The new Continental GT will have under its hood the intercooled, turbocharged 4.0L V8 powerplant which is similar to the engine of the S7 and S8 of Audi. The cheapest car of the Bentley lineup will be able to output 487 lb-ft and still a monstrous 500 horsepower.

The Continental draws its DN forom the Phaeton D-platform of Volkswagen. The power of the engine is transferred to the wheels thru the new automatic, close ratio 8-speed gearbox that has an all wheel drive capability. This set up can bring the Continental GT from 0 to 60 in just 4.6 seconds with its top speed pegged at 188 miles per hour.

Given the smaller engine Continental GTC and GT V8 can boast of a 40% improvement in fuel consumption and emissions of carbon dioxide.

Bentley lovers will be able to distinguish the W12 dependent variants from the newly unwrapped Continental with V8 engines thru certain aesthetic updates and unique rims.

The new Bentley vehicles will be on the showrooms before the end of this year with pricing expected to be announced before the official launch. It is expected to compete with the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, CL63 AMG by Mercedes-Benz, BMW M6, Aston Martin DBS, and the Gran Turismo Coupe of Maserati.

If ever you have placed your order, 12-12-12 predictions anyone? So just hope that the car be delivered to your doorstep before that date comes!

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.