Throughout its production, the Bentley Azure was produced without a sporting variant like other Bentley models, such as the Bentley Arnage. This was until 2010 when Bentley unveiled the 2010 Bentley Azure T, which we'll be looking into in this review. However, as you'll find out why in a minute, it wasn't part of the Azure lineup. But it had the Azure's elegance inside and out, and with more power, it ignited a higher demand amongst buyers, promising a more engaging open-top experience not only for the driver but for other occupants as well.
Before BMW even owned Bentley, it was under Rolls-Royce; hence, the first generation Azure shared a platform and an engine with the Rolls-Royce Corniche, which was also a luxury convertible. As Bentley changed ownership to BMW and Volkswagen solely Volkswagen in the end, the Azure's production remained unaltered and would go on until 2002, when the first generation was discontinued. While the 2010 Bentley Azure T shares its name with the standard Azure, it was based on the Bentley Arnage T Final Series. Thus, some sources, mostly registries, cite it as part of the Arnage range. Its production was brief, with 80 examples rolling off Bentley's plant in Crewe, England.
In Bentley's history, the "T" designation has signified high-performance variants. It first appeared on the 1996 Continental T, marking a clear shift towards a more powerful and driver-focused version of the base model. This tradition continued in 2002 with the introduction of the Bentley Arnage T and in 2010 with the Azure T. The 2010 Bentley Azure T came standard with a 6.75-liter twin-turbocharged V8 from the Arnage T final series with 500 horsepower and 737 lb.ft sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission with a torque converter. The only disadvantage the 2010 Azure T had was that it was heavier, weighing 5,941 pounds, but provided this didn't have an impact on its performance, nobody seemed to care. 0-60 mph during production is estimated to have taken 5.5 seconds, and top speed, on the other hand, was higher than the standard Azure, topping out at 179 mph.
Inside the 2010 Bentley Azure T, leather graces almost every surface you touch. Even the trunk rail behind the rear seats is covered with leather, resulting in a pleasing appeal, unlike in most convertibles where you'd find a hard plastic or body-colored metal contrasting with the interior colors. The seats are covered in quilted leather, exemplifying quality craftsmanship, which is also evident through the wood heavily used on the dashboard. Chrome details accentuate the vents, buttons, knobs, dials, speaker surrounds, and door handles, enhancing the cabin's overall aesthetic.
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Like the Bentley Arnage T Final Series, the 2010 Bentley Azure's T exterior is all about elegance, but being a two-door, it injects a dose of sporting dynamism. Its centerpiece is undoubtedly its roof, designed to mimic a coupe's roofline when closed, and when open, it transforms the car into a stunning drophead. Exclusive to the Azure T, Bentley added some subtle distinguishing touches, such as the two-piece five-spoke 20-inch alloy wheels and a Bentley Flying B hood ornament as standard.
The late 2000s and early 2010s saw manufacturers heavily investing in-car technology. Some of the best features the 2010 Bentley Azure T had to offer include an iPod/USB-connecting point, ensuring occupants could always stay connected to their favorite playlists on the go. For those who demanded exceptional sound, Bentley offered an optional Naim for Bentley 10-speaker sound system, which wasn't just any sound system. It incorporated a dual channel subwoofer, an 1100-watt amplifier, and eight individual Digital Signal Processor (DSP) modes, all working together to create a concert-like atmosphere even with the roof down. For CD lovers, there was still a 6-CD changer in the trunk. Enough about its tech features. Let's talk about getting behind the wheel of the 2010 Azure T and experiencing the rest of its tech suite firsthand.
Being a limited edition model, the 2010 Bentley Azure T's price tag was astronomical, as its base MSRP was approximately $370,000. Today, its market value averages around half that. One was listed on RM Sotheby's Open Roads Auction in April 2021 and expected to sell for between $170,000 and $190,000 but did not sell for unstated reasons. But it's also common to find examples selling for lower figures towards $100,000, and if it's the budget you have, Exotic Car Trader has you covered. We deal with all Bentley models and elusive ones like the 2010 Bentley Azure T are our team's specialty. Feel free to go through our Bentley listings, and if you change your mind about the 2010 Azure T, there are other Bentley Azure examples waiting for you. If you have any questions or need help navigating the buying process, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Steeped in Bentley's legacy, the "T" designation denoted a commitment to performance, and the 2010 Azure T lived up to this expectation. But it was more than a performance marvel. Inside the cabin, the Azure T continued to embody luxury and craftsmanship, with lavish leather covering almost every surface, and on the exterior, Bentley maintained its focus on elegance. Exotic Car Trader creates an exclusive and safe way of buying and selling cars, eliminating the daunting experiences of private selling for buyers and sellers. Every vehicle listed on Exotic Car Trader goes through a private seller verification process, ensuring legitimacy for our buyers. Also, Exotic Car Trader's car buying process is well outlined, with all fees and packages providing our buyers with a seamless and inclusive experience. We can handle the escrow of funds at no additional cost to the buyer and seller, and we also provide trade-in and financing options for buyers. For transaction safety, our Transactions Team is world-class and equipped with industry fraud detection tools to ensure a safe and secure transaction. These are just some of the benefits you enjoy when buying or selling on Exotic Car Trader. Contact us for listing services or to buy a car on Exotic Car Trader today! For those fortunate enough to experience it firsthand, the 2010 Azure T isn't just elegant. It's a captivating masterpiece enriched by power and luxury, qualities that make it easily comparable to today's best grand tourers.
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