We knew that Bentley was working on a revised version of its Continental GTC drop-top model after the introduction of the facelifted Continental GT coupe, and these fresh-from-the-Nurburgring spy shots are here to prove it.
Following the example of its coupe sibling that was unveiled in facelifted form at last year’s Paris Motor Show, the 2012 Conti convertible receives a styling makeover. The changes include newly shaped body panels all around and a more prominent front end with Mulsanne-inspired quad headlamps featuring inner lamps powered by xenon on low beam and LED on high beam.
The rear has also been revised and now sports squared off headlamps (don’t be fooled by the tape masking the lights on the prototype model) along with a resculptured boot and a new bumper design with oval tail pipes on either side.
Being that the prototype was caught running around the Nurburgring racetrack, our photographers couldn’t capture the interior, but we can safely say that the Continental GTC will feature the same styling changes as the GT coupe. These will most likely include a redesigned dashboard with an updated instrument panel and a new touch-screen interface for the audio and navigation systems, along with increased legroom thanks to the new seats.
In a similar fashion, the GTC will benefit from a series of chassis enhancements and the updates to the engine range, which include an uprated version of the British firm’s 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged W12 delivering 575-horsepower and 516 lb-ft (700 Nm) of peak torque, and possibly the yet-to-be-revealed 4.0-liter turbocharged V8 that is being co-developed with Audi.
Expect to see the refreshed Bentley Continental GTC making its first public outing at the upcoming 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show this September.
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