Our spies have managed to catch Bentley’s heavily revised Continental GT – completely exposed. Our spies reported being approached by security, which proceeded to delete the images from their cameras – save for one memory card that escaped with high-quality frontal shots. The next Bentley Continental GT coupe is expected to hit the market in 2011, but we have exclusive high-resolution photos that show exactly how the next volume leading Bentley will look.

The front fascia of the Continental GT has received a generous reworking. The front fenders have been smoothed out, as well as the front bumper and mirrors. The lower section of the car gains the addition of a full-length chrome accent strip, wrapping all the way to the rear bumper. Functionally, the headlights have been modified, and possibly house L.E.D. lighting in addition to projectors. Judging by the rough edges visible on the lower fascia near the new honeycomb grille, this Continental GT appears to be a pre-production model.

According to a report by Automobile, the next Continental models will be based heavily on Audi’s A8 flagship model, rather than the much heavier Volkswagen Phaeton platform. The switch will result in a shorter front overhang, a more desirable and longer wheelbase, as well as a wider track width. The end result is a more luxurious ride, better handling and more room for passengers and cargo.

One major advantage of adopting the A8’s platform is the switch to a largely aluminum spaceframe, which drops roughly 400 pounds of unwanted weight from the car. Although still far from a lightweight, the next Continental GT should weigh-in at a much more reasonable 4,800 pounds. Under the hood expect the trusted W-12 that underpins so many Bentley models, and as always, it has been tweaked to output something in the realm of 580 horsepower and 515 lb-ft of torque. The W12 will be mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

For the sport-oriented and premium priced “Speed” models, expect power to be in the realm of 650 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. There is also speculation that a 4.2-liter 375 horsepower, 590 lb-ft of torque turbo-diesel could make its way into a new Continental model.
The 2011 Bentley Continental GT will likely make its formal debut at the 2010 Paris Auto Show.