In late 2011, Bentley introduced a facelift for the Continental GT.
The revamp brought a few cosmetic changes but, more importantly a second engine that would be offered as a more efficient alternative to the existing W12 powerplant.

The Continental GT received a 4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, which had been developed together with Audi and produces 500 hp and a torque of 600 Nm (442 lb-ft). The fresh V8 engine comes with a cylinder deactivation system that allows it to only use four of its pistons when power is not necessary, increasing its fuel efficiency by approximately 8 percent. Overall, the V8 engine is 40 percent more efficient that the W12 unit.