BENTLEY'S FLAGSHIP AZURE

BENTLEY'S FLAGSHIP AZURE Could Bentley's new Azure T be the "world's most elegant convertible"? It breaks out at the upcoming LA Auto Show. Bentley has taken the very stately Azure convertible and given it extra clout. But while it has a greater focus on performance than the 336 kW/875 Nm Azure, this convertible is also endowed with the ability to transport four adults in absolute first-class luxury. Using Crewe's hand-made twin-turbocharged 6¾-litre V8 that in Azure T produces 373 kW at 4 200 r/min and a pounding 1 000 Nm of torque at 3 200 r/min, this is one quick cruiser. Power and torque are transmitted through a six-speed automatic transmission with three performance modes while the sports suspension can also be altered by using the Sport button on the dashboard. From standstill, acceleration 0-100 km/h is possible in 5.5 seconds while Bentley says top speed is 288 km/h.But this Azure T offers show to go along with its, well, go. "Le Mans" front wing vents, 20-inch five-spoke alloys, "jewel" fuel filler cap made from billet aluminium, a new infotainment system with a larger display and a retractable Flying B mascot form part of the car's package. Twenty-five interior hides and 42 exterior colours along with a seemingly infinite range of options allows owners to choose the convertible of their dreams. According to Bentley, the folding soft-top is very functional too. Made from triple-layer canvas, it is operated hydraulically and slides beneath the rear parcel shelf in 25 seconds. However, since the roof has its own storage area, there is no encroaching on Azure T's bootspace that has been designed to hold two sets of golf clubs and hand luggage.