2007 Bentley Continental GTC Engine

Though it's hard to say without a back-to-back comparo, the GTC might handle better than its hardtop GT sibling. The suspension is slightly softer, but the improved ride doesn't seem to come at the expense of handling prowess. Nor does the loss of the roof seem to have compromised the Continental's composure. The body doesn't creak, quiver, or shimmy. Ever. Over rough surfaces it's possible to detect a few mild wiggles through the wheel, but generally steering feel is sharp and handling is tenacious (the GTC's front subframe is hard-mounted, which appears to enhance responsiveness). Braking power is excellent, but Bentley's special-edition Diamond Series cars will offer still more stopping capability via carbon-ceramic discs. Perhaps most impressive: With the roof up, from the inside the GTC feels, sounds, and looks like a coupe (aided in part by the soft-top's gorgeous lining).

Even before the official press drives, word had gotten around on the GTC's myriad talents. Some 2000 cars--the U.S.'s entire yearly quota--had already been spoken for with deposits (Bentley will sell about 4000 GTCs per year worldwide). And we're talking about an automobile that starts at nearly $200K.

Perhaps that's what the Bentley Continental GTC really is: a lesson in the potential of top-down economics.