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2012 Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe Luxury Review

On its debut in 2003, Phantom led Rolls-Royce Motor Cars into the 21st century. Designed without compromise, Roll-Royce Phantom was the result of complete creative and engineering freedom, and the desire to create the best car in the world. Since then Phantom has been joined by the Phantom Extended Wheelbase, the Phantom Drophead Coupé and the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupé. Each model has a personality of its own, yet all share the same powerful presence and unmistakable design cues that make a Rolls-Royce a Rolls-Royce. Wherever you go in a Rolls-Royce Phantom, you will never go unnoticed. It has a genuine authority, and a rare sense of scale and occasion that mark it out as a uniquely modern interpretation of the luxury motor car.
 

Its powerful stance reinterprets classic Rolls-Royce proportions, and captures the very essence of the marque. The 2:1 ratio of the height of the wheels to the height of the body is fundamental to this, as are the rear-hinged coach doors. While the gentle downward curve of the roofline and upward sweep of the lower bodyline suggest movement even when stationary. It’s no wonder then that when a Phantom drives by, heads still turn.


Rolls-Royce Phantom’s coach doors open to reveal an interior of generous proportions. Once inside, the experience touches all your senses: the feel and aroma of wide expanses of soft leather upholstery, the beauty of the book-matched veneer and the sensation of the deep tufted Blenheim carpets underfoot. Natural light fills the interior, further enhancing its air of spaciousness, thanks to the quarter mirrors housed within the C-pillars. The virtually flat floor leaves plenty of room to stretch out, while the individual or lounge seating cossets you in a uniquely intimate style. As you settle back, you can listen to your favourite artiste on the Logic 7 audio system, which surrounds you with some of the most realistic sound you will ever hear in an automobile.


Rolls-Royce Phantom’s elevated driving position gives you a commanding view of the road ahead, and an enviable view of the Spirit of Ecstasy. The clear and uncluttered dashboard belies the amount of technology you have at your fingertips, and ensures it serves to assist rather than confuse. Only those controls required for everyday driving are present. Secondary functions such as the satellite navigation and entertainment system remain hidden until called upon. To reduce fatigue on long journeys, the steering wheel, accelerator and brake pedals are aligned with the exact centre of the driver’s seat. All of which contributes to its effortless drivability.


The longer wheelbase imbues the Rolls-Royce Phantom Extended Wheelbase with a remarkable presence. The additional 250 mm of legroom in the rear passenger compartment not only offers an interior space of lounge-like proportions it also increases the possibilities for Bespoke customisation. It’s an indulgent private space. One that is perfect to work, entertain or relax in between engagements. The extra length also extends to the rear-hinged coach doors, which affords you and your occupants even greater privacy and protection when entering and exiting.


The most driver-orientated model in the Phantom family, the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupé is a sleek and seductive combination of classic proportions, powerful presence and breathtaking detailing. A modern take on classic Grand Touring cars, and inspired by the Phantom II Continental, its beautifully proportioned body exudes performance and style. The coach doors and the optional brushed stainless steel bonnet, 21-inch alloy wheels and visible exhausts further enforce its purposeful look. Effortlessly powered by the same 6.75-litre V12 engine as Phantom, the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupé has a more dynamic ride thanks to its shorter wheelbase, revised transmission, suspension and steering. The electronic gearbox can be adjusted by pressing a button on the steering wheel, making the car feel more responsive and giving more feedback from the road without compromising comfort. Agile, fast, supremely comfor table and vir tually silent, the Phantom Coupé is the perfect car for a transcontinental drive.


All Rolls-Royce motor cars feature a Power Reserve dial on their facia, rather than a rev counter. It’s a reminder that there is always power to spare in our engines, and tells you exactly how much you have at your disposal. Phantom’s 6.75-litre V12 engine, for example, when travelling at 70 mph (113 km/h) only uses less than 10% of its available power. Yet it delivers 75% of its torque at 1,000 rpm just off idle. Coupled to the six-speed transmission, it responds to the squeeze of the throttle with the power of a performance car. While its acceleration is so smooth, it feels as if you have an infinite first gear.


When you step out of a Rolls-Royce Phantom, you will feel as relaxed as when you stepped in if not more so. Whichever Rolls-Royce Phantom you choose, it will whisk you across town or a continent, and maintain its unrivalled driving experience and sublime ride comfort at all times. Even when accelerating or riding over rough terrain, the car appears and feels as if it is floating on a cushion of air which, thanks to its air suspension, it is. Indeed, the self-levelling air springs are so sensitive they can detect if a passenger in the rear moves from one side of the car to the other, and adjust the suspension accordingly.

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