The Bentley Azure T convertible

On Sale:
Fall 2009

Expected Pricing:
$350,000-$375,000

The Bentley Azure T convertible may well be the last of the big Bentleys powered by the venerable 6-3/4 liter turbocharged engine. The 2010 Azure T combines the prodigious power of the Brooklands Coupe with four-passenger, open-air driving in near incomparable luxury. Traditional Bentley upgrades set the T apart from lesser Azure models, including more elaborate luxury and features, greater performance, and styling details.

Although engine size remains constant, the state of tune is a significant percentage higher, now with 500 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque on call. That infinite well of mid-range power, which surpasses virtually everything on the road not carrying a V12 AMG or TDI badge, lets the Azure ride a seemingly endless wave of thrust like a Swan sailing yacht surfs large swells. One does hear it, but only in the fore when reaching 60 mph in just more than five seconds and a top speed of nearly three miles per minute.

Driving characteristics are tightened somewhat to match the power but this car is more about surprising grip relative the cosseting ride rather than taut, svelte and tossable sports car. The stability systems have been relaxed to better enjoy the 20-inch tires, monumental brakes and the six-speed automatic's sport or manual modes.

Visual distinctions include dark tinted matrix mesh grilles, front fender LeMans vents, retractable Flying B hood ornament, body-color mirrors, twin tailpipes, and a jewel fuel cap carved from a chunk of aluminum. With 42 paint shades, 25 upholstery colors and eight types of wood, the 8400 permutations far exceed build quantities but "to sample" arrangements can be made through the Mulliner program.

Bentley's embossed logo diamond-quilted leather adorns the cabin, itself large enough to comfortably accommodate four adults. There is more knurling applied to switchgear and the organ-stop pull knobs, while the instrument panel is engine-turned aluminum with black-face gauges inset. Modern concessions include an iPod/USB interface and SD card slot, though original source recordings will reproduce best on the 1.1-kilowatt Naim sound system.

The rigid structure of the Azure, which includes carbon-fiber bracing, is more than capable of handling the extra performance and the multi-layer folding soft top is completely automated and does not reduce trunk room.

An Azure T will likely mark the pinnacle of the Arnage/Azure line, ensuring its potential collectibility, but the Azure T is to be driven and experienced with friends and not relegated to a time capsule.

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