2008 Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupé
16.02.2008 – 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. A sport button on the steering wheel activates a new gearbox programme. Each gear is held for longer, increasing the rate of acceleration. Kick-down is also faster and accelerator pedal response has been enhanced.
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.”
In addition to the options, customers can specify unique features through the company’s Bespoke programme. For example, they may choose from 44,000 exterior colours, specify a one-off leather colour or even select an unusual wood to complement the interior. Our Bespoke interior designers can also use embroidery and marquetry to personalise the inside of the car. All manner of other technical, structural and aesthetic detailing is possible, to meet the precise requirements of customers.
In Detail
| submitted by | Richard Owen |
| built at | Goodwood, England |
| engine | 60 Degree V12 |
| position | Front Longitudinal |
| valvetrain | 4 Valves per Cyl |
| fuel feed | Direct injection |
| displacement | 6749 cc / 411.8 in³ |
| bore | 84.6 mm / 3.33 in |
| stroke | 92 mm / 3.62 in |
| compression | 11.0:1 |
| power | 337.8 kw / 453.0 bhp @ 5350 rpm |
| specific output | 67.12 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 174.9 bhp per tonne |
| torque | 719.94 nm / 531 ft lbs @ 3500 rpm |
| front tires | Goodyear EMT 255/50 R21 106W |
| rear tires | oodyear EMT 285/45 R21 109W |
| front brakes | Vented Discs |
| rear brakes | Vented Discs |
| front wheels | F 53.3 x 20.3 cm / 21 x 8 in |
| rear wheels | R 53.3 x 24.1 cm / 21 x 9.5 in |
| steering | Rack & Pinion w/Speed Sensitive Power Assist |
| curb weight | 2590 kg / 5710 lbs |
| wheelbase | 3320 mm / 130.7 in |
| front track | 1687 mm / 66.4 in |
| rear track | 1671 mm / 65.8 in |
| length | 5609 mm / 220.8 in |
| width | 1987 mm / 78.2 in |
| height | 1592 mm / 62.7 in |
| transmission | ZF 6HP32 6-Speed Auto |
| gear ratios | 4.171:1, 2.340:1, 1.521:1, 1.143:1, 0.867:1, 0.691:1 |
| final drive | 3.460:1 |
| drag | 0.36 Cd |
Auction Sales History
2010 Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe – sold for $275,000 Original MSRP over 450K. 1712 actual miles. Stainless steel hood. Starlight headliner. Complete with two factory umbrellas .
Auction Source: The Daytime Auction in Monterey by Mecum
