What, You Expect Maybe Chopped Foie Gras? Just how great does it get behind the wheel of the Continental GTC convertible? Awesome.(Product/service evaluation)

Byline: DUTCH MANDEL

We have certain expectations in life. We expect to wake up in the morning. We expect a latte on every corner. We expect to work hard and lead a healthy life.

Going off to drive Bentley's latest, sexiest two-door convertible Continental GTC-whose lines and presence are already classic-the expectation is it will behave nothing short of phenomenally.

Consider expectations met.

What do you think would be the response after nearly 280 miles of two-lane cruising with the top down virtually all the way? Yeah, it was good.

The GTC is more than a decapitated GT. Officials boast 51 percent of the body-in-white panels are unique to the car. Add that its rear suspension is reconfigured, and that the ride is smoother-not entirely soft, really, but more well-rounded-and the GTC is its own best beast.

By the way, if today you decide you'd like one in your driveway, good luck. The first year's worth of approximately 2000 cars, which don't go on sale until December, is already spoken for. MSRP is $189,990, with additional destination ($2,595) and gas guzzler tax ($3,700). But you would pay $196,285 to one of the nation's 38 dealers only if he is not inclined to slap on the dreaded Because I Can markup. Like we said, good luck.