2009 Rolls Royce PHANTOM DROPHEAD COUPE

NEWS & REVIEWS If you want to see and be seen, and have the necessary green, the $407,000 Rolls-Royce Drophead Coupé is hard to be beat. Although it’s 10 inches shorter than the Phantom four-door, it almost makes a bigger visual impact. Just the simple act of opening a door—preferably on Rodeo Drive—draws a bigger crowd than American Idol. Not only is it rear-hinged like a classic ’30s suicide door, but at the press of a button it power closes. Voila. Filling up most of the space beneath that must have optional brushed stainless steel hood is the same whisper quiet 6.75-liter 453-hp V-12 that motivates the Phantom. It gives the drophead Rolls truly regal performance, accelerating the car to 60 mph from rest in 5.6 seconds as if it were powered by hushed electric motors. And despite the 154 pounds of aluminum needed to reinforce the roofless Rolls, it handles itself with regal grace. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2009 Rolls Royce PHANTOM COUPE

VIDEO: NEWS & REVIEWS The new-for-2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe may seem very similar to the four-door Phantom in both form and function, but it is on the road that its smaller stature, including 10 fewer inches of length, makes itself readily apparent. The Phantom Coupe is the one Phantom family member that necessitates being driven instead of chauffeured. Despite using the same 6.75-liter V-12, being 100-pounds heavier, and being only 0.1-seconds faster from zero-to-60 mph than the Phantom sedan, the Phantom Coupe just feels much quicker. It is also the only one in the Phantom family that comes with a “sport” button, which forces the car to began in first gear, hastens shifts, and lowers the suspension for better handling. Although the Phantom Coupe will never keep up with a Corvette, it feels more planted and agile than other cars half its length or weight. The design of the Phantom Coupe design in some ways it is reminiscent of the Rolls-Royce cars of the 40s and 50s. The large “coach”, or suicide, doors open wide for easy ingress/egress; however, some people may have to grow accustom to attacking the entry from the front angle instead of from the usual rear. Once inside you will be pampered by supple leather no matter where your hand may come to rest. For those particularity special nights, turn on the dimmer on the 1,600 fiber-optic bulbs that make up the starlight headliner and bask in the faux star-filled night sky. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2009 Rolls Royce PHANTOM Bespoke Collection

NEWS & REVIEWS The Bespoke Collection is a unique series of Phantoms created by the people who know the car best: the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars design team. Showcasing the very best in Rolls-Royce creativity and craftsmanship, each Bespoke Collection edition builds on the Phantom's unrivalled combination of advanced technology, breathtaking performance and silken refinement by exploring a different but equally striking aesthetic theme. Characterized by co-ordinate interior and exterior color schemes, beautiful materials, eye-catching details and a wealth of carefully chosen options, the Bespoke Collection effortlessly delivers the desirability and enhanced exclusivity of an individually tailored car. It's a concept certain to satisfy even the most discerning Rolls-Royce connoisseur. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2009 Rolls Royce PHANTOM

NEWS & REVIEWS As Maybach fades to black, Rolls-Royce continues to go from strength-to-strength. And much it is it down to the continued, and accelerating, popularity of its XXL-sized Phantom among the world’s mega-rich. 2007 saw the company break through the magical 1,000-a-year barrier selling 1,010 cars, with the Phantom accounting for 75 percent. And with the upcoming $250,000 ‘baby’ Rolls due late next year, that number could double by 2010. Measuring more than 19 feet bow to stern, the Phantom makes a massive statement wherever it goes. The styling may be an acquired taste, but the hedonistic luxury it provides is easy to get used to. Under that Texas-sized hood beats a 453-hp 6.75-liter V-12 that can waft this 5,622-pound leviathan from rest to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds. Yet, despite its bulk, the Phantom is surprisingly nimble and agile through the turns, or while escaping the paparazzi. Our suggestion? Throw the Grey Poupon at them. Building on a successful sales year in 2008, the phased introduction of a number of subtle 2009 model year enhancements will reinforce Phantom’s position as the pinnacle product of the super luxury segment. Harmonizing the front appearance of the car with that of the Phantom Drophead Coupé and Phantom Coupé, a new streamlined front bumper has been designed and integrated with a shallower grille, finished in stainless steel. Other new exterior features include LED door handle illumination and the fitting of 21-inch cast aluminum wheels as standard. Two further wheel options exist, both manufactured in forged alloy and available in either painted or part polished finishes. Inside, rear passengers will benefit from a new RCA component input which provides auxiliary audio and visual connectivity to the 12-inch monitors mounted within the picnic tables. Further features include new front and rear door cappings with integrated grab handles and new bi-directional double reading lights in the C-pillar provide additional illumination. Rear climate control, volume control and electric window switches are now conveniently repositioned, housed in a wood veneer panel in the door. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2008 Rolls Royce PHANTOM Mansory Conquistador

NEWS & REVIEWS CONQUISTADOR, the new project of MANSORY based on a Rolls Royce Phantom, which is completing the MANSORY individual customization focus on to british noble high class automobile brands. Innately the Rolls Royce Phantom is a representing beauty of elegance and doubtlessly the top of automobile modernity and in detail MANSORY made some more exclusively accents. It starts with a new developed front spoiler with integrated state of the art LED daytime running lights and elongated grille stripes, new side skirts with implemented aluminium flanks also the same material for the side fender grilles, the wing mirrors come with integrated flasher lights and the tail comes with a apron and double over and under stainless steel exhaust ends and at least the small sporty trunk lid spoiler. Quintessentially classiness and understatement arrange the absolutely new super soft lacquer made by Glasurit which makes the automobile with its deepest shadow black more than magic. Also the complete chrome exterior trims are coming in soften silver. The CONQUISTADOR is staying on mightful forged 24 inch wheels in the typical MANSORY design with tyres in dimensions of 305/35/24 in front and rear. The 24er have a width of 10 inch and an offset in front by 56 and at the rear of 63. By the modification of the electronical characteristics the heart of automobile has now 366 KW/490bhp/498 PS and a maximum torque of 780 Nm / 575 lb ft at 3920rpm. The speed limitation is upgrated now to an topspeed of 270 km/h / 168 mph and the gigantic weightiness will be restrained by an high performance brake system made by Brembo with front rotors of 412/38 with 6 pistons and at the rear with dimensions of 405/36 and 4 pistons. The unquestioning highlight is definitely the suspended particle device glas which allows the driving guests to regulate continuously the transparency (transmission degree) by an remote control. Inside of the luxury saloon MANSORY attends with choicest individuality. Special wide carbon fibre in combination with bright maple wood inlays as well as implemented ambiance-light-effects are giving the interior an extravagant classy level. Lightening sill plates, chequered quilted ornaments in seats along the line to the carbonfibre structure, Alcantara roof lining, Alcantara dashboard to the point of the forceful designed sport steering wheel. At least at the back there are the new electrical business tables with seat integrated multimedia monitores as the final statement of exclusive imagination. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2008 Rolls Royce PHANTOM Mansory Bel Air Drophead Coupe

NEWS & REVIEWS Right on time for the start of the open-top motoring season in Europe, MANSORY is presenting the convertible known as Bel Air on the basis of the Rolls-Royce Drophead Coupé. Named after the classy district of Los Angeles, the MANSORY Bel Air truly lives up to its name. Luxury as far as the eye can see. Even in the production version, this car belongs to the most exclusive money can buy. MANSORY, however, the specialist for super sports cars and luxury limousines, even goes one better here and customises the Rolls-Royce at the highest level. The refinement package includes a completely newly developed extravagant body-styling kit as well as prominent mirror-finished aluminium wheel rims. A technical highlight is the high performance brake system developed in collaboration with Brembo. The design vocabulary of the production vehicle is retained and, as such, the body styling kit from PU-RIM material designed by MANSORY for the high-class boulevards of the world’s most luxurious destinations is not in any way obtrusive. Perfect workmanship and harmonious styling are the hallmarks of the newly designed apron adorning the impressive Rolls-Royce front end. The Mansory side sills accentuate the lateral styling and convey a sense of supreme control even when stationary. The Bel Air aerodynamics package is completed by the new lift-reducing rear end. Sporty elegance coupled with high technical sophistication are the defining characteristics of the wheel design used for the MANSORY Bel Air. The single-piece mirror-finished wheel with its nine twin-spoke design is impressive both due to its exclusive look and also thanks to its outstanding workmanship. The forged construction makes the MANSORY wheel rims exceptionally light compared with conventional cast wheels. The resulting reduction of unsprung weight significantly improves the acceleration as well as the stopping distance and handling. To ensure that this 22-inch alloy wheel is fitted with an ideal set of tyres, the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tyre in the dimension 305/40 has been specially developed in collaboration with Dunlop. In collaboration with Brembo, the world’s leading manufacturer of high-performance brake systems, MANSORY has developed a brake system that is specially tuned to the modified needs of the Bel Air. Optimised deceleration and perfect metering of the pedal pressure are now provided by 6-piston callipers in conjunction with 412 mm diameter discs at the front in addition to 4-piston callipers with 380 mm diameter discs at the rear. The stylish interior of the MANSORY is created using only the most sophisticated of materials. Extravagant design products such as the extremely soft design leather with its characteristic grain ensure a sense of comfort and exceptional flair. Matching with this are the expertly crafted carbon and natural wood appointments in the interior. Perfectly diamond-stitched decorative seams on the dashboard and seats add further visual accents. The aluminium pedals, the illuminated door sill trims and the new ergonomically designed airbag steering wheel go to complete the strikingly beautiful overall appearance of the MANSORY Bel Air. Whether you are sitting in the front or in the back of this high-class convertible – motoring does not get any more luxurious than this. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2008 Rolls Royce PHANTOM DROPHEAD COUPE

NEWS & REVIEWS The Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe, as christened in all its pomposity by BMW, is being constructed in such teeny numbers that if your parents didn’t put your name down for one at birth, you may be a geezer before yours is delivered. Being shorter than the Phantom has improved its looks, though the optional stainless-steel hood is pure bling to go along with the optional 21-inch chrome wheels. Beverly Hills will just love that combo. Best optional extras are the veneered instrument panel and the Wally-yacht-like, caulked-teak rear decking that needs oiling each time the Royce—you never call it a Roller—is serviced. But despite the 154 pounds of aluminum needed to strengthen the roofless car, it handles with poise and grace, like a well-helmed schooner. Backseat legroom is adequate rather than generous, but passengers should expect to have their expensive hairdos seriously mussed by the buffeting wind. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2008 Rolls Royce PHANTOM COUPE

VIDEO: NEWS & REVIEWS Background: Rolls-Royce is manufacturing any and all iterations of the Phantom they can come up with to keep sales on the upward trend. First it was the four-door Phantom sedan, then the ragtop Drophead Coupe, and now comes the two-door Phantom Coupe. Performance: The Phantom Coupe is designed to be the sportiest car in the entire Rolls-Royce line up –which isn’t really saying much. Power is shared with the other Phantoms in the form of a 6.75-liter V-8 that produces 453 horsepower and 531 lbs/ft of torque. Too bad all that power is spent pushing its own overweight body around. Even with extensive use of aluminum the Phantom Coupe somehow manages a curb weight around 2.5 tons. This could be due to the fact the Phantom Coupe is 18 feet long! Eighteen feet is huge for a car designed as a coupe and really makes one rethink its coupe nomenclature. Expect decent acceleration that will become scary at higher speeds; like a runaway tractor-trailer coupled to boat-like handling. Exterior: Coupes are designed to be show stoppers, the type of vehicle you go to your favorite hot spot in. The Rolls-Royce is a little different but still attains a genuine handsome look. The only detraction from the Phantom Coupe is its length. Interior: Roll-Royce likes to keep their occupants pampered and in the lap of luxury. Part of that includes enough interior space to let the passengers sit back and relax. The same holds true for the Phantom Coupe, which could do night work at limo services. Market Impact: The judgment is out until the car actually hits the showroom floors but expect this car to more of a boulevard cruiser than a mountain road carver. Like the Chevy SSR, the Phantom Coupe will probably be more show than go. Unlike the SSR, the Phantom Coupe will probably actually sell. by: Benjamin Greene PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2008 Rolls Royce PHANTOM

NEWS & REVIEWS If you want the best of the best—and you have the Benjamins to pay for it—Rolls-Royce’s Phantom sedan is hard to beat. Measuring more than 19 feet bow to stern, the Phantom makes a massive statement wherever it goes. The styling may be an acquired taste, but the hedonistic luxury it provides is easy to get used to. Under that Texas-sized hood beats a 453-bhp 6.7-liter V-12 that’s masterful at “wafting” this 5,577-pound leviathan from rest to 60 mph in a mere 5.7 seconds and onto its limited 149-mph top speed. Yet despite its bulk, the Phantom is surprisingly nimble and agile when pressed hard through the turns. For 2008, Rolls-Royce has added real peace-of-mind to the options list in the shape of the Phantom Armored, with its reinforced body and thicker glass. If you need to ask the price, then you’re not worth protecting. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2008 Rolls Royce 100EX

NEWS & REVIEWS PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge