The latest member to join the Bentley family is the Azure T, a more powerful and exclusive version of the drop-top Azure. So what's in a 'T'? Well, the most important change is hidden under the massive hood as Bentley fitted the Azure T with a twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 500 HP and 1000 Nm (737 lb-ft) of torque. If you like numbers, that's an 11% increase in power and a 14% increase in torque over its 450 HP/875 Nm Azure stable mate.
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a 6-speed auto and despite the fact that the Azure T weighs as much as two subcompact cars at 2,695 kg (5699 lbs), it manages to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.2 sec (0-100 km/h 5.5 sec), 100 mph in 12.1 sec (160 km/h in 12.0 sec) and on to a top speed of 179 mph (288 km/h). Then again it also emits a staggering 465 g/km (combined) of CO2 as well as consuming an average of 28.8 lt/100km (9.8 mpg) in the city and 14.1 lt/100km (20.1 mpg) on the highway, but that's another story.
Bentley also enhanced the Azure's exterior looks with the addition of 20-inch 5-spoke wheels and tires, 'Le Mans' front wing vents, dark tint matrix grille and a sculpted, retractable Flying 'B' mascot.
Inside, the Azure T embodies a range of standard features that were previously unavailable or available as cost options on the standard model such as the diamond-quilted seats and door panels, the aluminum finish on the dashboard that is supposed to remind the 1920s racing Bentleys and the instrument faces which are finished in Black rather than Parchment.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
New Bentley Azure T with 500HP V8 Heading to LA Show
Bentley Refreshes Continental GTC and Presents New 600HP GTC Speed
Even though the Continental GTC has only been around since 2006, Bentley thought that it was time to perform a light facelift to its luxury four-seater convertible. While they were at it, the Brits also added a range-topping Speed model bringing the GTC in line with its GT coupe sibling. The Continental GTC Speed benefits from a twin-turbocharged W12 engine producing 600-horspeower (610PS) and 750 Nm (553lb ft) of torque, and it's matted to a 6-speed automatic transmission.
This endows the GTC Speed with a top speed of 200mph (322 km/h) with the roof-up or 195 mph (312 km/h) with the top down, and a 0-60mph sprint time of 4.5 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.8''). It also accelerates from 0-100 mph in just 10.6 seconds (0-160 km/h in 10.5'').
The GTC Speed model also gets a lowered suspension by 10 mm at the front and 15 mm at the rear with revised spring, anti-roll bar and damper settings for improved handling, a 'Dynamic' mode for the ESP system with progressive intervention and wider 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels wrapped around in chunky 275/35 ZR20 Pirelli PZero tires.
On the outside, the GTC Speed is visually distinguished by subtle design enhancements like blacked out radiator and lower air intake grilles feature a dark tinted matrix as standard. Larger diameter 9.5J x 20-inch, bespoke alloy wheels, wider twin-rifled exhaust tail pipes and a new boot-mounted lip spoiler.
Inside, the Speed model features diamond quilted hide seats with embroidered Bentley emblems, a knurled chrome and hide gearlever and a three-spoke multi-function steering wheel with brushed aluminum switch surround. These are complemented by drilled alloy foot-pedals and 'Speed' logos to the polished treadplates.
As for the standard car, the 2009 Continental GTC benefits from a few minor exterior enhancements that include the more upright radiator grille, the chrome headlamp bezels, a new lower bumper design with a widened air intake, the availability of two new exterior paints and a new color hide. Under-the-hood-upgrades concern the retuned Servotronic power steering, retuned suspension with new low-friction dampers for improved ride comfort and the availability of a new radar-based Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system.
Mystery Bentley Bio-Fuel Supercar Heads to Geneva
Bentley Continental SuperSports: 621HP and 204MPH Flex-Fuel Supercar
So does that make the Supersport "green"? Well, definitely not compared to a Prius or even a conventional family car for that matter, but it's supposed to be green for the levels of performance and luxury it offers. For the record, the Continental Supersports has a combined fuel economy of 17.3 mpg UK which comes to 14.4mpg US or 16.3 lt / 100km, with CO2 emissions of (ahem...) 388 g/km.
The Superports' 6.0-litre W12 twin-turbocharged engine produces 621-horsepower at 6,000 rev and a massive 800Nm (590 lb/ft) of torque at 1,700-5,600 rev. The W12 is matted to a revised ZF6HP26 automatic transmission with 'Quickshift' system that cuts shift times by 50% and enables double downshifts, helping the flex-fuel Continental accelerate from 0-60mph in 3.7 sec (0-100km/h in 3.9 sec) onto a top speed of 204mph or 329 km/h.
Bentley's engineers also put the Supersport on a strict diet achieving a weight reduction of 110kg or 243 lb compared with the Continental GT Speed. For example, the Supersports is a strict two-seater featuring all-new lightweight sports seats with carbon fibre clamshell rear panels. In the rear compartment, the seats are replaced by a stowage deck with a carbon fibre luggage retaining beam. 
To better the coupe's driving dynamics, the engineering team performed an array of chassis enhancements including retuned steering and suspension, utilizing lighter weight components, retuned dampers and anti-roll bars. Additionally, agility is further sharpened by the 40:60 rear-biased torque split for the all-wheel drive system, a wider rear track, bespoke lightweight 20-inch alloy wheels and a unique electronic stability programme.
The Supersports is distinguished from its Continental coupe stable mates by the newly designed bonnet, the flared wings and new dark-smoked steel finish to all exterior 'brightware', including front grilles, lamp bezels, window surrounds and wheels. Inside, the cockpit is adorned with carbon fibre and Alcantara.
Commenting on the new Supersports model, Dr Franz-Josef Paefgen, Bentley's Chairman and Chief Executive said; "The Continental Supersports reflects the passion and enthusiasm of Bentley's engineers and designers. This is the fastest, most extreme Bentley ever, dramatically styled to underline its supercar character. Importantly, it also pioneers the use of FlexFuel technology in the luxury sector." The fastest most powerful Bentley in the company's 90-year history
6-litre W12 engine twin-turbocharged now produces 630PS (621 bhp/463 kW) at 6000 rev/min and 800 Nm (590 lb ft) of torque at 1700-5600 rev/min
Continental Supersports reaffirms Bentley's environmental commitment by pioneering the use of biofuel in the luxury sector
Continental Supersports is the extreme Bentley, delivering a highly focused driving experience
Continental Supersports combines the looks of the iconic GT with a distinctive style that reflects its supercar character
