ELKHART LAKE, Wisconsin - After Bentley and Rolls-Royce went their separate ways at the start of 2003, Bentley prepared to launch a brand-new model. Joining the ultra-posh, traditional Arnage four-door sedans for 2004 was a new, sportier and lower-cost Continental GT coupe.

Unveiled at the Geneva (Switzerland) auto show in March 2003, this was the first new coupe since the company was taken over by Volkswagen AG. Exhibiting sleekly lush lines, the new coupe promised "supercar performance" along with its roomy two-door interior. Bentley called the GT the "fastest genuine four-seat coupe in the world." Later, a GTC convertible became available, along with a comparable Continental Flying Spur sedan.

Beneath each Continental GT bonnet sits a 6-liter twin-turbo W12 engine that generates 552 horsepower at a relatively swift 6100 rpm, along with an eye-opening 479 pound-feet of torque at only 1600 rpm. A six-speed sequential automatic transmission, operated using paddle shifters, works with continuous all-wheel drive.

Though it's no compact, the Continental GT falls well short of mammoth dimenions. Wheelbase is 108.1 inches, and the coupe stretches to 189.1 inches overall. Width is 75.4 inches (not including the mirrors), and the GT coupe stands 54.7 inches high.

Bentley claims that a Continental GT can accelerate to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, and ultimately reach 198 mph. Maybe so, but as enticing as the road experience turned out to be, the temptation to approach such velocities is easy enough to resist. The ability to triple the maximum speed permitted on most American roads isn't really a selling point in this league.

Neither is fuel economy, since shoppers willing to shell out six-figure sums aren't likely to be put off by low EPA estimates. In this case, the EPA calculates that a Continental GT will manage 18 mpg on the highway, but a considerably less frugal 11 mpg in city driving. Good thing the fuel tank holds 19.8 U.S. gallons.

Lush elegance is the first word that comes to mind when slipping behind the wheel of a Continental GT. This is high-level British craftsmanship, calling to mind some of the classic models of yesteryear, from Bentley, Rolls-Royce, and other masters of the craft. But it's all been brought strictly up to date to suit modern tastes as well as traditional values.

Unlike some cars with paddle-shifting setups, which soon turn into take-it-or-leave-it accessories, this one adds significantly to the driving pleasure. Yet, whenever you wish to drive in a milder manner, the Continental GT tones itself down nicely and is as easy to operate as any luxury automobile.

Seats deliver supreme comfort and support, at least up front. It's hard to resist the urge to head onto the highway for a really long journey in this modern-day British near-classic. Unfortunately, it takes a minimum of $170,000 to purchase that privilege.

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