Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe

Inspired by the America’s Cup J-class yachts of the 1930s and the Riva motor launches of the 1950s, the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé continues the long tradition of two-door, four-seat Rolls-Royce convertibles. At the press of a button, you can share the pleasures of open-air driving with your fellow passengers. Then press your foot down and enjoy the power of its muscular V12 engine. Even with the hood stowed beneath the rear deck there is still ample room for weekend cases or three sets of golf clubs in the boot. The picnic boot lid provides a comfortable seat for two adults and space for a hamper making Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé the ideal choice for sporting or social occasions.

The Drophead Coupé is a less formal interpretation of classic Rolls-Royce design, inspired by classic J-class racing yachts of the 1930s. Featuring coach doors, wood and steel highlights and a soft top, it epitomises romantic, performance motoring.  The Phantom Drophead Coupé is a less formal interpretation of classic Rolls-Royce design that captures the essence of adventure of the 1930s. Its unique raked grille combined with the flowing lines of the car, gives a sense of spirit and momentum even at rest. Developed from the 100EX experimental model it offers both driver and passengers a dual experience - intimate and cocooning or embracing the elements depending on whether the roof is raised or lowered. Inspired by the J-class racing yachts of 30s (known for their performance and use of natural materials) the result is a car that epitomises romantic, performance motoring.

The convivial interior of the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé evokes the feeling of being aboard an elegant motor yacht. The rear-hinged coach doors allow you to embark and disembark gracefully. While the sisal carpets and optional teak deck are perfectly in keeping with the car’s informal elegance and nautical nature. The rear lounge seat turns your passengers gently towards each other, and creates a more intimate atmosphere. You can also relax in the knowledge that the windscreen surround has been designed for optimum strength and rollover protection. Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé features the largest and most refined canvas hood of any modern convertible car. Each one is tailored by hand and is available in six colours, chosen to complement and enhance the exterior paint colours. When raised, the interior is almost as whisper-quiet as Phantom’s.

"We wanted to create a car that is a shared experience," explains Charles Coldham, Chief Stylist Interior Design. "The occupants are surrounded by the finest natural materials, evoking the experience of being on board a yacht." The coach doors allow elegant entry and exit to and from the rear lounge seat that turns the passengers gently towards each other, creating a more intimate atmosphere. The signature hood is made from five layers of material including cashmere, making it both quiet and luxurious when the top is raised.


Like the Phantom saloon, the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé is built on a hand-welded aluminium spaceframe that has been adapted to the needs of open-top motoring. The A-pillar and windscreen surround have been designed for optimum strength and roll-over protection. From the elevated driving position you can enjoy the power of the muscular aluminium V12 engine that offers effortless power and 75% of torque available from 1,000 rpm. With a low centre of gravity and weight distribution slightly to the rear of the car, the Drophead Coupé's drive is as spirited as its looks suggest.

At the heart of the Rolls-Royce Phantom family is a lightweight aluminium spaceframe. This remarkable piece of engineering is painstakingly hand-welded from over 500 separate parts and uses over 100 metres of weld. Incredibly light but strong, it is both stiff and dynamic, and the largest of its kind in the automotive industry. When combined with the state-of-the-art suspension technologies, it creates the air-cushioned ‘magic carpet ride’ that is characteristic of Rolls-Royce. Its incredible stiffness not only enhances the driving performance and improves comfort, it also reduces vibration, which in turn reduces noise and helps keep our interiors whisper-quiet. The double-skinned flat floor of the spaceframe conceals much of the technology, making it conspicuous by its apparent absence.

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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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2012 Roll-Royce Ghost Extended Review

Throughout our history, we have used experimental cars to explore new ideas, engineering solutions and to shape the future of the marque. Roll-Royce Ghost EX (Extended) models are not concept cars, they are fully-formed and functional vehicles in their own right. And while they are not designed to go directly into production, many of the ideas they inspire do. With Roll-Royce Ghost Extended 200EX we began with a blank piece of paper, an eclectic team of designers and a clear objective. Namely to create a Rolls-Royce that achieves unprecedented dynamism and modernity. We found inspiration in contemporary furniture, architecture and luxury yachts. The character for the car, however, was very much inspired by a photograph we found in our archives of Don Carlos de Salamanca, who won the 1913 Spanish Grand Prix in a Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost. His proud expression conveyed a sense of adventure and confidence, which we wanted to capture in Roll-Royce Ghost Extended 200EX.


Goodwood is the modern home of Rolls-Royce. Here the Ghost range and Phantom model family are hand-built under the same roof one of the largest single-span ‘living roofs’ in Europe. Covered with thousands of sedum plants, it changes colour with the seasons and helps our building blend seamlessly with the surrounding countryside. As do the cedar cladding louvres, which also automatically adjust to shield the glare of the sun. This creates the perfect environment for our craftspeople to hone their skills transforming the finest natural materials into the finest cars in the world.


Roll-Royce Ghost Extended passes through 60 pairs of hands before it’s handed over to you. These belong to the skilled craftspeople and technicians at our Goodwood plant. Here modern manufacturing processes combine with traditional craft skills to turn the bodyshell into the finished car. In all, it involves over 2,000 individual operations and takes 20 days to complete. Unsurprisingly, there are no short cuts along the way. In keeping with Rolls-Royce tradition, you have the freedom to define the appearance of Ghost and Ghost Extended Wheelbase and tailor them to your own individual needs. This means, in addition to the exterior colour, leather upholstery and wood veneer, you can specify a wide range of options, accessories and equipment from the new Silver Satin bonnet finish to some of the most advanced technology ever to feature in a Rolls-Royce. You also have the opportunity to bespoke many aspects of Ghost and Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended Wheelbase with the Bespoke programme.

With the Bespoke programme, you can complement the contemporary exterior and interior styling of your Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended with many personal touches and embellishments that showcase the extraordinary skills of the craftspeople at Goodwood. For the exterior, you can choose from an extended palette of stunning paint colours. Then, should you wish, you could add a set of single or twin coachlines. Each one is painted by hand using a special brush made from ox and squirrel hair, and takes around three hours to apply. Our meticulous approach to detail also extends inside the car. The additional range of veneers can be enhanced with stainless steel pinstripes. Or you could have the Spirit of Ecstasy logo or Rolls-Royce monogram inlaid by hand into the veneered door cappings.
 
Not only can you choose from a wider range of leather colours and combinations to furnish and trim the interior, it can also be finished with seat piping and contrast stitching. Or you can create your own colour scheme using a pallet of different leather colours, which can be applied in any combination you desire. You can also have the Rolls-Royce monogram or your initials embroidered into the headrests.


There are many ways you can further enhance the appearance of Ghost and Ghost Extended Wheelbase. One of the most striking is the optional Silver Satin finish on the bonnet and windscreen surround, which accentuates their already charismatic presence. As do the visible exhausts that hint at the abundance of power under the bonnet. Large 20" wheels can also be specified either in alloy or in chromed alloy with matching chromed centre caps or body coloured centre caps. Inside, additional full-grain leather panels and deep lambswool footmats make the presence of the finest natural materials even more apparent.

Once specified, the optional technology in Ghost and Roll-Royce Ghost Extended Wheelbase is at first only noticeable by its apparent absence. Then by the ease with which it can be operated. The Control Centre Display provides a wealth of information, yet remains out of sight behind a veneered panel until required. In the case of Night Vision, it displays the thermal image of pedestrians up to 300 metres away whose body heat is detected by a discreet infrared camera in the grille. The screen also makes parking easier, as it shows you what’s happening around the car thanks to a series of cameras mounted on the front, sides and rear. At the flick of a switch, the Head-up Display means you don’t have to take your eyes off the road as driving related information, such as speed or directions, is projected directly on to the windscreen in front of you. And the Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, means you don’t have to touch the brake or accelerator when the car ahead speeds up or slows down, even to a standstill. These are just some of the options available on Ghost and Ghost Extended Wheelbase, and why they are the most advanced cars we have ever produced.


There’s plenty to keep you occupied when you travel in the rear even on the longest of journeys. With the Theatre Configuration, you can play DVDs or watch television on one of the two large individually controlled 9.2" LCD screens. Or upload your favourite music from your MP3 to provide the soundtrack for your journey. The Individual Lounge Seats allow you to enjoy even greater levels of comfort and even a gentle massage. Perforations in the seat surface release a cooling stream of air, while the rear climate control allows you to choose and regulate the temperature on your side of the car.


Roll-Royce Ghost Extended shares the same paint shop as Phantom, and the same mirror-like finish. It takes us seven days to achieve. In that time, we spend longer sanding the bodyshell between coats by hand than we do painting it. Once the fifth and final coat, a layer of clear lacquer, has been applied, it receives a further five hours of hand-polishing. Which is why when you look closely at Ghost’s paint work, you’ll see a perfect reflection of yourself staring back at you. Even the slightest imperfection has no place in a Rolls-Royce. Which is why we only use A-grade bull leather. This ensures the upholstery and trim in your Ghost will have no unsightly scars or stretch marks. We use at least eight hides for each interior, and to guarantee perfect consistency of colour throughout, each one comes from the same batch. We also drum dye our hides rather than paint them, so that the colour permeates right through the leather. This process also imparts a natural suppleness to the leather and means it will neither squeak nor crack. So all you will notice when you settle into your Ghost is the remarkable softness of the leather itself.


Beautiful wood in its most natural form adds a simple but striking finishing touch to the interior.
To give the impression of a seamless flow of grain from the dashboard to the passenger compartment, we only use wood from the same tree for each car. Not only does this ensure a consistent colouration, over time it will acquire the same patina. If you prefer a more contemporary feel to your interior, you can choose Piano Black or one of our straight-grained veneers such as Malabar or Dark Wenge. Whereas if you favour a more traditional look you can opt for Walnut Burr or Elm Cluster. An enhanced range of hardwood veneers, including Mahogany, Oak Burr and Black Stained Ash, are available through the Ghost Bespoke Programme.

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2012 Rolls-Royce Ghost Speed Express Review

The principle of delivering simplicity out of complexity runs throughout 2012 Rolls-Royce Ghost and 2012 Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended Wheelbase. Everything is designed, engineered and crafted to be so invitingly approachable, so simple, it encourages you to regard either car as appropriate for any occasion. The advanced technology serves only to make driving easier and more enjoyable, not to intrude or confuse. While the phenomenal power of the twin turbo 6.6-litre V12 engine is both effortless and rewarding. Finally, the uncluttered interiors cosset the occupants and are a place to enjoy spending time. Simplicity may be hard to achieve, but it’s worth the effort.


Ghost and Ghost Extended Wheelbase are the essence of Rolls-Royce in its simplest, purest form. The classic Rolls-Royce proportions are all present and correct: the ideal 2:1 ratio of the height of the wheels to the height of the body; the long wheelbase and bonnet; the short overhang at the front and the long overhang at the rear. Indeed, our Chief Designer has his own unique way of describing Rolls-Royce Ghost. “Ghost is more like a well-tailored jacket than a formal suit. Its powerful presence and proportions leave you in no doubt that it’s cut from the same cloth as the rest of the marque.” In our opinion, it sums up perfectly what we set out to achieve.


The first time you push the start button and press the accelerator, you will be astonished by the lack of noise from the engine. Then by how whisper-quiet it remains, no matter how hard you push it. And even though Ghost Extended Wheelbase is 17 cm (6.7 inches) longer than Ghost, our engineers have gone to great lengths to ensure it offers the same exceptional driving dynamics. The airsprings, electronically controlled dampers and Active Roll Stabilisation take multiple readings from sensors around the car and continually adjust the suspension accordingly. This ensures they stay level at all times, even when travelling flat out along uneven road surfaces. Not only does this make for a more dynamic and less tiring ride for the driver, it also improves ride comfort for the passengers. More importantly, it helps create the magic carpet-like ride Rolls-Royce is famous for.


Rolls-Royce Ghost and Ghost Extended Wheelbase will effortlessly propel you from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.9 seconds and 5.0 seconds respectively.* While these figures are impressive in their own right, what separates them from other performance cars is how gracefully and smoothly their new twin turbo 6.6-litre V12 engine delivers a seemingly endless surge of power. This is hardly surprising considering a maximum torque of 780 Nm (575 lb ft) is available from as low as 1,500 rpm. Or that it’s capable of generating 563 bhp (420 kW / 570 PS). What is surprising though, is the impression the eight-speed automatic ZF gearbox gives of having an infinite first gear. And the feeling of utter exhilaration that only a beaming smile can truly express.

Rolls-Royce Ghost and Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended Wheelbase aren’t just designed to accelerate in the shortest possible time. They’re also engineered to stop in the shortest possible distance, and with the least amount of drama. You can brake with confidence through turns or on winding roads thanks to the Dynamic Stability Control. It can even detect when you intend to apply the brakes. If you lift your foot from the accelerator quickly, it will prime the brakes with extra pressure. Then when you press the brake pedal it will apply extra force, enabling you to bring the car to a sudden and safe standstill.


Entering and exiting the driver’s and passengers’ compartments are equally graceful. The low sill height means you step effortlessly on to, rather than climb into, the car. While the rear-hinged coach doors, which open to an unrivalled 83 degrees, add an extra sense of theatre for the rear passengers. Once inside either car, you are greeted by a contemporary interior with large expanses of soft full-grain leather, natural wood veneers and deep tufted Blenheim carpets. The cashmere-blend roof lining adds to the sense of openness and space. So too does the optional panorama sunroof. The overall impression is of being cocooned in your own private sanctuary from the outside world.

Our guiding principle of simplicity is immediately evident when you settle into the driver’s seat.
Even though they are the most technologically advanced Rolls-Royce Ghost we have ever produced, you aren’t confronted by rows of switches or banks of buttons. Instead the veneered dashboard remains clear and uncluttered. Only those controls needed for everyday driving are present. Secondary controls are discreetly hidden until required, and situated where you can operate them without a second thought. Another classic Rolls-Royce characteristic is the authority driving position, which gives you a commanding view of the road. While the precise alignment of the steering wheel, accelerator and brake pedals with the centre of your seat reduces fatigue on long trips. At the press of a button, the rear coach doors close effortlessly and silently behind you once you’re inside the rear compartment. The informal lounge seating configuration creates a serene and convivial environment. While its slight curve adds a feeling of intimacy as it allows you to turn towards the person sitting next to you. The high shoulder line and large rear pillars allow you to relax in private. Yet at the same time, enjoy a clear and commanding view of the scenery around you.


Once inside the rear passenger compartment, it is immediately apparent where every centimetre of the additional length has been added. The Rolls-Royce Ghost extra legroom invites you to stretch out, while the abundance of extra space gives you more room to work, entertain or just relax and appreciate the exquisite craftsmanship in every detail. It also allows even more possibilities for personalisation, so you can create a car that is as unique as you are.


Charles Rolls and Henry Royce met for the first time on 4 May 1904 over lunch in the Midland Hotel, Manchester. On that day they agreed to start producing and selling cars under the name Rolls-Royce. Within three years, they launched The Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost a car of legendary reliability. This was demonstrated when it was driven virtually non-stop between London and Glasgow 27 times a staggering 14,371 miles. It led a motoring journalist to describe Rolls-Royce as producing ‘the best car in the world’. A tradition we are proud to continue with its modern-day namesake. Indeed, we are still driven by Sir Henry Royce’s inspiring words. They encourage our designers to challenge automotive conventions and produce ideas others would deem impossible. They challenge our engineers to find innovative solutions to make them possible. And spur our craftspeople to painstakingly turn them into the finished product. It’s how we’ve always made our cars, and it’s how we always will, which is ultimately what makes a Rolls-Royce a Rolls-Royce.

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Rolls-Royce Ghost Luxury Concept and Engine Review

Sir Henry Royce's words are the inspiration behind our approach to engineering every part of a Rolls-Royce Ghost. Working in unison with the purpose built chassis, our advanced air suspension system creates a refined and composed ride. The result is fingertip control and a dynamic connection with the road, making driving an effortless pleasure. Rolls-Royce Ghost feature a Power in Reserve dial on the facia. It's a reminder that there is always power to spare in our V12 engines at 70mph they use less than 10 percent of available power. Delivering 75% of torque at just 1,000rpm, working in perfect balance with the automatic gearbox, the acceleration is so smooth it feels like you are in an infinite first gear. This effortless power, combined with our unique dynamic chassis and cutting-edge suspension creates the famous Rolls-Royce 'magic carpet ride'.

Rolls-Royce Ghost is built around a steel Monocoque chassis and suspension system including Dynamic Stability Control and Active Roll Stabilisation to create a more dynamic drive and the Rolls-Royce 'magic carpet ride'. Powered by a new twin turbo 6.6-litre V12 engine, it is virtually silent, with 80% of its torque available from idle. Coupled with the 8-speed ZF gearbox it accelerates from 0-62 mph in just 4.9 seconds and has a governed top-speed of 155 mph.

Each Rolls-Royce Ghost is hand-built to order, so you can choose the finishing touches to make it uniquely yours. It's a simple but absorbing process that starts with your choice of external colour, complementary leather upholstery, veneer and wheels. In keeping with Rolls-Royce tradition you can personalise your Rolls-Royce Ghost further to suit your individual needs. Choose from a wide range of options and accessories - from the new Silver Satin bonnet finish to some of the most advanced technology ever to feature in a Rolls-Royce.

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