Bentley has released first images and details of its new 500bhp Azure T drop-top, set to be officially launched at next week's Los Angeles motor show .
The Azure T features a twin-turbo 6.75-litre V8 engine that produces 500bhp and 737lb ft of pulling power - 50bhp and 92lb ft more than the standard Azure .
Despite the convertible weighing a mammoth 2.7 tonnes high performance engine manages to propel the car on to a top speed of 179mph, up from 171mph, and a 0-60mph time of 5.2sec - 0.4 sec faster than its predecessor.
However, the Bentley Azure T is clearly not a car deigned for those concerned about the credit crunch or the environment . The Azure T averages just 14.5mpg and emits a hugely polluting 465g/km of CO2 .
Other changes from the standard model include 20-inch alloys, front wing vents, a new front grille and a retractable 'Flying B' mascot on the bonnet.
Carbon-ceramic brakes are an option on the Azure T – the biggest available on any production car .
Buyers will have 42 exterior colour options to choose from and a choice of 25 types of leather for the interior.
Prices for the new convertible are yet to be confirmed, although some insiders are suggesting a price of around £230,000.
The Azure T is the third Bentley model in the ‘T' series, following the 1996 Continental coupe and the 2002 Bentley Arnage T .
