Pininfarina Rolls-Royce Hyperion (2008)

Pininfarina presents the Hyperion, a one-off custom-built car derived from the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe which made its world debut at the Concours d'Elegance at Pebble Beach, America's most important competition for historical classic and one-off cars and a prestigious annual event.

The car is named after Hyperion, one of the Titans of Greek mythology, to underline its architectural and figurative power.

Andrea Pininfarina: "The car as an artistic expression"

"It is not the first time that the Pininfarina Special Projects Division has designed a unique car from a standard production model," said Andrea Pininfarina, Chairman and CEO of Pininfarina SpA. "In the recent past we have reinterpreted Ferrari engineering, as in the case of the Pininfarina Ferrari P4/5 of collector Jim Glickenhaus, or Peter Kalikow's Scaglietti "K". In the case of the Pininfarina Rolls-Royce Hyperion, Roland Hall, a collector and the owner of a Rolls-Royce Drophead Coupe, asked us to create a custom-built car that would evoke the appeal of the sumptuous cars of the 1930s. It might seem paradoxical, but today more than ever before, there is a desire on the part of a very elite clientele to return to the idea of the car as an artistic expression. As it was in the 1950s. With the Pininfarina Rolls-Royce Hyperion, our team of designers and engineers was able to express its creative skills and to apply Pininfarina expertise without limits, save that of coming as close as possible to the type of car that our customer had in mind. The result was a custom-built unit that is firmly rooted in the values of the Pininfarina and Rolls-Royce brands, with lines and dimensions that are hard to find in a 21st century model. The Pininfarina Rolls-Royce Hyperion takes up the legacy of other Rolls-Royces designed by Pininfarina, the Silver Dawn saloon of 1951, for example, or the Camargue coupe of 1975."

The concept in brief

The history of Pininfarina offers plenty of examples of special cars built on "noble" bases. Which is why the company naturally welcomed Roland Hall's proposal to work on a Rolls-Royce floorpan. For the new Pininfarina one-off, however, the Special Projects Division wanted a new idea, something absolutely unique, which only an individual in love with the car as an abstract, and not merely utilitarian, concept could appreciate. And so the Pininfarina Rolls-Royce Hyperion project was born, in the Autumn of 2007.

In terms of the styling, the first brainwave came when thinking of some of the cars of the 1930s, with their majestic, regal bonnets, and a body that surrounded the driver and a single passenger. Distinctive features of a car which, thanks to its strength and elegance, does not need to move to draw attention to itself.

Like all the cars designed by Pininfarina, the secret of the Pininfarina Rolls-Royce Hyperion lies in its absolute harmony between masses and volumes, and the perfect balance of every proportion. Structurally, we moved the driving position further back (400 mm) and took out the rear seats. We designed a new hood, which folds behind the seats under a wood-lined cover. In front of the windscreen we created two compartments for small items or for sports equipment, such as Mr. Hall's hunting rifles.

The bodywork is made of carbon fibre, while the details are applied using a technology adopted in boat building. The doors were made of solid wood by craftsmen who specialise in creating components for luxury boats. This is another aspect of the programme of Pininfarina special cars: offering customers unique stylistic and technical solutions that are not possible on mass produced cars.

Some of the best international firms contributed to the realisation of the project: Re Fraschini for the carbon, Isoclima for the glazed surfaces, Proxi engineering for the drawings of the car, Triom for the lights and headlights, Fondmetal for the wheel rims, and Materialise for components created using fast prototyping.

The styling decisions

Romantic and noble. These two words sum up the styling of the Pininfarina Rolls-Royce Hyperion. The archetype of the special car, an opulent two-seater roadster that conveys the luxury of the Rolls-Royce Drophead Coupe, from which it derives, at the highest figurative and architectural levels. At the same time, it harks back to the past, and the cars of the pre-war period that now populate the world's most prestigious concours d'elegance.

To repeat the proportions of those unforgettable cars (a short tail end and majestic bonnet that "surges" forward), we had to extend the roof and shorten the rear end. To balance the volumes, the Pininfarina designers tried to achieve soft, fluidly flowing surfaces. The front sports the classic Rolls-Royce grille, which has been slightly inclined. A trapezoid plane creates a more aerodynamic dashboard, while the recessed Bixenon headlights and LED technology convey sportiness and elegance. The spectacular bonnet is underlined by the muscular, taut wings, while the line that embraces the front wheels is drawn back until it disappears into the hood cover, giving a sense of movement even when the car is stationary. This feature is counterbalanced by a small tooth under the door that runs towards the rear wheel. The shape of the rear end recalls Pininfarina's legendary sports "berlinettas" of the Fifties and Sixties, with their cut-off tails, strongly inclined downwards, with a flat closure borrowed from boat-building.


The interiors were practically unchanged, maintaining the perfect sense of high luxury in the passenger compartment that distinguished the original car. One precious detail of the instrumentation underlines the unique environment: the watch designed specifically for the Pininfarina Rolls-Royce Hyperion by Girard-Perregaux, which can be removed from the dash and attached to a bracelet to be worn on the wrist.

Pininfarina and Girard-Perregaux: the emotion of excellence

Combining the excellence of a watch and a car that are out of the ordinary. This was the goal of the collaboration between Pininfarina and luxury Swiss watchmakers Girard-Perregaux. The meeting of two prestigious names that embody artisan tradition and cutting edge technology has created a refined timepiece with a sophisticated mechanism. Girard-Perregaux have personalised one of their sophisticated watches, the Vintage 1945 Tourbillion with gold bridge, for the Pininfarina Rolls-Royce Hyperion. Thanks to an ingenious anchorage system, this timepiece can be mounted on the car's dashboard, or removed from its mount to slip on to its owner's wrist.

The pure lines of the white gold case, inspired by a model of 1945, contain a gold bridge tourbillon. This mechanism, which is faithful to the original design created by Constant Girard- Perregaux in the 19th century, stands out for its complexity: only an expert watchmaker could assemble the cage that weighs just 0.3 grams, carrying no fewer than 72 elements. The automatic movement was painstakingly built by the company.

The Vintage 1945 Tourbillion with gold bridge blends perfectly with the Pininfarina Rolls-Royce Hyperion, starting from the colours of the face which match those of the bodywork. A sophisticated "spring-ball" system allows it to be extracted from the leather bracelet so that it can be mounted on the dashboard in a support in the shape of a whirlwind, or tourbillon, the hallmark of the Girard-Perregaux brand. This unique piece suggests the link between the worlds of prestige cars and outstanding watchmaking. Cult objects that transcend their function to arouse emotions that are constantly renewed.

Pininfarina and Girard-Perregaux: outstanding watches and cars share numerous common denominators: the notion of time, a fundamental factor of motor racing; increasingly refined techniques; and ever-present passion. In these two worlds, admiration for historical models goes hand in hand with the appeal of the most recent performances; the classic design shares the stage with daring concepts; cutting-edge technologies and noble materials are the key words of every successful innovation. High standards of quality, beauty, power and perfection even in the smallest detail, are essential components.

Girard-Perregaux bases its relationship with Pininfarina on a common conceptual approach, underpinned by a striving for excellence, emotions and beauty. And when passion encounters technical capabilities, the dream takes shape, producing the most refined mechanical structures.

Rolls-Royce RR4 (2010)

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars revealed the first design sketches of its next new model. Known as RR4, the car is due to be launched in 2010 and will sit alongside the Phantom model line-up. RR4 will be smaller than Phantom and powered by a new engine, unique to Rolls-Royce.

The design was signed off in 2007 and engineering development is now fully underway. The Goodwood manufacturing facilities are being completely reconfigured to accommodate the RR4, with extended paint, wood and leather shops as well as a second assembly line. The company will move to a two shift system next year as it gears up for full production of the new model.

Chief designer, Ian Cameron, said, "Effortless performance and standard-setting levels of comfort and efficiency, executed with the utmost care and attention, remain fundamentals of Rolls-Royce design. The RR4 has a more informal presence than the Phantom models with a greater emphasis on driving. In design terms this is expressed through its slightly smaller dimensions and more organic form, yet with powerful, purposeful proportions. It is a true and uncompromising Rolls-Royce in every sense."

"RR4 will mark a milestone in the history of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars", Chairman, Ian Robertson added. "The business continues to go from strength to strength and the introduction of this new model will expand the appeal of the brand. We look forward to this next chapter with anticipation and confidence."

Further design and engineering details will be announced during the course of 2009.

Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe (2009)

In 2006, Rolls-Royce 101EX was unveiled, an experimental car hand-built to explore an exciting new design direction for a modern coupé. Wrapped in a sleek, rakish body, 101EX was an engineering-led study, showcasing the technical and architectural innovation inherent in the quintessential modern Rolls-Royce car. Both handsome and elegant, it encapsulated the essence of contemporary coupé style.

So positive was the worldwide reaction to 101EX that, in autumn 2007, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars announced that a series model would go into production in the summer of 2008. This coupé would complete the Phantom family, standing alongside the Rolls-Royce Phantom, Rolls-Royce Phantom Extended Wheelbase and Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé.

Revealed at the Salon International de l'Automobile, Geneva in March 2008, the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupé is the third new model from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars since BMW Group became custodian of the marque in 1998.

The Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe is the most driver-orientated model in the Phantom line. A number of subtle but significant modifications have been made that change its character. It is noticeably more dynamic, whilst still offering incredible levels of comfort a balance not easily achieved.

The Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe marries cutting-edge technology with a beautifully proportioned, muscular body that exudes power and style. Utterly contemporary in appearance, it nonetheless incorporates timeless Rolls-Royce design cues such as the long bonnet, large-diameter wheels, short front and long rear overhangs and the classic dynamic, rising profile.

Pleasing to the touch and to the eye, every material used in the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupé has been carefully selected to combine form with function. The cabin's sumptuous leather, rich wood grains and cool chrome accents create a driver environment unparalleled in luxury and comfort.

Designed to cover great distances with the minimum of fuss, the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe is a sublime choice for a transcontinental trip, its effortless power provided by the Phantom's 6.75-litre V12, producing a phenomenal 453 bhp and 720 Nm of torque. Agile, fast, long-legged and virtually silent, the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupé allows both driver and passengers to emerge unruffled, even after an all-day run.

DESIGN

"Rolls-Royce has always been about pace, performance and style," says Ian Cameron, who led the design team. "For the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe design we have emphasised the dynamism. The driving dynamics of the Phantom have always come as a surprise to customers and the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe builds on this visually as well as dynamically, via hard engineering changes. Its design adds drama to the outstanding engineering and drivability that are fundamentals of Rolls-Royce cars.


"We could have simply bolted a hard-top roof to the Drophead in order to make the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupé. After all, the convertible is an incredibly well mannered car that performs impeccably. But this would not have been the right thing to do. The Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe and the Drophead are two distinct cars, with different personalities and specific performance characteristics."

EXTERIOR

The sleek lines of the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe suggest tremendous, effortless power. Designed to look like a moving form even at a standstill, the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe has the demeanour of a muscular animal, ready to be unleashed.

The front end, with its slim LED sidelights and larger, round driving lamps, has a gently raked, softer-edged appearance, sweeping back over the long bonnet to the strong line of the triangular A-frame. The front coach-doors are rear-hinged and were newly homologated for use on the Drophead Coupé. Enabling all passengers to enter and exit more gracefully, these doors also offer safety benefits: the rear hinging allows an uninterrupted A-pillar, which adds significantly to the car's overall torsional rigidity. For ease of operation, the doors may be closed at the simple touch of a button, housed discreetly inside the front quarterlight.

In classic Rolls-Royce style, the Phantom Coupé has a dynamic, rising profile, its high waistline tapering back to a contemporary take on a boat-tail. Sleek body panels create an uninterrupted visual flow, complemented by accents of stainless steel and aluminium.

The picnic boot, as seen on the Drophead Coupé, is a wonderfully sociable feature. When lowered, it provides a seating platform for two, with hinges substantial enough to hold a weight of 150 kg / 330 lb. At the same time, it also offers easy access to the luggage compartment, which has a volume of 395 litres / 13.9 cu ft - enough for four sets of golf clubs.

The mirror-like finish of the paintwork perfectly sets off the stunning lines of the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe. Each body receives five individual coats of paint and lacquer, with hand-finishing between each layer. It is then polished for five hours to create a lustre that is unsurpassed in the automotive world. A new palette of nine standard paint colours has been selected for the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe, including Darkest Tungsten, Anthracite and New Sable. However, through the Bespoke programme, customers can choose from more than 44,000 different hues. Like the Drophead Coupé, the new model is available with a brushed steel bonnet and A-pillar surround. These parts are machine-brushed to create a uniform grain and then hand-polished to a unique and flawless finish.

Extraordinary attention to detail is the hallmark of a true Rolls-Royce and this is exemplified in the finer details of the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupé. Visible tailpipes hint at its role as a driver's car, as do the 21-inch wheels, which are available in three styles, including two forged alloy options. Indispensable to those who spend a lot of time in town is an optional camera, nestled below the front numberplate. When pulling out of a side road or parking, it transmits a split-screen view of the road ahead. At the rear, another camera is fitted beneath the chrome boot-lid handle, to aid reversing manoeuvres.

INTERIOR

An exquisite interior, hand-built using the finest materials, supremely comfortable and equipped with a studio-quality sound system, makes the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupé the perfect car for all-day driving. Clean and contemporary, the cabin uses traditional materials in a modern way to create a tactile and visual feast: driver and passengers touch only leather, wood or chrome.

All the controls are intuitively and conveniently positioned, the simplicity of the facia belying the technology beneath. An analogue clock set in a bookmatched veneered panel hides the media screen, only to be revealed when called upon. The multi-zone climate control has chromed eyeball vents and traditional 'organ stop' controls, while additional features are accessed using beautifully crafted 'violin keys' - contemporary uses of long-established, and well loved, Rolls-Royce design features.

The Lexicon LOGIC7TM sound system can be controlled by just one dial. Unique in its use in the automotive industry, the Lexicon system has 15 metal-matrix speakers to deliver an unparalleled clarity of sound, regardless of where a passenger may be seated. A nine-channel amplifier powers these speakers - two sub-woofers fitted beneath the seats and 13 100 mm mid-range and 44 mm tweeter arrays carefully placed around the car - to an impressive 420 watts of sound. The Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe is available with iPod connectivity as an alternative to the standard six-CD changer.

The commanding driving position affords the most inspirational view in motoring: straight down the long sweep of bonnet to the Spirit of Ecstasy. Closer fitting than those of the Phantom, the slim-line front seats offer outstanding comfort, ensuring that both driver and passenger remain fresh and relaxed after a day's drive.

The rear of the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe houses an inviting lounge seat, a curved sofa that interior designer Alan Sheppard describes as, "intimate for two yet superbly comfortable on long journeys". Boulevard lighting creates a gentle luminescence, an effect that can be heightened by the optional, full-length starlight headlining, which incorporates hundreds of tiny fibre optics to give the impression of a star-filled night sky. Adjustable to provide a quiet glow or ample light to read by, this beautiful lighting is complemented by discreet directional reading lights in the C-pillars.

As with every Rolls-Royce car, the interior of the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe can be personalised via the Bespoke programme, allowing for any number of features, each tailored to the tastes of the individual.

ENGINEERING

At the core of the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe is a sophisticated, all-aluminium spaceframe, first seen in the Phantom. It provides an exceptional base for the car, offering great strength, a very high degree of torsional rigidity and low weight, all of which benefit dynamics. Manufactured to within a tolerance of just 0.1 mm / 0.004 in, each spaceframe is constructed by hand and then checked by computer to ensure total accuracy. The body's structure, comprised of box sections of aluminium, is painstakingly hand-welded by a team of experts. Every morning, each member of the team performs a 300 mm test weld to ascertain atmospheric effects on the metal with which they are working so that these can be taken into account. In all, more than 130 metres of weld are used to create the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe's spaceframe.

The Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupé's lightweight and rigid structure, the most torsionally stiff in the Phantom line, provides the foundation for its excellent dynamic abilities, but it also offers safety benefits. The box sections are exceptionally strong and offer greater dispersion of energy in the event of a collision. Frontal impacts are absorbed by crumple zones that direct the force into Y-shaped chassis members and the main understructure, the strongest part of the chassis. Side impact intrusion is minimised by the double-skinned floor construction, side sills and integral side impact bars in each door.

The inherent safety of the spaceframe is enhanced by other safety systems controlled by ISIS (Intelligent Safety and Information System). This takes readings from sensors located throughout the car and, in the event of an impact, makes up to 4000 calculations a second to establish its severity, deploying safety systems as necessary. These include intelligent braking and restraint systems, such as Dynamic Stability Control and Dynamic Traction Control, seatbelt pre-tensioners and any of six airbags.

With the exception of the picnic boot, steel bonnet and A-pillar surround, all the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe's panels are created from aluminium, a material that delivers a substantial weight saving over steel. The large, single-piece front wings are made by a process called super plastic forming. The alloy is heated and then formed, without stress of the material, to the required shape and size in a process seen for the first time in the automotive industry.

At the heart of the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe is the same 6.75-litre V12 engine as used by the Phantom. Featuring advanced direct fuel injection with variable valve lift and timing, it offers the perfect combination of power and outstanding combustion efficiency. Designed to develop massive low-down torque, it delivers 75 per cent of its maximum power at just 1000 rpm, giving the smooth, unstressed performance associated with Rolls-Royce cars. The powertrain develops 453 bhp / 338 kW of power at 5350 rpm and 720 Nm / 531 lb ft of torque at 3500 rpm - ample for even the most enthusiastic of drivers. At 100 mph (where permissible), the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe's power reserve dial shows that 90 per cent of the engine's power remains untapped.

DRIVING

The objective of the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupé engineering team was to create a driving experience that was entirely true to Rolls-Royce, yet noticeably more dynamic. The resulting balance of agility and refinement, however, surprised even those closest to the project.

Smoothness of ride is still exceptional, yet has been made a little firmer by the introduction of stiffer rear dampers and modified spring rates. Body roll is reduced by fitting a thicker rear anti-roll bar and the steering has been tuned to offer more feel - a sensation enhanced by a slightly thicker, hand-stitched leather steering wheel.

The suspension and chassis tune mean that the power is put down on the road incredibly effectively. Outstanding grip means that the dynamic stability control (DSC) is less likely to be activated under enthusiastic cornering, making it feel more balanced when pushing on.

A sport button on the steering wheel activates a new gearbox programme. Each gear is held for longer, increasing the rate of acceleration. Kick-down is also faster and accelerator pedal response has been enhanced.

Together these individual changes to the car's set-up give a substantially more dynamic feel than the Phantom and Phantom Drophead Coupé. In combination with the effortless power that is always on tap, the new state of tune makes driving the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupé not only pleasurable but also exhilarating. With a limited top speed of 155 mph / 250 km/h, the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe accelerates from 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds.

The Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe's wheelbase is 250 mm shorter than that of the Phantom, giving greater agility. Its 49:51 weight ratio ensures that it remains beautifully balanced through corners, while the slight rear weight bias maximises straight-line acceleration and traction. Self-levelling air suspension continuously adjusts to driving conditions, enabling drivers to place the car accurately through bends. The steering has modified Servotronic assistance to provide increased road feel.

The extreme rigidity of the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe's chassis gives magnificent control and precision. The front double-wishbone suspension features a hydraulic mount to minimise vibrations through the steering wheel, while multi-link rear suspension gives increased ride comfort, with anti-lift and anti-dive technology for stability under heavy acceleration and braking. This combines with the stronger rear anti-roll bar and stiffer spring and damper settings to increase both accuracy and agility.

As standard, the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupé has 21-inch Goodyear tyres with run-flat capability, sitting on seven-spoke aluminium or two different styles of forged aluminium rims. In the unfortunate event of a flat tyre, the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe can run for at least 100 miles / 160 km at speeds of up to 50 mph / 80 km/h before the tyre has to be replaced. As well as being convenient, this run-flat technology negates the need for spare wheels and a jack, freeing up space in the luggage compartment. The Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe's 100-litre fuel tank allows for the longer drives that its character encourages, giving a range of around 400 miles / 630 km.

Braking is provided by massive 374 mm / 14.7 in ventilated disc brakes at the front and 370 mm / 14.6 in at the rear. Twin piston alloy calipers at the front and single piston calipers at the rear ensure that the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe is brought to a stop quickly and without drama. Naturally, the braking system incorporates the latest in anti-lock systems and Emergency Brake Assist is activated under heavy braking, applying full force in an emergency stop.

CRAFTSMANSHIP

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has never accepted what is nearly right, only what is best. Henry Royce's maxim, "Strive for perfection in everything you do" is exemplified in the extraordinary craftsmanship of the car's interior. Highly skilled men and women employ both traditional techniques and cutting-edge technology to create an interior that is unsurpassed in terms of quality and attention to detail. They work with only the finest natural materials, including cashmere blends, wood veneers and leather, all of which are specially selected by a team of experts before being painstakingly prepared so that their inherent beauty is captured.

Each wood veneer is chosen for its complexity of grain and colour and is selected from sources worldwide. Woods available for the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe include Zebrano, Elm Cluster, Mahogany Flare, Rosewood and Walnut Burr. Each part is crafted by hand in the wood shop at Goodwood. Veneers are laid onto a substrate part of up to 24 layers of wood and aluminium, carefully constructed to provide strength and safety in the event of an impact. They are then lacquered and polished to a mirror finish, perfectly showcasing the beauty and intricacy of the wood's grain.

The Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe's interior uses larger pieces of leather than the Phantom's, mainly because of the nature of the seats, and this makes the selection of appropriate hides even more challenging. Following a unique barrel-dyeing process, which ensures a rich, uniform pigmentation throughout the leather, each hide is checked by hand and eye, and any naturally occurring blemishes and imperfections are marked in preparation for cutting. Where possible, the hide is used in such a way that these marks are hidden rather than discarded, minimising waste and creating a perfect finished product.




COLOUR AND TRIM

In addition to the options above, customers can specify unique features through the company's Bespoke programme. For example, they may choose from 44,000 exterior colours, specify a one-off leather colour or even select an unusual wood to complement the interior. Our Bespoke interior designers can also use embroidery and marquetry to personalise the inside of the car. All manner of other technical, structural and aesthetic detailing is possible, to meet the precise requirements of customers.

Exterior colours

* Diamond Black
* English White
* New Sable
* Madeira Red
* Darkest Tungsten
* Midnight Blue
* Woodland Green
* Jubilee Silver
* Anthracite

Interior leather

* Black
* Smoke Grey
* Seashell
* Navy Blue
* Moccasin
* Cacao
* Consort Red
* Signal Red
* Roseleaf

Interior veneers

* Mahogany Flare
* Rosewood
* Walnut Burr
* Piano Black
* Zebrano
* Elm Cluster

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

* Dimensions
o Number of doors / seats: 2 / 4
o Vehicle length: 5609 mm / 220.8 in
o Vehicle width: 1987 mm / 78.2 in
o Vehicle height (unladen): 1592 mm / 62.7 in
o Wheelbase: 3320 mm / 130.7 in
o Turning circle: 13.1 m / 43.0 ft
o Track, front: 1687 mm / 66.4 in
o Track, rear: 1671 mm / 65.8 in
o Width at shoulder height, front: 1491 mm / 58.7 in
o Width at shoulder height, rear: 1298 mm / 51.1 in
o Elbow room, front: 1562 mm / 61.5 in
o Elbow room, rear: 1266 mm / 49.8 in
o Head room, front: 981 mm / 38.6 in
o Head room, rear: 942 mm / 37.1 in
o Boot volume (DIN): 395 ltr / 13.9 cu ft
o Fuel tank capacity: 100 ltr / 22 Imp gal
* Weight
o Unladen weight (DIN): 2590 kg / 5710 lb
o Axle load ratio, rear (unladen): 51.5 %
o Gross vehicle weight: 3050 kg / 6724 lb
o Payload: 460 kg / 1014 lb
o Axle load limit, front: 1425 kg / 3142 lb
o Axle load limit, rear: 1800 kg / 3968 lb
* Engine & transmission
o Engine / cylinders / valves: V / 12 / 48
o Fuel management: Direct injection
o Displacement: 6749 cc / 411.8 cu in
o Stroke: 84.6 mm / 3.33 in
o Bore: 92.0 mm / 3.62 in
o Power output @ engine speed: 453 bhp / 460 PS (DIN) / 338 kW @ 5350 rpm
o Max torque @ engine speed: 720 Nm / 531 lb ft @ 3500 rpm
* Transmission
o Compression ratio / fuel type: 11:1 / premium unleaded
o Transmission type: ZF 6HP32
* Transmission ratios
o 1st / 2nd / 3rd /: 4.171 / 2.340 / 1.521 /
o 4th / 5th / 6th: 1.143 / 0.867 / 0.691
o Reverse: 3.403
o Final-drive ratio: 3.460
* Steering & brakes
o Steering type: Rack & pinion, speed-sensitive variable-rate power assistance
o Brakes, front / diameter: Ventilated disc / 374 mm / 14.7 in
o Brakes, rear / diameter: Ventilated disc / 370 mm / 14.6 in
* Aerodynamics
o Drag Cd: 0.36
o Drag Cd x A: 0.985 m2 / 10.6 ft
* Performance
o Top speed: 155 mph / 250 km/h (governed)
o Acceleration 0-60 mph: 5.6 sec
o Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 5.8 sec
* Fuel consumption
o Urban: 23.2 ltr/100 km / 12.2 mpg (Imp gal)
o Extra urban: 11.3 ltr/100 km / 25.0 mpg (Imp gal)
o Combined: 15.7 ltr/100 km / 18.0 mpg (Imp gal)
o CO2 emissions: 377 g/km
* Wheels (21 in alloy)
o Tyre, front: Goodyear EMT 255/50 R21 106W
o Wheel size, front: 8 in x 21 in
o Tyre, rear: Goodyear EMT 285/45 R21 109W
o Wheel size, rear: 9.5 in x 21 in
* Filling capacities
o Radiator incl. heater / engine oil: 14 ltr / 8.5 ltr
o Transmission fluid / final-drive fluid: Lifetime filling
* Electric system
o Battery capacity / installed position: 90 + 70 Ah / boot
o Alternator / output rating: 2 x 180 A / 2520 W

Rolls-Royce 101EX (2009)

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has confirmed that a series version of the two-door, four-seat experimental car, 101EX, will be launched in 2008. Production is scheduled to begin next summer. It will be hand-built at the company's manufacturing plant in Goodwood, England.

This model will complete the Phantom family line-up alongside the Phantom, Phantom Extended Wheelbase and Phantom Drophead Coupé.

The new car will be an elegant two-door, four-seat coupe that builds on the extraordinary driving experience offered in the Phantom and Drophead Coupé. It will use an all aluminium construction similar to the rest of the Phantom family. However, it will be a unique car in the Phantom family, designed around the desire to create the worlds' foremost transcontinental tourer.

Outright power will be identical to the other Phantom models - an impressive 453bhp and 720nm of torque - however the coupé will be subtly tuned with more emphasis placed on the driver. The body will be shorter than that of the Phantom sedan and there will be revisions to the suspension and chassis set-up.

Rolls-Royce Chief Designer, Ian Cameron, said, "With this car we wanted to emphasise the performance potential of the 6.75litre V12 engine and the effortless experience that it delivers. Whilst never overtly sporty, Rolls-Royce is a brand that has always offered owners a powerful and refined drive combined with, as Sir Henry Royce described it, a bit of fizz."

Ian Robertson, Chairman and Chief Executive, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said, "This new model represents an important milestone in the company's history. It completes the Phantom family and judging by the customer reaction to 101EX, we are confident of its success. Our challenge lies in meeting the exceptional levels of customer demand for the Phantom range and in preparing Goodwood to meet the needs of future new cars."

The new coupé will be priced between the Phantom and Phantom Drophead Coupé. Further information will be released in the coming months.

Rolls-Royce Phantom Tungsten (2008)

The Rolls-Royce Phantom Tungsten is featured in the Bespoke Collection. The bonnet has a dramatic brushed aluminium finish, which contrasts elegantly with the bodywork, painted in Darkest Tungsten - a colour never used before on a production Rolls-Royce. New 21-inch forged aluminium wheels and visible exhaust tail pipes lend a particularly purposeful air to this special Phantom. On the inside is a unique interior lighting system, featuring a Starlight Headlining, which comprises several hundred fibre-optic lights embedded into perforated black leather, giving the impression of a star-filled night sky. Smoke Grey leather seats with contrasting Navy Blue piping complement the rich rosewood veneers and tooled metal steering wheel spokes.

Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe (2008)

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars unveiled its new Phantom Drophead Coupé at the Detroit Motor Show in January 2007. Production of the new car started at Goodwood in the summer of 2007.

The two-door, four-seat convertible is a less formal interpretation of classic Rolls-Royce design. Using the lightweight rigidity of an all-aluminium spaceframe, it marries modern technology to a sleek, streamlined convertible body.

Its exterior lines echo the timeless styling of the great Rolls-Royce cars: a long bonnet, large-diameter wheels, short front and long rear overhangs and the quintessential dynamic line descending along its flanks. Inside, the design emphasises the airy openness of top-down motoring, embracing the elements and creating a stunning, social environment.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Chief Designer, Ian Cameron, said, "This car gave us the chance to think about the very nature of convertible motoring and in particular what it means to Rolls-Royce. Above all we were determined to make this car a joy to live with and engineered it to give years of effortless service to its owner."

A number of features first seen on Rolls-Royce 100EX, the experimental convertible shown by Rolls-Royce in 2004, have been engineered into the new Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé. Two of the most visually striking of these are the brushed steel bonnet and A-pillar and the teak decking for the rear hood cover. The brushed steel is machine finished to give a uniform grain before undergoing extensive hand polishing to achieve a perfect sheen. At the rear, the teak decking is treated with a carefully blended mix of oils to preserve a natural finish and a long lasting lustre that is as beautiful as it is hardy.

Front opening coach doors have been homologated for the new car and add considerably to the ease of access to the rear seat, as well as to the overall aesthetics. Unique to Rolls-Royce, the doors dramatically transform the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé's looks, giving a side profile reminiscent of classic sports cars of the '60s. Crucially, they also aid the overall stiffness of the body as the rear hinged doors allow for an uninterrupted A-pillar.

Luggage is housed within a picnic boot, a split tail compartment that opens in two parts giving easy access to the 315 litres of space. The lower tailgate provides a comfortable seating platform for two adults when lowered. Careful engineering of the folding soft-top roof means that it stows in a relatively small space resulting in a luggage compartment that remains unaffected regardless of whether the roof is up or down.

The fabric hood is the largest of any modern convertible car and its acoustic insulation is exemplary. Five layers of material ensure that the cabin remains a serene space, even at speed. Lined with cashmere it has been tailored to stow in a relatively small space.

At the core of the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé is an advanced aluminium chassis, perhaps the single most significant component in delivering the marques legendary refinement. Lightweight and exceptionally strong, it impacts positively on ride comfort, handling and safety. Hand made, it requires over 140 meters of welding in each chassis. Power is supplied by the same 6.75 litre naturally aspirated V12 engine found in the Rolls-Royce Phantom saloon, giving brisk performance and a 0-60mph time of 5.7 seconds.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Chairman and Chief Executive, Ian Robertson, said, "The Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé marks the next chapter in our history. While the saloon continues as the brand flagship, the Drophead leads us in a more informal direction, attracting new buyers to the marque. In the coming years other new models will strengthen the company still further."

The Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé has been carefully crafted to be aesthetically pleasing, yet practical too. Wood, leather, chrome and brushed steel have been used where most appropriate. Form and function have equal billing. The simplicity of the design belies a car built to provide years of effortless service. It will offer owners an unparalleled convertible experience, combining compelling driveability with exceptional engineering, technology and design - hand crafted from the finest materials to an exceptional level of quality.

Rolls-Royce Phantom Silver (2007)

PHANTOM SILVER MARKS 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF SILVER GHOST

Rolls-Royce has produced a limited edition, named Phantom Silver, to mark the 100th anniversary of the Silver Ghost. The special model, of which only 25 will be made, pays homage to the one of the most famous automotive names of all time.

First built in 1906, specifically to publicise the then new Rolls-Royce 40/50 h.p. six-cylinder model, the Silver Ghost established the Rolls-Royce reputation for reliability and engineering excellence. The name was coined in 1907 by Rolls-Royce Managing Director, Claude Johnson, by virtue of its silver coachwork and its 'extraordinary stealthiness'. The original Silver Ghost, registered AX-201, competed in the 1907 Scottish Reliability Trial, for which it won the gold medal in its class for hill climbing speed and reliability. The Silver Ghost went on in that year to break the world record for a non-stop motor run, covering a London to Glasgow route 27 times, with mileage totaling 14,371 miles.

More than 6,000 "Silver Ghosts" were built between 1907 and 1925, and sold in every corner of the world. The majority are still in good running order.

In tribute to the specifications of the original, the Phantom Silver is finished in a new Bespoke paint, Metallic Ghost Silver. The 21-inch wheels have chrome centres and on top of the grille sits a hallmarked solid silver Spirit of Ecstasy. Inside, Rose Leaf or Crème Light leather is accompanied by seat piping and headrests embroidered with the Rolls-Royce interlinked RR badge. Straight grained Santos Palissander wood veneer is used throughout. The same veneer is also used on a specially designed presentation box that houses the key, two solid silver key fobs and a specially commissioned solid silver Conway Stewart fountain pen.

Rolls-Royce Chairman and Chief Executive, Ian Robertson, said, "The Silver Ghost is such a significant model in the history of Rolls-Royce that we felt marking its 100th anniversary was entirely fitting. Its extraordinary reliability, refinement, comfort and virtually silent running were as important to Rolls-Royce in 1907 as they are today."

Phantom Silver specification

* Bespoke Ghost Silver paintwork
* 21-inch alloy wheels chrome centre caps
* Roseleaf or Crème Light leather interior trim
* Santos Palissander veneered wood
* Coolbox
* Solid silver and enamel Conway Stewart pen
* Solid silver key fob
* Solid silver Spirit of Ecstasy
* Bespoke drinks holder
* Bespoke champagne flutes and tumblers detailed with silver
* White instrument dials
* Bespoke clock matched to instrument dials
* Phantom Silver tread plates

Rolls-Royce 101EX Concept (2006)

101EX is the latest experimental model to come from Rolls-Royce, hand-built to explore a design direction for a modern coupé. Following the same uncompromising approach employed for the Phantom, the new car is an engineering-led design wrapped in a sleek, rakish coupé body.

101EX shares its state-of-the-art, lightweight, aluminium space frame chassis technology with the other Rolls-Royce models, albeit in a body that is shorter overall. Power comes from the Phantom's advanced, direct-injection, 6.75-litre V12 engine, which delivers unstressed, effortless performance.

Currently there are no plans for 101EX to be put into production. It is an experimental car that explores future design directions, a showcase for the innovative design and high-tech architecture that pervade the quintessential modern Rolls-Royce car.

The handsome, low-slung body of 101EX has been created by the Rolls-Royce design team under the direction of chief designer Ian Cameron. While the space frame technology has been borrowed from the Phantom, 101EX is shorter and lower than that model: the wheelbase is 250 mm shorter and overall length is down by 240 mm. All body panels, therefore, are new.

"The design suggests tremendous, effortless power" Ian Cameron

101EX is powered by the same 6.75-litre engine as the Phantom. Using advanced direct fuel injection with variable valve lift and timing, the V12 combines power with outstanding combustion efficiency. Designed to develop massive low-down torque, it delivers 75 per cent of its maximum pulling power at just 1000 rpm, giving the smooth, unstressed performance associated with Rolls-Royce.

"101EX is a very modern, 21st century interpretation of a classic Grand Touring coupé," says Rolls-Royce chief designer Ian Cameron.

The unique exterior design features a discreet, streamlined grille, complete with Spirit of Ecstasy mascot, that flows seamlessly back into the aluminium bonnet and windscreen surround. LED sidelight and direction indicators complement the round xenon driving lights.

Long, elegant coach doors, hinged at the rear, allow easier access to the 101EX interior than conventional front-hinged doors and add considerably to the handsome profile. Each door closes at the touch of a button.

New seven-spoke, 21-inch, forged aluminium wheels are used on the car, making them as tough and as lightest as possible.

The cosseting 101EX interior has been designed for elegance and maximum comfort for all of its occupants, featuring machined aluminium, the finest leather and exquisite rosewood and red oak veneers. Even the side and rear windows have wood surrounds.

"The interior uses traditional materials in a modern way," says Alan Sheppard who, together with Charles Coldham, was responsible for the car's interior design. Front slim-line, bucket-style seats offer outstanding comfort. Rear seating is exceptionally spacious for a coupé, with privacy ensured by the sweeping C-pillars.

"101EX is a response to the interest expressed by current and potential Rolls-Royce clients in a coupé," says Rolls-Royce chairman and CEO Ian Robertson. "It is an experimental car only, but one designed and engineered to a high standard. It radiates refinement, performance and presence."

It is the company's second experimental car in 24 months, following 100EX, which was seen at Geneva in 2004 and marked the company's Centenary. "It shows that Rolls-Royce continues to operate from a position of strength, and that we are keen to explore new directions for the brand," adds Robertson.

Rolls-Royce's first experimental car, 1EX, was built in 1919 and based on the Silver Ghost.

The styling of 101EX is more driver-focused than that of the longer Phantom. According to Ian Cameron, "It is a less formal car, more streamlined, more about the individual."

Rolls-Royce Phantom with Extended Wheelbase (2005)

Two years after the launch of the Rolls-Royce Phantom and its rapid establishment as the worldwide, market-leading, super-luxury saloon, a second model made its debut at the Geneva motor show on March 1, 2005. The Rolls-Royce Phantom with extended wheelbase offers additional interior space for the rear occupants while maintaining the elegant exterior looks of the standard length Phantom and its first class driving performance.

The new chairman and chief executive of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, Ian Robertson, said, "Now that Rolls-Royce is once again established as the world's leading super-luxury saloon the company has a solid foundation from which to launch new models. Late last year we announced the new convertible, which comes in 2007, and at Geneva this year we are delighted to reveal this new longer version of the Rolls-Royce Phantom, which begins production this Autumn."

An extra 250mm has been added to the standard Phantom, behind the B-pillar, to create a motor car with an even more generously proportioned rear passenger compartment. The extra space lends itself perfectly to the addition of Bespoke features, limited only by the imagination of the customer.

The Rolls-Royce Phantom with extended wheelbase is entirely hand crafted in-house - designed, engineered and hand built by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in the same way as the standard length motor car.

An extended wheelbase motor car had been planned from the early days of the Rolls-Royce Phantom project. An aluminium space frame chassis was chosen for the Phantom precisely because it lends itself to structural adaptation with relative ease. This ability to create "coach-worked" models to meet the individual needs and desires of Rolls-Royce customers is something that has been central to the marque throughout its 100 year history. The body is the largest aluminium space frame ever constructed.

The extra length is achieved simply by using longer extrusions in the construction of the body without any loss in torsional rigidity. Conventional extended wheelbase cars are often built by cutting them in half and welding-in extra metal - not so with Rolls-Royce. The outstanding dynamic performance and driving refinement of the Rolls-Royce Phantom is maintained. Aluminium roof and rear door panels are the only new major exterior parts required.

All the chassis and body components are painstakingly hand-welded by a highly skilled team of specialists. Such a high level of craftsmanship is involved that every technician is required to complete a series of tests each day before starting work. Thanks to the fully flexible production processes at Goodwood, the Rolls-Royce Phantom with extended wheelbase can be built alongside the standard model without difficulty.

The new motor car is hand-built to specific customer order for the Middle East and Asia Pacific regions where demand is highest. Production began at Goodwood in late 2005. The Rolls-Royce Phantom with extended wheelbase is priced at US$385,000 in the Middle East and Asia Pacific regions and ¥48,000,000 in Japan.

Rolls-Royce Phantom in Madrid (2005)

The Rolls-Royce Phantom is a luxury saloon automobile made by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, a BMW subsidiary. It was launched in 2003 and is the first Rolls-Royce branded car made under the ownership of BMW.

Specifications

It has a 6.8 L, 48-valve, V12 engine that produces 453 hp (338 kW) and 531 ft·lbf (720 N·m) of torque. The engine is derived from BMW's existing V12 powerplant.

It is 1.63 m (63 in) tall, 1.99 m (74.8 in) wide, 5.83 m (228 in) long, and weighs 2485 kg (5478 lb). The body of the car is built on an aluminium spaceframe and the Phantom can accelerate to 60 mph (100 km/h) in 5.7 s. It has a six-speed automatic transmission and double wishbone suspension.

The Phantom features side markers on all vehicles (rear ones are red in the US to comply with federal car lighting rules).

An extended wheelbase Phantom was presented in March 2005 at the Geneva Motor Show, which is 250 mm longer than the standard Phantom.

Design

BMW went to great lengths to distinguish the Phantom from their own range. Although some 15 percent of components are shared with other BMW models such as the BMW 7 Series, the Phantom retains the traditional Rolls-Royce design cues.

The intention was to avoid being seen as just an extension to the BMW range. When Mercedes introduced its Maybach luxury saloon, it was criticized of producing "the ultimate bubble" instead of a separately branded car. The car shared many components with and looked like the cheaper S-Class Sedan. BMW learned from this lesson, selling the Phantom through separate dealerships where BMWs are not sold, while the Maybach showroom in London also sells the most basic of Mercedes models.

The aluminium spaceframe body is built in a BMW plant in Dingolfing, Germany and the V12 engine in Munich. Final assembly to each customer's individual specification is at a purpose built €100M plant at Goodwood, West Sussex, England.

Novel features

* Instead of a tachometer, the car has a power reserve dial indicating how much of the engine's power is left available to the driver.
* The rear doors are rear-hinged, a style referred to as suicide doors. An electronic lock prevents the doors from being accidentally opened when moving.
* The rear doors feature pop-out umbrellas.
* The traditional Spirit of Ecstasy ornament has an electronic retraction mechanism to prevent theft and protect pedestrians in the event of an accident.
* The 'RR' logos on each of the wheel hubs are independent bezels in order to always remain upright while the wheel is rotating making it, essentially, an anti-spinner.

Sales

* BMW have set a lifetime limit that only 10,000 units of the Phantom will be built.
* The base price is £250,000 in the UK and $340,000 in the US.
* As of October 2004, only 555 Phantoms were sold, down from a target of 1,000 units per year. Many say this is due to the slow set-up of the dealer network. By the end of the year, the company expected to have sold between 750 and 800. However, at that stage, Rolls-Royce was selling twice as many cars as its closest rival Maybach.
* The 2000th car rolled out of the Goodwood factory in December 2005.
* In July 2006, Rolls Royce produced a limited edition run of 25 cars called the "Phantom Black"

Rolls-Royce Phantom Naples Winter Wine Festival Auction (2005)

The Rolls-Royce Phantom is a luxury saloon automobile made by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, a BMW subsidiary. It was launched in 2003 and is the first Rolls-Royce branded car made under the ownership of BMW.

Specifications

It has a 6.8 L, 48-valve, V12 engine that produces 453 hp (338 kW) and 531 ft·lbf (720 N·m) of torque. The engine is derived from BMW's existing V12 powerplant.

It is 1.63 m (63 in) tall, 1.99 m (74.8 in) wide, 5.83 m (228 in) long, and weighs 2485 kg (5478 lb). The body of the car is built on an aluminium spaceframe and the Phantom can accelerate to 60 mph (100 km/h) in 5.7 s. It has a six-speed automatic transmission and double wishbone suspension.

The Phantom features side markers on all vehicles (rear ones are red in the US to comply with federal car lighting rules).

An extended wheelbase Phantom was presented in March 2005 at the Geneva Motor Show, which is 250 mm longer than the standard Phantom.

Design

BMW went to great lengths to distinguish the Phantom from their own range. Although some 15 percent of components are shared with other BMW models such as the BMW 7 Series, the Phantom retains the traditional Rolls-Royce design cues.

The intention was to avoid being seen as just an extension to the BMW range. When Mercedes introduced its Maybach luxury saloon, it was criticized of producing "the ultimate bubble" instead of a separately branded car. The car shared many components with and looked like the cheaper S-Class Sedan. BMW learned from this lesson, selling the Phantom through separate dealerships where BMWs are not sold, while the Maybach showroom in London also sells the most basic of Mercedes models.

The aluminium spaceframe body is built in a BMW plant in Dingolfing, Germany and the V12 engine in Munich. Final assembly to each customer's individual specification is at a purpose built €100M plant at Goodwood, West Sussex, England.

Novel features

* Instead of a tachometer, the car has a power reserve dial indicating how much of the engine's power is left available to the driver.
* The rear doors are rear-hinged, a style referred to as suicide doors. An electronic lock prevents the doors from being accidentally opened when moving.
* The rear doors feature pop-out umbrellas.
* The traditional Spirit of Ecstasy ornament has an electronic retraction mechanism to prevent theft and protect pedestrians in the event of an accident.
* The 'RR' logos on each of the wheel hubs are independent bezels in order to always remain upright while the wheel is rotating making it, essentially, an anti-spinner.

Sales

* BMW have set a lifetime limit that only 10,000 units of the Phantom will be built.
* The base price is £250,000 in the UK and $340,000 in the US.
* As of October 2004, only 555 Phantoms were sold, down from a target of 1,000 units per year. Many say this is due to the slow set-up of the dealer network. By the end of the year, the company expected to have sold between 750 and 800. However, at that stage, Rolls-Royce was selling twice as many cars as its closest rival Maybach.
* The 2000th car rolled out of the Goodwood factory in December 2005.
* In July 2006, Rolls Royce produced a limited edition run of 25 cars called the "Phantom Black"