If we try and compare the world of baseball with the world of cars, it would be true to say that in both there are two leagues: the minors and the majors. In the first of these we find the average sportsmen and cars, that do what is expected of them, but do not turn in any outstanding performances. In the second are the exceptional players and machines, unique and unrepeatable. To this second category belong the vehicles bearing the English badge of Bentley.
So if Bentley is already one of the major league teams in terms of automotive design and manufacture, how can we classify a model that the badge promotes as the most luxurious convertible ever made up to now? At the very least we may describe it as a carefully cut diamond among a select group of precious stones representing the very top of the range motorcars.
And this is precisely how Bentley have presented their new creation: the Azure T, a four seater sports car, muscular in shape but delicate and exquisite in detail, all characteristics that have typified every model produced by its workshops since the company was established in 1919.
The Azure T represents two trends. On the one hand, the respect of its designers for the badge’s history, which has paid tribute to its classic models, recreated in this new sports car. One example is the mudguards with their machined turned aluminum details, reminiscent of its first racing cars dating from 1920. Another is the trunk with its horseshoe shaped rear edge, repeating a detail from the first Bentley the world ever saw, the Mk.6. And of course the presence of the now classical “B” emblem on the front of the car which was used for the first time in 1930 and which in this latest model can be retracted at will by the driver.
However, without doubt the greatest influences on the Azure T, freely admitted by its creators, are the 1955 Park Ward S1 Drop head coupe and the 1995 Azure. The first of these contributed the line of the bodywork while the latter provided the seven hooped canvas roof, which when closed gives the car a markedly sporting profile.
The second trend we want to point out is innovation. To say that we are in the presence of the most luxurious convertible of our time without entertaining the arguments supporting this assertion would not be appropriate. However, luckily the Azure T has all the right qualities that enable it to defend the title bestowed on it by its inventors.
In this car, innovation goes hand in hand with luxury. It is equipped with a hand built 6.75 liter V8 engine producing 507 HP, which gives it 11% more power than the 456 HP of the original Azure. It also comes with a six speed ZF automatic transmission, which has a sophisticated torque converter providing quick gear changes that are also extremely smooth. To these features must be added the logical ESP (Electronic Stability Program) system, which improves the dynamic response and steering, and intervenes discreetly when it detects a reduction in grip.
The end result of this daring technology is a car capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 kph in just 5.5 seconds, reaching 160 kph in 12 seconds and achieving a top speed of 288 kph. This is real power!.
So, going beyond the technology, the fact that the Azure T is also clearly a luxury car is evidenced by its details and fittings. Throughout its history Bentley has become known not just for making vehicles that are mechanically almost perfect, but also for endowing them with aesthetically pleasing detailing made from the finest materials.
In this model the door panels and seats are upholstered in a diamond pattern embroidered with the Bentley logo. For their part the circular instruments are finished in black and the wood veneers guarantee the very best of Bentley quality while remaining faithful to its handcrafted traditions.
But the best news of all is that if the new owner so wishes, the Azure T can be delivered with finishes to suit to their own particular tastes. This is possible thanks to the factory’s Mulliner service, which offers a choice of 42 shades of exterior paintwork, 25 different kinds of leather upholstery for the interior as well as a wide range of wood veneers – all of the very highest quality to suit any individual’s taste and life style. So Bentley involves its clients in the design of their new diamond as they share in the excitement of becoming a part of the major league of motor cars.
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