Rolls-Royce are to introduce their first coupe model for over a decade at Geneva next month. The Phantom Coupe is a new, more dynamic driver-orientated Phantom model that continues to exude its sedan couterpart's levels of comfort while offering new modifications for a more concise package.
Drawing largely on the design of its drop-top Drophead Coupe sibling and 101EX concept car forerunner, the new Coupe brings high-end technology to a design timeless in its execution. In common with the sedan, the new model has the Phantom's 6.75-litre V12 unit, producing 453 hp and 720 Nm of torque. But extraordinarily, a 25 percent increase in fuel capacity has been achieved over the Drophead, turning a long-legged cruiser to one of 'transcontinental' proportion.
Dynamism is of considerable importance on the new Phantom Coupe, the brand insisting the Phantom's dynamic drive 'is taken one step further'. Improved ride comfort and handling is achieved by way of an advanced alluminium chassis and new lightweight components, while the strong alloy and single-span roof without B-pillar re-inforces safety credentials to produce the 'most torsionally rigid Rolls-Royce ever'.
Transferring from concept to production is that of the brushed steel finish as seen on both 100EX and 101EX concept vehicles. Bonnet and A-pillars are now available in this finish on the new Coupe, while the lower tailgate doubles up as a seating platform for two when lowered. Boot space is up by 80 litres to 395 over the Drophead.
"The Coupé has been designed and engineered to be the most dynamic interpretation of our values," says Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Chairman and Chief Executive, Ian Robertson. "Our 2007 sales figures illustrate how successful the entire model range has been with an increase of 25 per cent over the previous year."
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars will unveil its new Phantom Coupé at the 78th International Geneva Motor Show on Tuesday, 4 March 2008. Production of the new car will start at Goodwood in the summer of 2008.
The Coupé 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.
Marrying cutting-edge technology with a beautifully proportioned, muscular body that exudes power and style, it incorporates timeless Rolls-Royce design cues in an utterly contemporary manner.
Designed to cover great distances effortlessly, the Coupé is the perfect choice for a transcontinental trip. Power is provided by the Phantom’s 6.75-litre V12 that produces 453 bhp, 720 Nm of torque and has segment-leading fuel economy. A 25 per cent increase in fuel capacity, compared to the Drophead Coupé, adds significant driving range. Agile, fast, long-legged and virtually silent, the Phantom Coupé allows both driver and passengers to emerge unruffled, even after an all-day run.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Chief Designer, Ian Cameron, said “Rolls-Royce has always been about pace, performance and style. For the Coupé design we gave the quintessential Rolls-Royce design a dynamic twist. This adds a sense of drama to the outstanding engineering and drivability that are fundamentals of Rolls-Royce cars. The dynamic drive of the Phantom has always come as a surprise to customers and the Coupé takes it one step further.”
The Phantom Coupé features rear-hinged coach doors which add considerably to the ease of access to the rear lounge seats as well as to the overall aesthetics. Crucially, they aid the overall stiffness of the body as the rear hinged doors allow for an uninterrupted A-pillar helping to make this the most torsionally rigid Rolls-Royce ever. A brushed steel finish of A-pillar and bonnet, as seen for the first time on 100EX, is also available for the Coupé.
At the rear is a spacious picnic boot. A split tail compartment that opens in two parts, gives easy access to 395 litres of space. The lower tailgate also provides a comfortable seating platform for two adults when lowered.
At the core of the Phantom Coupé is an advanced aluminium chassis, perhaps the single most significant component in delivering the marque’s legendary refinement. Lightweight and exceptionally strong, it impacts positively on ride comfort, handling and safety. Hand made, it requires over 130 meters of welding to create each body.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Chairman and Chief Executive, Ian Robertson, said, “The Coupé has been designed and engineered to be the most dynamic interpretation of our values. Our 2007 sales figures illustrate how successful the entire model range has been with an increase of 25 per cent over the previous year.”
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