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.