2009 Bentley Azure T

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 new 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.

The Azure’s already striking form is now enhanced by 20-inch 5-spoke wheels and tyres, ‘Le Mans’ front wing vents, dark tint matrix grille and a sculpted, retractable Flying ‘B’ mascot.

For the performance-oriented Azure T, the twin-turbocharged V8 engine produces 500bhp and 1000 Nm of torque – an 11 per cent increase in power and a 14 per cent increase in torque over its 450bhp/875 Nm Azure stable mate.

The famous Bentley wave of torque is even more prodigious than before and performance is significantly raised with a top speed of 179 mph (288 km/h) and a 0-60 mph time of just 5.2 seconds (0-100 km/h in 5.5 sec). Member of the Board, Sales and Marketing, Stuart McCullough comments:

“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 Azure’s double wishbone front and rear suspension is carried over to the 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.

As an option, Azure T owners may specify an upgraded braking system with carbon/silicon carbide, cross-drilled brake ventilated discs. Measuring 420 x 40 mm (front) and 356 x 28 mm (rear), these discs are the largest fitted to any production car on sale today. With eight-piston callipers, the brakes provide impressive deceleration and also give an 8 kg reduction in unsprung weight.

Compared with the Arnage, the Azure T benefits from significant stiffening members. These strengthened steel parts lie in the sill section of the car and extend into the A-pillars that form the windscreen frame. Beneath the front and rear of the Azure, carbon fibre cross-bracing members reinforce the whole bodyshell, while adding far less weight than steel.

 

In Detail

type	Series Production Car
built at	Crewe, England
engine	V8
aspiration	Twin Turbo
displacement	6750 cc / 381.4 in³
power	372.9 kw / 500 bhp
specific output	74.07 bhp per litre
torque	1000 nm / 737.6 ft lbs
body / frame	Unit Steel
driven wheels	RWD w/ESP
wheel type	5-spoke, 2-piece, Sport Alloy
front tires	255/40 ZR20 Pirelli P Zero
rear tires	255/40 ZR20 Pirelli P Zero
front brakes	Ventilated Carbon/Silicon Carbide Discs w/8-Piston Calipers
f brake size	40 x 420 mm / 1.6 x 16.5 in
rear brakes	Ventilated Carbon/Silicon Carbide Discs w/8-Piston Calipers
r brake size	28 x 356 mm / 1.1 x 14.0 in
front wheels	F 20 x 8.5 cm / 7.9 x 3.3 in
rear wheels	R 20 x 8.5 cm / 7.9 x 3.3 in
steering	Power Assisted, Speed Sensitive, Rack & Pinion
f suspension	Double Wishbones w/Computer-Controlled Adaptive Electro-Hydraulic Dampers
r suspension	Double Wishbones w/Computer-Controlled Adaptive Electro-Hydraulic Dampers
transmission	Six-speed ZF Automatic
top speed	~288.01 kph / 179 mph
0 – 60 mph	~5.2 seconds
0 – 100 mph	~12.1 seconds