The Bentley Azure is a convertible grand tourer that first appeared in 1995 and continued in the first phase until 2003. After a three-year gap, a new model was launched in 2006, which continued until 2009. The revamped Azure was based on the Arnage cars, and the Azure T was the higher-performance version of the Azure. The car exterior was primarily based on the Bentley Mark VI shape. The 2009 Bentley Azure T is a soft-top, 2 door convertible that comes in a single trim and can seat four people. Standard features included a power-operated cloth top 20-inch wheels and vast customization options in wheels, badging, interior materials, and exterior color choices.
The Bentley Azure T has been reviewed as the “world’s most elegant convertible,” it lives up to the Bentley T label's classic styling and performance benchmarks. The car is heavyweight at almost 6,000 pounds or 2.7 tonnes body weight and has 500 horsepower with 738 pound-feet of torque, which is slightly more potent than the base Azure model. The Azure T’s engine offers driving pleasure and the required muscle to let you enjoy speeding in this high-end luxury car. The engine is a 6¾ liter V8 engine and speeds to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds without even letting you feel the acceleration. The only drawback is the poor fuel economy, even for the luxury car segment. If running cost is not your concern, this car is for you. The car is large and can take corners well, although the best performance is experienced on straight roads with minimal turns, preferably with the top down.
While the car's exterior is impressive, the cabin is also remarkable, which is expected considering the car's pedigree. It is finished in the signature Bentley wood trim and soft leather, offering an opulent look in any finish or color. The interior has a lot of finish options for the wood trim, carpets, and leather colors, all of which offer classic old-world luxury. The Azure T also offers diamond-quilted leather seat trimming and alloy pedals for the controls to give you additional cool vibes. While the car is spacious, the lack of rear doors means that entry and exit from the back seat can become undignified, especially if you are built on the larger side. The front seats are power-adjusted and have memory functions for the driver’s side. Climate control is specific for different areas of the car, and parking sensors are installed in both the front and rear. Controls for the audio and navigation system are unattractive and can appear mismatched, which can be painful to see in such a beautiful interior. The Naim sound system is exquisite in its performance and has ten speakers and a six-disc CD changer. The steering wheel is adjustable but is not telescopic, which can be inconvenient.
The basic Azure model also has an attention-grabbing exterior, but this goes much further in the Azure T due to enhancements like 20-inch tires, 5-spoke alloy wheels, slit-eyed front vents, a dark tinted grille, and the retractable Flying ‘B’ mascot. The chassis benefits from a stiffer body compared to other Bentley peer models, like the Arnage. The strengthened steel parts are in the window section of the car and in the pillars that frame the windscreen. The car also benefits from carbon-fiber cross braces that reinforce the body without additional weight, helping the vehicle stay under the 3-tonne body weight. The folding roof moves hydraulically at the touch of a button. The three-layer roof folds into its compartment in 25 seconds without compromising the boot space.
The Azure T is fitted with a 6 ¾ V8 twin-turbo engine producing 500 horsepower and 737.6 feet pounds of torque. It also has 20-inch alloy wheels factory-fitted with Pirelli P Zero tires for optimum road performance. There is also an optional upgraded braking system with cross-drilled brake discs, the largest fitted to any production vehicle. These offer power deceleration and help reduce the car’s weight. The car is restricted to a max speed of 179-mph, reaching 60 mph in 5.2 seconds and 100 mph in 12 seconds. The suspension is identical to that of the base Azure models but is fine-tuned to accommodate the convertible structure of the T. The car also has computerized adaptive dampers and automated height and load compensation for optimum driving.
The Bentley Azure T is an expensive, luxurious car, ideal for those who value traditional craftsmanship and engineering. The vehicle is not economical to keep, but it is not designed for those who have fuel economy as a priority. The car is rare, making it an exclusive find, and prices will vary according to the car’s condition and maintenance status. However on average you can expect to pay around $90,000 for one in good condition.
Old-school, performance-rich, and heavy luxury cars are slowly dying out, but the Azure T retains its classic performance even now. The car offers an experience that we will soon just be talking about. The mix of speed and refined luxury is a mix that you need to experience to appreciate fully. The Azure T is the best four-seat convertible on the road in terms of looks, performance, and experience. You need to look no further for the ultimate performance convertible. Visit Exotic Car Trader today to check out the available Bentley Azure T.
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