2010 Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe , works on a petrol engine that runs with a speed of 5350 rpm and that has a 6.75L and 48v petrol capacity.
Fuel consumption of 18 mpg on highways and 11 mpg in city can be achieved with 2010 Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe car that has 6 automatic gears and goes with a top speed of .
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2010 Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe with 4 doors accommodating 5 people can fit in the measurements of 212.6 inches of length, 76.7 inches of width and 61 inches of height and weighs about 5445 lbs.
5 airbags are also provided with side guard door beams in 2010 Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe . 2010 Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe Price / Cost:
With $408,000 price one can purchase 2010 Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe .
Leave the chauffeur at home. A smaller, more driver-focused Rolls will soon court young high rollers with $350K to spend. It's not quite a "baby Phantom," but the new Ghost should take the Flying Lady mascot to more driveways than ever.
What We Know About the 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost
Rolls-Royce sold just over 1,000 cars in 2007, the first four-figure annual tally in the firm's 104-year history. That surely delights parent BMW, which took charge of Rolls in 2003. But the Bavarian bosses see greater things for their celebrated English marque beyond its current trio of hulking $400K-plus Phantoms. Specifically, they want to boost Rolls sales closer to those of former stablemate Bentley, which now moves over 11,000 cars per year as part of the Volkswagen group. That suggests a somewhat smaller Rolls model that uses BMW hardware to sell just above the $200,000-$250,000 realm that has proven so lucrative for Bentley. It might be less sporty than a Bentley, but would tilt toward the same younger, very well-heeled buyers.
That, in a nutshell, is project RR4, a.k.a. "New Generation Saloon" (sedan to us Americans). Rolls-Royce confirms this car will debut sometime in 2010. The company recently announced it will go into production during 2009 and be will be called the Ghost. Rolls-Royce gave a sneak peek, in the form of the experimental 200EX at the March 2009 Geneva Auto Salon in Switzerland. Expect coupe and convertible versions early next decade. If all goes well, the Ghost will more than double yearly production at the modern BMW-built R-R factory in Goodwood, England to somewhere between 2,000 and 2,500 units. That's still far behind Bentley, but Rolls-Royce ownership isn't for everyone, old bean. Price? Well, if you simply must know, it's being rumored at $300,000-$400,000.
The 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost was made official in late 2006, but with few specifics given. Since then, Rolls has announced that Goodwood will add a second assembly floor and a second shift to produce the Ghost. It has released two vague sketches of what the new car will look like, and several photos of the experimental 200EX the company says shows the direction the Ghost will follow. Fortunately, our spies have unearthed most of the basics, though some items remain a mystery.
Broadly speaking, the 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost is based on the redesigned 2009 BMW 7-Series sedan that's due to start sale in the spring of 2009. The new 7's "F01" platform will be pulled like taffy to make the Ghost longer, wider, and taller than its German cousin. Yet, the Ghost will be almost a compact next to the Phantom--over a foot shorter by some accounts. It's also said to be nearly 500 pounds lighter despite a structure that uses less weight-saving aluminum. Still, the Ghost will be no bantam, likely to tip the scales just north of 5,000 pounds.
The Ghost will be motivated by a "unique to Rolls-Royce" turbocharged 6.6-liter V12 that packs 500 horsepower. The firm said early on that the powerplant will be "exclusive to Rolls-Royce," so some think that rules out a BMW engine. On the other hand, "exclusive" could just as easily mean a Rolls-only version of a new BMW V12 engine that is rumored to appear in the redesigned 7-Series.
Another complication is the Ghost's place in the world. In terms of power and performance, the 500-horse V12 puts it "upstairs" of the 453-horsepower 6.0-liter V12 Phantom, yet it leaves Ghost conspicuously "downstairs" of a prime competitor, the 553-horsepower 6.0-liter W12 Bentley Continental Flying Spur. In addition, the Phantom has been roundly criticized for its prodigious fuel thirst, and Bentley has announced plans to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions for all its cars, which put pressure on Rolls to follow suit. According to the carmaker, this engine, combined with a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission, boasts better fuel and CO2 efficiency than the "already class-leading Phantom series of cars." he 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost will borrow many other components from the redesigned 7-Series, mainly those that owners won't see, as one R-R source told trade weekly Automotive News. The modified new-7 architecture should bring jumbo 4-wheel ABS disc brakes, all-independent suspension with air springs and computer-controlled shock absorbers, and speed-sensitive power steering. Another given is BMW's full range of electronic driving aids, such as an antiskid system and traction control, and radar-based cruise control. Wheels are said to be 19- and/or 20-inchers, with run-flat tires a possible no-cost option.
As for styling, Chief Designer Ian Cameron says the 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost will have a "more informal presence than Phantom models, with a greater emphasis on driving. In design terms this is expressed by [a] more organic form, yet with powerful, purposeful proportions." OK, but those company sketches suggest the Ghost may look rather like the 2005 Cadillac Sixteen concept, right down to the use of rear-hinged "coach" rear doors, as on the Phantom sedan. The Ghost should also lift the senior car's retractable "Flying Lady" grille ornament. The grille itself, however, will be smaller and far less upright than the Phantom's--much like the rest of the package. Interiors, unsurprisingly, will be lavishly appointed in top-grade materials, and the artisans at Goodwood will doubtless be happy to oblige sir or madam with all manner of special-order trims and colors.
One British report recently noted that the 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost is "all about scale," a sales-boosting move down-market to where buyers are more plentiful. It's the same tactic Rolls employed to get back on its feet after World War II with relatively "cheap" models like the Silver Dawn. The Ghost is no less apropos for these difficult times, especially as even some Rolls customers might now feel just a bit conspicuous being seen in a Phantom. Ah, the problems of wealth.
A Notable Feature of the 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost
Some regard the 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost as a "21st-century Silver Shadow," referencing the popular R-R models of the 1960s and '70s--the first unibody Rollers, by the way. That's such a good summation of the overall concept that we wouldn't be surprised if the Ghost is introduced with the Silver Shadow name.
There's also talk of a diesel option for the Ghost. Though an "oil-burner" might seem unspeakably plebian for even a junior Rolls, today's diesel engines boast much of the same mechanical refinement as their gasoline counterparts, plus the timely advantages of higher fuel economy, longer driving range, better low-end torque delivery, and reduced CO2 emissions. What this engine might be is anyone's guess, and it likely wouldn't be in the catalog until at least 2012, but a diesel option would symbolize a newfound social responsibility at Rolls-Royce, which may be why it's on the table.
In the same vein, the rumor mill speaks of an eventual hybrid Ghost using the 2-Mode gas/electric drive system developed by BMW in concert with General Motors and the former DaimlerChrysler. Alas, specifics on this are elusive, too, though the upcoming hybrid option for BMW's X5 SUV and X6 "sports activity coupe" may give some clues.
Buying Advice for the 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost
It's pretty meaningless to speak of practical purchase considerations in a Tiffany's-level class that includes not only Bentley but also the Mercedes-Benz Maybach and Aston Martin's upcoming 4-door Rapide. All are super-luxury cars with prices to match, and are built in lower quantities than even top-line BMWs and Mercedes, which are pretty exclusive themselves. Your choice will probably come down to how you feel about the character and status of the various brands and models. If you're looking to move up to a Rolls--or want a garage mate for your Phantom--then the Ghost is the logical selection. Of course, anyone rich enough to buy one of these cars can probably afford more than one, and good for you if that applies.
2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost Release Date: We've heard nothing definite yet, either from Rolls or our sources, but we'd guess the Ghost will start U.S. sale in March or April of 2010.
2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost First Test Drive: The Geneva premiere mentioned above could mean media previews in late summer or early fall of 2009, but we could be wrong.
2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost Prices: Rolls-Royce is naturally mum on this point, but we've seen base-price estimates ranging from $300,000 to $400,000, as noted above. We'll hedge and call it $350K, but the figure could be higher given today's unstable dollar/Sterling exchange rate and production costs being pressured by fast-rising commodity prices, especially for steel.he principle of simplicity extends to the act of driving Rolls-Royce Ghost. The host of complex engineering software and technologies beneath the surface serve to make driving easier and more enjoyable, not to intrude or confuse.
Rolls-Royce Ghost is more driver-focused than any Rolls-Royce car before it. The driver sits in a slightly elevated position behind the wheel, described as the authority position. This makes the view of the road much clearer. The fascia has been kept deliberately clear; it is spacious in design and has an intuitive layout. The controls are neatly sculpted, with the more important functions emphasised by accents of chrome. The soft light of the instrument panel glows through the familiar black-rimmed steering wheel, which in turn employs a number of violin keys as well as an ergonomic roller-ball control.
The control centre display is concealed behind a veneered panel until its services are called upon. All features such as satellite navigation, telephone, communication and entertainment functions are displayed here and managed via a central rotary controller, flanked by quick-access buttons on the front centre console.
The optional driver assistance systems and technologies in Rolls-Royce Ghost are notable for their discretion and ease of operation. From the moment the driver approaches the car, optional Comfort Entry allows easy access, unlocking the doors when the key fob is within 1.5 metres and the cool chromed handle is grasped. Once you are in the car, voice control allows you to select from the control systems menus without using the central controller.
For ease of manoeuvring, cameras located around the car serve a number of purposes. Rear, front side and top view cameras can combine to give a fish-eye view at blind junctions or provide ground images with obstacle recognition and reverse path prediction when parking.
Positioned discreetly within the grille is a Night Vision camera. When activated, this safety feature works with Pedestrian Recognition to detect objects up to 300 metres away and display them on the central screen in the dash. The car's control system receives infrared heat images from the camera and, taking into account the car's speed and direction, classifies them to assess imminent danger. It then determines what action, if any, needs to be taken and if necessary displays a warning to the driver.
The Head-up Display relays crucial information such as speed or navigation directions onto the windscreen directly in front of the driver. This information is visible only to the driver and can be tailored to show only the details required and at a position suitable to the driver.
Lane Departure Warning alerts the driver should the car start to drift out of its current lane. When activated, it uses an integrated camera, located just in front of the rear view mirror, to monitor road markings and the vehicle's position. The driver is warned by a discreet vibration through the steering wheel. If the driver uses the directional indicators before and after the lane change, the wheel will not vibrate.
High Beam Assistance automatically manages the operation of dipped and main beam lights while driving at night. When activated, the same camera used by the Lane Departure Warning system monitors the light from any source at the front of the vehicle and automatically dips or raises the headlights accordingly. Adaptive, directional headlights also improve illumination of the road ahead and adapt to the road conditions, be they rain or fog or simply when the car is making a turn.
Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go creates a relaxing driving experience, particularly on long cruising journeys, as action is not required when the car ahead speeds up or slows down, even when coming to a standstill. Active Brake Intervention also allows hill descent at a constant speed and the car's Curve Speed Limiter communicates with the car's Dynamic Stability Control systems to reduce speed on bends if safety and comfort may be compromised.
CONCEPT
Autumn 2006, Paris motor show: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars announced that work had begun on a new model series. The new car would be in production and on sale by the turn of the decade. The only other facts confirmed at that stage were that it would be smaller than the Rolls-Royce Phantom saloon and priced somewhere between €200,000 and €300,000 before tax. Speculation about its style and specification began almost immediately...
Little was seen of the new car, codenamed RR4, until the spring of 2008, when Rolls-Royce released the first official sketches. The styling was instantly recognisable as a Rolls-Royce, although less traditional than previous models. At the time Chief Designer, Ian Cameron, said, "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, yet with powerful, purposeful proportions. It is a true and uncompromising Rolls-Royce in every sense."
As sightings of secret development models on the road increased, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars unveiled Rolls-Royce 200EX, the experimental forerunner to Rolls-Royce Ghost, at the Geneva motor show in March 2009. An instant hit, 200EX bore the trademark Rolls-Royce design cues but in altogether more compelling fashion. It was a clear statement of intent.
What the design team was seeking to create was a modern Rolls-Royce that achieved a new dynamism but remained true to its luxurious heritage. They had found inspiration in contemporary furniture, architecture and yachts but also in the spirit of the 1930s - that sense of adventure and endeavour - which they wanted to capture in the character of this new car.
"200EX is a modern execution of timeless Rolls-Royce elegance, breaking with some areas of tradition but retaining the core values that make our marque unique," said Chief Executive Officer Tom Purves. "We expect the more informal design to broaden the appeal of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, attracting people who appreciate its fusion of refinement, new technology and contemporary style."
After the show, 200EX embarked on a world tour, during which further information about the forthcoming production model became available. It would be powered by a new 6.6 litre V12 unique to the marque, delivering 563 bhp with extraordinary performance figures. It would ride on an intelligent air suspension system offering peerless ride and dynamics. And it would be called Rolls-Royce Ghost.
"Ghost is one of the most revered names in automotive industry," said Tom Purves. "It evokes images of adventure and technical innovation. The first cars to bear the Ghost name were known not only for impressive dependability and refinement but also great flair and style."
Following the overwhelmingly positive reaction to 200EX during its travels, very few changes were made in the transition to the production Rolls-Royce Ghost - a tribute to the remarkable achievements of Ian Cameron's and Helmut Riedl's design and engineering teams.
In September 2009, the new Rolls-Royce Ghost was formally launched to the world.
DESIGNING THE FUTUR
Rolls-Royce Ghost's flowing lines are dominated by its majestic 'Yacht Line' styling. Large, uninterrupted surfaces flow between finely sculpted horizontal lines that provide definition. Together, the upward-sweeping sill line and low-cut roof create a powerful profile, almost as though the cabin has been pushed toward the rear. Powerful shoulders and flanks draw in sharply as they flow from the rear wings to the tail lights, while touches such as the optional chromed exhausts hint at Rolls-Royce Ghost's more dynamic nature.
While incorporating classic Rolls-Royce design cues - the elevated prow, long bonnet, short front overhang, sharply raked A-pillar and elegant tail - Rolls-Royce Ghost exudes an informal aura. Contemporary touches include self-righting wheel centres and the Xenon headlamps that frame the latest evolution of the Rolls-Royce grille. Here the sides of the intake have been curved inwards and the vanes set back into the opening. "We wanted this to be less reminiscent of the traditional Parthenon style and more like a jet intake," says Ian Cameron.
A contrasting Silver Satin finish (introduced on 200EX) is an option for the bonnet, grille and windscreen surround. The finish is achieved by setting silver metallic paint under a layer of lacquer, giving a flawless matte finish.
The central principle of delivering simplicity out of complexity runs throughout Rolls-Royce Ghost. Everything is designed, engineered and crafted to enhance the drive and ride experience, not to complicate it.
Inside Rolls-Royce Ghost, the interior design team has come up with a contemporary ambience while staying true to Rolls-Royce Motor Cars' traditions of fine materials and peerless comfort. There are elegant, frosted lamps and chrome door handles, traditional violin key switches and eyeball air vents, frosted white dials and refined instrumentation. Deep-pile carpets can be complemented by optional lambswool floor mats for a truly luxurious feel.
Rolls-Royce Ghost is entered through substantial doors. Housed within the front doors are integrated Teflon-coated umbrellas. The rear doors are traditional, rear-hinged coach doors, opening to a generous 83 degrees. Once the passenger is inside, these doors can be closed at the touch of a button. The interior space is filled with natural light, enhanced by the optional Panorama Sunroof, which extends from the front into the rear compartment.
Four-zone automatic air conditioning can be individually tailored to each passenger's requirements, with separate controls for front and rear. Automatic air recirculation, condensation prevention and solar compensation are delivered through classic chromed eyeball vents controlled via organ-stop plungers.
Within Rolls-Royce Ghost's ample doors and high shoulder line, occupants feel serene, cosseted and safe. In the rear, the intimate ambience of the lounge seat is emphasised by its position behind the C-pillar, heightening the sense of privacy. The informal seating creates a convivial environment, its slight curve allowing you to turn more easily towards the person next to you. Its elevated position gives a clear view past the electronically retracting Spirit of Ecstasy to the road ahead.
Individual lounge seating is offered as an alternative to the standard lounge configuration. This allows the addition of a massage function and also perforated leather for a cooling stream of air from the seat surface. Auxiliary rear climate control allows the passenger to regulate the temperature of the air on their side of the car, without intrusion on the other. A cool box with interior illumination and integrated champagne glasses is also available.
Veneered picnic tables are another option, incorporating the finest leather and veneers matched to the rest of Rolls-Royce Ghost's interior. Fitted to the rear of each front seat, these tables are a traditional Rolls-Royce design cue and finished with a veneered surface with leather-covered backs.
Enhancing the Rolls-Royce Ghost ambience is an audio system delivering an exquisite experience. 600 Watts of sound are delivered through a 10-channel amplifier and 16 speakers, including two floor-mounted subwoofers. USB and auxiliary inputs allow for the integration of external audio devices and a 12.5 GB hard drive enables storage of music files from USB or CD player sources.
Available as an option with both seating arrangements is Theatre Configuration, which allows all settings that do not directly affect the driver to be controlled from the rear seat. The functions are displayed on two 9.2in LCD screens in the back of the front seats; these can be angled to suit the viewers by a central, armrest-mounted, rotary controller. The screens can be regulated independently of each other and the entertainment can also be listened to individually with most headphones. A six-disc multi-media changer, mounted in the glove compartment, is fitted as part of this option.
ENGINEERING A BENCHMARK
When considering a Rolls-Royce car it is usual to think of wood, leather and chrome, but the company has its roots in engineering. The refinement of its end product stems from its engineers' desire to get the smallest details correct. Long before the interior items are prepared, experts are working to ensure that the chassis components, power trains and bodywork are operating in fluid harmony. This is a world where welds are an art form and craftsmanship exists at a nano level.
Rolls-Royce Ghost is built around a steel monocoque body, which means there is no separation of chassis and body. The advantage of this construction is a reduction in exterior dimensions while preserving interior space. Consequently while Rolls-Royce Ghost is over 400mm shorter overall than the Phantom saloon its interior space is comparable.
The body has been engineered with a double front bulkhead to help insulate the interior from engine noise. It is constructed from steel sections and then wrapped in steel panels, which are brazed by hand. This allows a near-seamless join, which is then sanded by hand until it is perfect. In total, Rolls-Royce Ghost's frame contains 4.9m of seam weld and braze and 6,988 spot-welds. The bonnet and windscreen surround are then honed from aluminium.
Rolls-Royce Ghost rides on a bed of air. Double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension work with an intelligent, four-cornered, air-suspension system and electronic variable damping to deliver the refinement that has been associated with Rolls-Royce for more than 100 years.
The new air suspension system in Rolls-Royce Ghost is so sensitive that it can detect even the smallest of changes. For example, it will sense the movement of a single rear passenger from one side of the seat to the other and compensate accordingly. A complex computer system reads multiple inputs from sensors around the car; the dampers alone make individual load calculations every 2.5 milliseconds. This ensures not only perfect comfort but also precise steering and dynamics for the driver. The air suspension system also incorporates a lift and kneel function, raising or lowering Rolls-Royce Ghost by 25mm.
Rolls-Royce Ghost also has a series of complex electronic aids to keep it composed on virtually any surface. These include Anti-Roll Stabilisation, Dynamic Brake Control and Dynamic Stability Control, including Dynamic Traction Control and Cornering Brake Control. These individual technologies work together under dual Integrated Chassis Management systems, meaning that even when subjected to a vigorous test Rolls-Royce Ghost remains perfectly poised. Its handling and safety systems operate as one, imperceptibly to the driver and passengers, to maintain optimum contact with the road in any condition.
"Our challenge," says Engineering Director Helmut Riedl, "has been to preserve the prerequisite levels of comfort while delivering the most modern, dynamically interesting drive ever in a Rolls-Royce."
Rolls-Royce Ghost is powered by a brand new, 6.6 litre twin-turbo V12 engine, unique to the model. Featuring direct injection, it produces 563bhp - enough to propel Rolls-Royce Ghost from 0-60 mph in just 4.7 seconds and on to an electronically governed top speed of 155mph. With 780 Nm of torque available at just 1,500rpm, delivery of power is immediate and extremely smooth.
Power is transmitted through an eight-speed, shift-by-wire, automatic ZF gearbox. What this achieves is a feeling of endless, surging power, which is illustrated by the power reserve gauge on the fascia, replacing the more common rev counter. The new powertrain delivers this performance while emitting just 317g/km of CO2.Fuel consumption is 20.8 mpg / 13.6 l/100km.
Safety remains paramount and the very latest technologies are used in Rolls-Royce Ghost. Side-impact beams in the front and rear doors combine with progressive rear crumple zones to absorb impacts. The Advanced Crash and Safety Management (ACSM) system takes measurements 2,000 times per second from sensors located around the vehicle. The ACSM uses this information - in conjunction with the engine and chassis management systems - to judge which safety features to deploy in which areas in the event of an accident. If necessary, ACSM will activate - among other things - seatbelt pre-tensioners and all encompassing airbags surrounding the cabin, creating a safe zone for all occupants.
LEGENDARY CRAFTSMANSHIP
Rolls-Royce has a reputation for producing cars that transcend the mere automotive. There is a magic attached to the name, which stems in part from exquisite attention to detail and the fine materials used throughout.
Passing through 60 pairs of hands, the production process involves more than 2,000 individual operations and takes at least 20 days to complete.
Rolls-Royce Ghost shares the same paint shop as Phantom and spends seven days being painted and polished to perfection. Five stages are required for the Rolls-Royce Ghost body. First a phosphate electro-coat is applied to protect against corrosion, then a layer of primer, a colour coat and finally two coats of clear lacquer. The body is hand-sanded between each layer and once the final coat is applied it is hand-polished for five hours.
Rolls-Royce Ghost is available in 12 exterior colours, each of which can be contrasted by the optional Silver Satin bonnet.
Flawless leather is an absolute requirement for the interior of a Rolls-Royce. For this reason, our leather is sourced from bulls raised in pastures free of barbed wire, ensuring that there are fewer imperfections in the leather. Any other marks are carefully avoided by our skilled laser cutters. At least eight hides are used for an interior, and to ensure colour consistency, each hide comes from a batch dyed at the same time. The hides are drum-dyed rather than painted, ensuring that the colour permeates right through the leather. The process also means the leather remains much more supple, preventing cracking or squeaking and ensuring durability and longevity. All seats and interior panels are hand-stitched, using traditional upholstering techniques by those most skilled at their craft.
The natural beauty of the veneers in Rolls-Royce Ghost is brought to life by the skill of dedicated craftsmen and women. The natural burrs and grains are chosen for their intricacy and interest: veneer specialists choose only the finest logs from which these very thin cross sections are taken. Only veneer from one tree is used in any car. This ensures not only that the grain matches throughout the interior, but that each area ages and colours at the same pace. The parts are milled and sanded by hand before being coated with five layers of lacquer for protection and a mirror-like shine.
EPILOGUE
Rolls-Royce Ghost is a vision of simplicity - of taking the core values of Rolls-Royce and creating contemporary effortless luxury. Rolls-Royce Ghost has been engineered to ride and drive in peerless fashion. The chassis' poise delivers a dynamically engaging experience for the driver, yet a serene, comfortable ride for passengers. Engine power is delivered in a manner which has become an engineering signature, seemingly effortlessly and endlessly. The latest in-car technology falls easily to hand while forming part of the background.
Rolls-Royce Ghost embodies 21st-century Rolls-Royce: more than 100 years of engineering and design excellence expressed in modern and uncompromised style.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Number of doors / seats: 4 / 5
Vehicle length: 5399 mm
Vehicle width: 1948 mm
Vehicle height: 1550 mm
Wheelbase: 3295 mm
Turning circle: 13.4 m
Overhang front: 867.5 mm
Overhang rear: 1236.5 mm
Track width front: 1622 mm
Track width rear: 1660 mm
Shoulder room front: 1510 mm
Shoulder room rear: 1418 mm
Elbow room front: 1540 mm
Elbow room rear: 1448 mm
Max headroom front: 1030 mm
Max headroom rear: 990 mm
Effective headroom front with sunroof: 995
Effective headroom rear with sunroof: 975 mm
Ground clearance: 150 mm
Width including mirrors: 2108 mm
Luggage compartment capacity (ISO3832): 490 l
Fuel tank capacity: 82.5 l
Unladen weight (DIN / EU): 2360 kg / 2435 kg
Axle load ratio, rear: 48.2 %
Gross axle weight / max payload: 2940 kg / 580 kg
Axle payload limit front / rear: 1445 kg / 1575 kg
Rolls-Royce is a brand that needs no introduction. It would be safe to say people on the farthest reaches of the planet would, at the very least, be acquainted with the name. The 2010 Rolls-Royce Phantom, be it the Sedan, the Coupe, or the Drophead Coupe, is like no other vehicle in production. Some might say it is even the epitome of luxury motoring. The large presence, attention to even the smallest details, and extreme power ensure Rolls-Royce offers the rare combination of an ultra-luxury vehicle engineered in the most modern way possible but with a stark adherence to heritage and tradition.
The 2010 Rolls-Royce Phantom range has a distinctive road presence, which is a mix of old and new. Some might not agree it always goes well together; nevertheless, the styling justifies its position at the forefront in the driving world. The tall radiator grille, Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament, and massive D-pillar hark back to the days of classic Rolls-Royce models, though one does have to get used to the narrow, rectangular headlamps that seem a little out of place at first. The front end is tall and imposing, just the way it's meant to be. Keeping with its luxury heritage, there's chrome and polished metal everywhere, from the front grille to the exhaust pipes.
Once you step inside the new Phantom, Phantom Coupe, or Phantom Drophead Coupe, you are awed by chromed controls throughout the cabin, a glossy veneered dash, and a more than generous dose of hand-stitched leather. Even in the interior, the marriage between old and new is noticeable when the analog clock rotates out of view to expose a navigation system. Quite akin to older British luxury cars, there are also flip-out wooden "drinks cabinets" and "picnic tables" fitted in the backseat. You may find many of the details rather charming, such as the push-pull stems that control the air vents, the stitching on the seats, and the wood-veneered door paneling, to name a few. It goes without saying that the options are expensive, though it should be noted that, understandably, Rolls-Royce will cater to your every whim.
Traditional luxury is the hallmark of Rolls-Royce, the 2010 Phantom range is a modern performer, which can be largely attributed to BMW's engineering assistance. The 6.75-liter V-12 engine under the hood of all three models is a variation on the 12-cylinder unit found in some big BMW 7-Series sedans. The difference here is that they are designed specifically for use in the Phantom and hand-built by Rolls-Royce engineers. The result is 453 horsepower and 531 pound-feet of torque in a seamless, nearly silent stream of power. Transmitted to the car's rear wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission, the engine's power pushes these nearly 6,000-pound vehicles to 60 mph from rest in less than six seconds. A control-arm front and rear multilink suspension are teamed with self-leveling air springs and electronic damping to produce an ethereal ride quality and surprisingly responsive, but feather-light, steering. Rolls-Royce claims excellent dynamics for the Phantom range, though with a trucklike 47.9-foot turning circle, it can be difficult to push on public roads, let alone park. It should be noted that TheCarConnection.com's testers sampled the cars' effortless straight-ahead feel at more than 100 mph and can attest to their quiet, fleet freeway feel. Fuel economy is shocking at around 13 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway, but one should take into consideration that it's astonishingly high for cars that weigh, at minimum, 5,800 pounds.
The 2010 Rolls-Royce Phantom range uses an aluminum body to house the luxury that comfortably seats five passengers. The reason for aluminum is purely because it is lighter than steel, as well as being strong enough to allow the Phantom's rear doors to open on rear hinges, "coach" style, as the automaker puts it. For those fond of the cold hard facts, the longest variant of the Phantom, the Sedan, is about 19 feet in length (the EWB version is 20 feet), and with a wheelbase of almost 12 feet (12.5 feet in the EWB), it's as long as a MINI Cooper. This is a major contributing factor toward the interior space afforded to the front and rear passengers, as well as the cathedral-like headroom. It's not a ridiculously wide sedan, even though it offers 103 cubic feet of interior volume. Trunk space is wide but not very deep, at 14.1 cubic feet.
Rolls-Royce is not just about the large interior space; it's more about luxury and refinement, and the Phantom does not disappoint. Rolls-Royce selects cows for perfect leather graining and cuts their hides with laser precision, bonds the wood trim to aluminum for durability, and employs furniture makers to blend details like inlaid mother of pearl and banded boxwood into the trim. From the ultra-plush carpeting to the exquisite headliner, the Rolls-Royce Phantom range is an exquisite piece of work.
The Phantom Drophead Coupe—just like the Sedan—is in a class of its own in terms of presence, prestige, and luxury in the world of convertibles. It is 10 inches shorter than the Sedan but doesn't seem any smaller. Entry and exit are a breeze, thanks to the coach-style rear hinged doors. The driving experience and ride in the Drophead Coupe are unlike those of any other convertible; it's devoid of any body roll, and nothing interrupts the smoothness of your ride. One does not wait to see how fast the roof opens and closes before buying this car. A similar story can be told for the Phantom Coupe.
The 2010 Rolls-Royce Phantom, Phantom Coupe, and Phantom Drophead Coupe offer passengers all the safety they would need. The strong aluminum body is backed up by standard dual front, side, and curtain airbags. Those curtain airbags protect rear passengers as well. Anti-lock brakes, along with stability and traction control, are also standard, as are an electronic parking brake and park-distance control sensors for the front and rear. Front and rear cameras are offered as an option, but the Phantom does not include the very latest safety features, like lane-departure warning systems, laser-guided cruise control, or blind-spot detection systems. Understandably, neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has crash-tested these cars.
As mentioned earlier, Rolls Royce will cater to your every whim, and if you aren't sure what your whims may be, the list of options is endless. Though one might complain about the radio and satellite navigation not collaborating well, the sheer number of dazzling options and finishes makes the Phantom a perfect score for features. The leather interior, wood trim, and coach-style rear doors are complemented by a heated windshield, rain-sensing wipers, bi-xenon headlamps, wood-trimmed rear picnic tables, soft-close doors and trunk lid, power front seats, a power tilt/telescopic steering wheel, automatic climate control, a sunroof, heated front and rear seats, twin umbrellas stowed in the coach doors, a retracting Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament, Bluetooth connectivity, and a Lexicon Logic 7 audio system with 420 watts of power, 15 speakers, a six-stacker CD changer, and satellite radio. The test cars given to TheCarConnection.com come with a vast number of other features, including custom paint ($9,800), seat piping ($2,520), a veneered instrument panel ($1,100), Rolls-Royce logos stitched into the headrests ($620), door-mounted drinks cabinets ($14,600), front and rear cameras ($3,300), a "coolbox" for drinks ($5,200), 20-inch wheels ($6,250), chrome exhausts ($6,000), Starlight headlining ($7,200), iPod integration ($630), a six-stacker DVD changer ($1,550), theater-style rear seating ($10,400), a milled drink-holder box, also known as cup holders ($5,100), Rolls-Royce inlays in the door caps ($1,500), front cup holder veneer trim ($920), silver pinstripes on the door caps ($5,310), a thicker steering wheel ($4,290), a two-tone instrument panel top ($1,230), and a bespoke package of black Rolls-Royce logos on the headrests, chrome window switches, and satin trim on the engine ($5,810). All tallied to a final price of almost $450,000, thus making the Phantom the most expensive car ever road-tested by TheCarConnection.com to date. In addition, Rolls-Royce will fit its cars in almost any way imaginable, depending on your preferences, ranging from turning the glove box into a humidor, to modifying the body for added luggage space in the trunk, to buffing the Ecstasy ornament with 24-carat gold.
The Phantom Sedan is available in either standard or EWB (extended-wheelbase) forms, with a base price beginning at $380,000, not including a $2,000 destination charge and a $3,000 gas-guzzler tax. The Rolls-Royce Phantom EWB starts at a whopping $450,000, while the Coupe will set you back around $408,000 and the Drophead Coupe around $443,000.
The Bottom Line: Anyone who rides in the 2010 Rolls-Royce Phantom, Phantom Coupe, or Phantom Drophead Coupe will feel like royalty, but at a starting price of almost $400,000, you'd expect that.
Other Choices
If you like the 2010 Rolls-Royce Phantom, Phantom Coupe, or Phantom Drophead Coupe, also consider:
- Maybach 57
- Maybach 62
- Bentley Continental Supersports
- Bentley Continental GTC Speed
Reason Why:
The only real competitors to the 2010 Rolls-Royce Phantom range are the Maybach 57 and 62, and even these can only compete with the Phantom Sedan. They are built by Mercedes-Benz and are technically just as polished as the Rolls-Royce models, but unfortunately their styling is too similar to the much lesser S-Class on which they share a platform. In a segment where owners typically wish to be seen, the design of the Maybachs can be perceived as too conservative. The Bentley Continental Supersports and the lesser Continental GTC Speed are a bit left of center when it comes to the world of ultra-luxury, but their prodigious amounts of power, prestige, and exclusivity are worth a look. Note that unlike the standard Continental models, the Supersports only have two seats.
Buying Tip
Bring some opinions along with you when visiting the showroom, and maybe even some color swatches. The company will fit your Phantom with nearly any option you like—whether they're specific leathers and woods or a different set of crystal champagne flutes. It takes patience, but such is the cost of absolute luxury.
