New Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe Previewed

by Marty Bernstein, Marketing & Advertising Editor

Movies are always previewed to critics prior to release of the movie, so why don’t auto writers, journalists and photographers get a preview prior to a major auto show. In the past a couple favorite magazine publications may get a sneak look, but that’s been all … until now!

Last week in Monterey, California gave 40+ auto mavens a run-down on the techy and styling details following a dinner event. And it was done before the Geneva Show. For on Tuesday, March 4, 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 with delivery scheduled for later in the year or in 2009. 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, while still offering incredible levels of comfort.

A beautifully proportioned body that exudes power and style, the Coupé incorporates timeless Rolls-Royce design cues in an utterly contemporary manner. 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 rigid Rolls-Royce ever. A brushed steel finish of A-pillar and hood is also available for the Coupé. Power is provided by the Phantom’s 6.75-litre V12 that produces 453 horsepower and has a segment-leading fuel economy.

Compared to the Drophead (convertible) the Coupe has a 25 per cent increase in fuel capacity. 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.”

At the core of the Phantom Coupé is an advanced aluminum 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 300 feet 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.” More to come from Geneva. Oh, there was an almost unanimous “thumbs-up” for the new vehicle. Just don’t eat popcorn while sitting or driving in it.