Bentley unveiled the facelift version of the Continental GT towards the end of 2010, so the next logical step was to refresh their Continental GTC Speed as well. The Speed model is still based on the original Continental GT that was launched in 2003, but has been given updates to make it look fresh and new.

After being spied during some brake testing in the European Alps only two weeks ago, the Bentley GTC Speed has been caught yet again, this time at the Nürburgring race track during some hi-speed testing. This prototype revealed an aggressive front fascia, a vented hood, and new headlights. The back of the Bentley also got tweaked with the addition of a trunk-mounted spoiler, slimmer taillights, and a revised exhaust system.

As with the previous models, don’t expect to see any big changes under the hood. A twin-turbo 6.0-liter W12 engine will be residing at the heart of this beast with an output bigger than the current 600 HP. That power will be transferred through an all wheel drive system and transformed into a 0-60 mph sprint time of under 4.5 seconds. Since the future GTC Speed will be lighter than the current model, we expect greater fuel efficiency as well.

Expect the facelift GTC Speed to debut by the end of 2011, with sales beginning in early 2012.