High-dollar cars tend to lean on the technology pretty hard -- and tend to do it pretty badly. The cabin tech in an Aston Martin or Maserati typically doesn't equal what's in a Camry. But the big boys make up for it with exotic technology in their power trains, audio output, and sybaritic creature comforts like champagne coolers.

I was rather pleasantly surprised to find the 2012 Bentley Conti GT doesn't go too far over the top in high-tech gimmickry. Its W12 engine is exotic, yes, but has been knocking around the Volkswagen group for almost a decade. The head unit in the car is a pleasant and palatable VW unit that we like if not love. The car doesn't offer lane departure, blind-spot or automatic parking tech. In other words, it seeks to win as a Bentley with its own luxury message and not a lot of digital razzle dazzle. I give them a tip of the hat for that.

Also, check out CNET's full review of the 2012 Bentley Continental GT.