.8 mpg
- Extra-urban: 14.1 (litres/100km) / 20.1 mpg
- Combined: 19.5 (litres/100km) / 14.5 mpg
- CO2 (EU): 465 g/km (combined)
DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES o Overall length: 5410 mm (212.60 in)
o Overall width: 2125 mm (83.66 in) including door mirrors
o Overall height: 1492 mm (58.74 in)
o Wheelbase: 3116 mm (122.68 in)
o Front track: 1608 mm (63.13 in)
o Rear track: 1608 mm (63.13 in)
o Width: 1900 mm (74.8 in) with mirrors folded
o Luggage compartment: 0.316m3 / 310 litres / 10.95 cu ft
WEIGHTS- Kerb weight: 2695 kg (5699 lbs)
- Gross vehicle weight: 3065 kg (7948 lbs)
- Front axle weight: 1535 kg (3384 lbs)
- Rear axle weight: 1615 kg (3560 lbs)
- Fuel tank capacity: 96.0 litres (25.3 US gallons)
The Bentley Silver Wings Concept also features a raised beltline and diminishing character lines that help define the supercar embodiment of this concept and elongate the rear-end of this vehicle. This really is the Bentley of supercars... 
