While the GTC Speed has been around since August 2008, as well as the Flying Spur Speed saloon, their convertible sister is yet to receive the gift of speed from the Bentley geniuses. A prototype of the 2010 Bentley Continental GT has been spotted in the Nurburgring circuit in Germany during a test drive.

Okay, not so much has changed since we last saw it, but at a closer look, it has been given a more aggressive look courtesy of the mesh-grille and lowered intakes and height. Looking closer still, the steering wheel was given a new tri-spoke emblem with metallic accents as the rim bears a stitched leather design.

Like its older brothers, the 2010 GTC Speed will get a revamped 6.0L W12 twin-turbocharged engine. A new crankcase is also in order; much lighter camshaft and a speedier cam sensor are also added. Additional boost pressure also comes with the turbo engine.

The Speed models’ engine comes with 600HP and 553ft-lb of torque, accelerating at 0-100km/h in five seconds or less. The top speed should be around 300km/h.

Coming with the more aggressive look are new 20in wheels, redesigned bumper design, and a stiffer suspension. Nappa leather adorns the car’s interior, a 1,100W Naim sound system, and lots of chrome and wood design.

Bentley will be starting production of the next generation model by next year but has confirmed that the car will be taking spotlight in the 2009 Pebble Beach motor show this coming August.

The new model will have a higher tag price compared to its current version. Some are speculating that it might be positioned in a higher bracket of the market. The replacement Arnage might meet head on with the Phantom of Rolls Royce while the latter is sending out the Ghost to challenge the Flying Spur of the Bentley Continental line.

How the car will be called has not been revealed but executives from Bentley promised that it will soon be known this summer. The price of the vehicle will also be in accordance to the exclusivity of the car.

The replacement to the Arnage is taking form under the code name Project Kimberly and is said to derive the car from the modified modular platform of the Audi used for making the A4 to the A8. The engine however will come from the Bentley mindset with a V8 powerplant coupled with an automatic 8-speed gearbox.

There are reports that the replacement for the Arnage T is on the drawing boards but it has been confirmed that it will not sport the engine of the Veyron. Most likely it will follow the line of how Bentley plans to produce the new Continental.

The new GTC Speed boast of a more powerful beast under its hood, a 600 horse power with 553 lb-ft torque 6.0L twin turbocharged engine. Over its older sibling, this version of GTC Speed is stronger by 48 hp and 74 lb-ft of torque.

The newest member of the Speed portfolio is the most powerful Bentley convertible to date. It can zoom from 0 to 60 miles per hour in a blink of 4.5 seconds. Its top speed when its roof is retracted is 195 mph. It can blaze on the road at 200 mph when it is closed.

The standard release of the new version is equipped with a better steering system that responds faster. Ride quality is also improved a lot with minimal friction design of the dampeners. The bushings of the rear axle were also made stiffer and the total ride hide made lower to further enhance performance.

The air intakes of the GTC Speed were also made larger coupled with a more upright front end design and squarer edges.

The GTC Speed smiles with a dark front grille and rolls on the road with 20-inch wheels fitted with Pirelli P-zero tires. A lip spoiler on the rear portion was incorporated as a standard issue.

The interior is a design focused on elegance. The three-spoke steering wheel, finely quilted leathers, alloy pedals, and shimmering side sills say it all.

The tag of the GTC speed was not revealed to the public yet but is predicted to come at around $228, 000.

The Azure is an addition to the range of T variants by the car manufacturer that gave us the Arnage. The Azure T gets the same power plant under its hood, a 6.8L V8 with twin turbo coupled with a ZF six speed automatic transmission. This car can certainly blaze on the road with 500 horse power with a torque of 732 lb-ft.

The Azure T sprints from 0-60 mph in a matter of 5.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 179 mph. Comparing the Azure to the Arnage, the older car is slower than 0.4 second and has a lower output at 450hp.

The Bentley Azure T has the power to match other sports car on the road but also has the stylish look of a convertible. As expected, the car manufacturer offers a superb interior for very discerning Bentley owners. For this release, buyers have an option to choose from 8 accent woods and customize the cushy insides from 25 leathers to pick from.

The body and the suspension system is a carry over from the Azure featuring coil springs, double wish bones, and electro-hydraulic shocks. The Azure T is also fitted with brake calipers considered to be the biggest in the market today. The high tech carbon-silicon carbide system gives enough slow down and stop control over the heavy car.

The Azure T will go on sale come Fall of 2009 with a tag of at least $350,000.

Bentley’s sales are down by 20% in 2008 with estimates of only 8000 sales compared to 10014 cars in 2007.

The car manufacturer has made cuts in production this year. Further decrease might be ordered because of the decline in sales. The workforce of the company was asked to only work 3 days per week. The plant’s plan to decrease production further by 15% brings no good news to their workers.

Aside from the economy, experts point to the market trends where buyers opt for more environmental friendly vehicles. Most Bentley models are averaging 11-12 mpg.

Bentley officials eye the downtrend to persist until 2009. They are hopeful that 2010 will give a better picture for the automotive industry.

The 2009 models expected to help boost the sales are the Bentley Arnage, Azure, Flying Spur, Continental GT, and Continental GTC.

The Bentley Arnage was developed with a 6.75L V8 engine with an output of 500 horsepower. The Azure range was in hiatus from 2002 but returned to the spotlight last 2007 with extra options like the 16 spoke painted or polished 20 inch wheels.

The Continental GT is the first all wheel drive Bentley model. The GTC of the Continental range was updated to have added features and options as upgrade to its GT predecessor.