2012 Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II Coupé Aviator Collection
Inspired by Charles Stewart Rolls and the legend of the Schneider Trophy-winning Supermarine S6B (powered by a Rolls-Royce R Type engine), Rolls-Royce Motor Cars proudly presents the Phantom Coupé Aviator Collection. The collection celebrates the spirit of human endeavour that drove a very British hero and subsequently led Rolls-Royce to simultaneous world speed records on land, air and in the water.
The first in the collection of 35 Phantom Coupé Aviator Collection models – which feature a suite of exclusive design concepts, colour combinations and new materials – debuts today at the Pebble Beach Quail gathering in the United States.
“Our founding forefather Charles Stewart Rolls was a pioneer who pushed the boundaries of motoring and aviation to the limit,” said Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Rolls-Royce CEO. “With our exclusive Phantom Coupé Aviator Collection we celebrate this great British hero, presenting a car which hints at experiments in early flight married to the best engineering, modern design and exquisitely crafted materials. The collection takes Rolls-Royce Bespoke to new levels of subtle, yet beautiful detailing.”
Finished in Aviator Grey, the Phantom Coupé Aviator Collection features a contrasting matt bonnet, window and grille surround while inside, the interplay of wood and metal hint strongly at a cockpit theme. A Thommen, aviation-grade clock with blood orange needle tips is embedded in the metal foil upper fascia, complemented by matt black dials for power reserve, speedometer and fuel gauges.
The lower fascia is veneered in mahogany, painstakingly shaped by craftspeople just as the early record-setting propellers were fashioned and features Sapele contrast. Polished stainless steel veneer ‘onlays’ with bullet-shaped ends are designed to match floor mat fixings.
Between 1931 and 1933 the Schneider Trophy was held in the South of England, soaring over the Solent and the Witterings in West Sussex, a location no more than 10 miles from the current Home of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in Goodwood, England. Collection cars celebrate the victorious S6B aircraft with transmission tunnel in anodised aluminium with exposed torx fixings and swage lines that echo the oil cooling veins on the S6B fuselage side. These highlights are repeated on collection car armrests.
The leather-lined glove compartment includes an embossed Charles Rolls quote following his first flight with the Wright Brothers in 1908: “The power of flight is as a fresh gift from the Creator, the greatest treasure yet given to man.” A centre console chrome plaque describes Rolls – only the second man in Britain to hold a pilot’s licence – simply as Pioneer Aviator, below a representation of his sweeping signature.
Fitted with leather floor mats, Aviator Collection cars have also been designed to incorporate the Rolls-Royce of cup holders. Beautifully engineered in highly polished aluminium, the designer’s aim was to deliver functionality, but with that special combination of theatre and jewellery, both of which are expected by every Rolls-Royce client.
For more on the story of Charles Stewart Rolls please visit Rolls-Royce Motor Cars PressClub. Phantom Coupé Aviator Collection models are now available for client orders.
In Detail
| submitted by | Richard Owen |
| type | Series Production Car |
| released at | 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance |
| built at | Goodwood, England |
| body stylist | Marek Djordjevic, Ian Cameron |
| engineers | Helmut Reidl |
| production | 35 |
| engine | BMW N73 V12 |
| position | Front Longitudinal |
| block material | Aluminum |
| valvetrain | DOHC w/Valvetronic VVT |
| fuel feed | Direct Fuel 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 | 175.58 bhp per tonne |
| torque | 720 nm / 531.0 ft lbs @ 3500 rpm |
| body / frame | Aluminum & Steel Body over Aluminum Spaceframe |
| driven wheels | RWD |
| front tires | PAX 265 x 790 R540 A 111W |
| rear tires | PAX 265 x 790 R540 A 111W |
| front brakes | Vented Discs |
| rear brakes | Vented Discs |
| front wheels | F 26.5 x 54.0 cm / 10.4 x 21.3 in |
| rear wheels | R 26.4 x 54.1 cm / 10.4 x 21.3 in |
| steering | Rack & Pinion w/Speed Sensitive Power Assist |
| curb weight | 2580 kg / 5689 lbs |
| wheelbase | 3320 mm / 130.7 in |
| front track | 1685 mm / 66.3 in |
| rear track | 1670 mm / 65.7 in |
| length | 5612 mm / 220.9 in |
| width | 1987 mm / 78.2 in |
| height | 1598 mm / 62.9 in |
| transmission | 8-Speed Automatic |
| gear ratios | 4.171:1, 2.340:1, 1.521:1, 1.143:1, 0.867:1, 0.69:1 |
| final drive | 3.460:1 |
| top speed | ~239.8 kph / 149.0 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | ~5.6 seconds |
| 0 – 100 kph | ~5.8 seconds |
| drag | 0.383 Cd |
| urban fuel econ eu | 22.8 L/100 km or 10.32 mpg-us |
| extra urban fuel econ eu | 10.2 L/100 km or 23.06 mpg-us |
| combined fuel econ eu | 14.8 L/100 km or 15.89 mpg-us |
| emission | 347 g/km |
