Rolls Royce Phantom Updated for 2009

2009 Rolls Royce Phantom Facelift

New Phantom will feature same front end as Phantom Phantom Coupé and Drophead Coupé

By Alex Ricciuti
February 16, 2009 7:30 PM
Filed Under: European, Facelifts, Geneva Motor Show, Rolls Royce

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has announced model updates for the Phantom and the Phantom Extended Wheelbase.

They, of course, don't refer to them as facelifts. This is Rolls-Royce. But they should come up with a better term than "product update", don't you think? That sounds like something your mp3 player maker says.

Anyway, the 2009 model Phantom and Phantom Extended Wheelbase will feature a few additional goodies that make spending a half-million bucks on one more worth your while.

First up, ironically, is the actual facelift. The Phantom gets the same front end first introduced on the Phantom Coupé and Drophead Coupé. That is a slimmer front bumper coupled with a "shallower" grill with a stainless steel finish.

Technology upgrades include LED door handle lighting, new connectivity for the rear passengers to the 12-inch screens mounted on the "picnic tables" at the back, newly positioned switches for the air conditioning, audio and electric windows in a wood panel on the rear doors, as well as new bi-directional reading lights hanging from the C-pillar to keep the rear passenger who likely owns the car comfy.

21-inch wheels cast in aluminum are now standard too on the Phantom series.

Production is set to begin this spring at Rolls-Royce's Goodwood facility in the UK.

 

Source: Rolls Royce

Press Release (Click to expand)

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is pleased to announce details of a product update to the 2009 model year Phantom and Phantom Extended Wheelbase. Building on a successful sales year in 2008, the phased introduction of a number of subtle model year enhancements will reinforce Phantom’s position as the pinnacle product of the super luxury segment.

Harmonising the front appearance of the car with that of the Phantom Drophead Coupé and Phantom Coupé, a new streamlined front bumper has been designed and integrated with a shallower grille, finished in stainless steel.

Other new exterior features include LED door handle illumination and the fitting of 21-inch cast aluminum wheels as standard. Two further wheel options exist, both manufactured in forged alloy and available in either painted or part polished finishes.

Inside, rear passengers will benefit from a new RCA component input which provides auxiliary audio and visual connectivity to the 12-inch monitors mounted within the picnic tables. Further features include new front and rear door cappings with integrated grab handles and new bi-directional double reading lights in the C-pillar provide additional illumination. Rear climate control, volume control and electric window switches are now conveniently repositioned, housed in a wood veneer panel in the door.

Production will commence at Goodwood in the spring.

Comments

isaacu
February 16, 2009 8:46 PM
For Bond, "..one Martini...shaken not stirred". So it is for this Rolls-Royce. The Phantom facelift is what its meant to be. Simply different without making the car look more modern. This mobile "ingot" is a design frozen in time...

Just too "yummy"!

isaacu

uaeinmanchester
February 16, 2009 9:39 PM
timeless...like.old.days.off.RR

lucifa
February 17, 2009 11:32 AM
"Dry martini, shaken, not stirred." is dead, which is why I HATED Quantum of Solace.

And I preferred the bigger f*** off grill on the original.

BabyMilo
February 17, 2009 8:45 AM
i dont get the silly star like roof thing, it doesnt look very classy or elagent much better with a sunroof

isaacu
February 17, 2009 5:00 PM
The "persona" that calls themself "lucifa" above, can be taken as read.....

You need a "stiff" drink!

Enough said

isaacu

U.D
February 17, 2009 8:36 PM
just the threating name rollllllls rrrrrroycccce and de ultra luxury s;'.t, the tale lights and the roof and the boot realy ugly and cheap only the bonet and front looks mean and expensive.i know its a rolls but im saying what i have in my heart about its exterior


Edited by user on February 17, 2009 at 8:38 PM
ARF
July 3, 2009 7:49 AM
It's still using old BMW 7 Series chassis? or the new F02?

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