Bentley is hard at work renewing its Continental Flying Spur, with prototypes for the latest version of the big sedan spotted testing in Europe on a number of occasions already. Due sometime next year as a 2014 model, the new Continental Flying Spur will have received extensive updates including new styling, a revised interior and a new V-8 option in addition to the existing W-12.

Our exclusive spy video and previous photos show two separate prototypes for this 2014 Continental Flying Spur, a W-12 model finished in white and the V-8 wearing a coat of gray. A high-performance ‘Speed’ model is likely to be in development as well.

The styling of the new car has been heavily masked, with engineers installing fake bumpers, fenders and even headlight covers to make the prototypes resemble the current Mercedes-Benz S Class. However, we do have some clues as to what to expect thanks to several hints dropped by Bentley’s exterior design chief David Hilton.

During a previous interview he said round headlights would remain a signature feature of Bentley models in the foreseeable future, though at the rear the cars would be adopting a rectangular tail-light design with contrasting oval exhausts. The new look has already been previewed on Bentley’s forward-looking EXP 9F SUV concept and is expected to first appear on the 2014 Continental Flying Spur.

Note, V-8 and W-12 models will be differentiated slightly, with the V-8 model adopting an exhaust tip design with a figure-eight pattern, as well as red enamel Bentley 'B' badges and a unique bumper design. The V-8 engine, by the way, will be the same twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter found in the Continental V8 and Continental GTC V8.

2013 Bentley Continental GT V8

2013 Bentley Continental GT V8

While smaller and less powerful than the W-12 unit, the V-8 is considerably lighter, which should make the car feel more agile and thus the sportier of the two. Peak output should match the 500-horsepower figure of the two-door Continentals.

The W-12 engine won't likely see any change in its output from the existing Continental Flying Spur, meaning a continuation of the 552-horsepower, 6.0-liter ratings, along with a top speed of around 194 mph and 0-60 mph times of about 4.9 seconds.

All-wheel drive and an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission will remain standard on both models.

2014 Bentley Continental Flying Spur spy shots

2014 Bentley Continental Flying Spur spy shots

The interior, meanwhile, as seen in one of the previous spy shots, is almost completely disguised, hinting that the dashboard at least will get a general redesign for the newest version of the Continental Flying Spur.

Of course, as with any Bentley, there will be luxury in spades, so expect plenty of leather and real wood trim on most surfaces.

Stay tuned for more details as development of the 2014 Bentley Continental Flying Spur progresses.