The 2007 Bentley GTC

The 2007 Bentley GTC is an all-out awesome vehicle, offering the smoothness of a sedan and the performance of a sports coupe all rolled into one spectacular package. The four-seat convertible, with its 12-cylinder, 6-liter, twin-turbocharged engine, does zero to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds and has a maximum speed of 198 mph. Its driveline is continuous all-wheel drive, and its transmission is a six-speed, automatic. The GTC converts to a convertible in less than 25 seconds too. The Bentley GTC has discrete braking, self-adjusting air springs, a rollover protection system in the rear seats, and front and side airbags. It is just over 189 inches long and 82 plus inches across from mirror to mirror. The coupe rests on 19-inch alloy sports wheels that are offered in seven and nine spokes. Exterior paint can be customized from whites, greens, blacks, reds, browns, and blues with various metallic hues. The interior has plush leathers and exotic wood veneers that will retain that "new-car" smell for years. The driver is in total control as the DVD satellite navigation system -- with route guidance -- the hi-fi system, the TV tuner, the electronic climate control, the suspension-and ride-height adjustment, the mobile-telephone controls, and the onboard computer controls are all within easy reach. It is somewhat presumptuous to label the GTC ostentatious just because it is a Bentley. The 2007 Bentley GTC earns its status via its delivery on performance, looks, safety, and technology. However, being a Bentley, as well, makes it all just a tad better.

For LxM James Rothaar