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At first glance, you might be wondering why this Rolls-Royce Phantom is making news. It looks like any standard Phantom. But it's when you look a bit closer and notice the raised ride height, aggressive tires, and shorten rear doors that you realize this isn't your ordinary Phantom. It happens to be the mule for Rolls-Royce's first SUV. It is assumed that the mule is using a new aluminum spaceframe architecture that will underpin the entire Rolls-Royce lineup. Judging by the shortened rear doors, it would be safe to assume that SUV will be slightly shorter than the next Phantom. Power will likely come from a V12 of some sort going through a four-wheel drive system. The Rolls-Royce SUV is expected to come out in 2018. Source: Autoblog, Motor Authority -
Rolls-Royce has announced that 2016 will mark the end of the current Phantom lineup. The sedan will make a return in 2018, but the coupe and drophead coupe will not. To mark the end of the coupe and drophead, the British automaker has announced a new special edition. The Phantom Zenith coupe and drophead coupe will come equipped with a Tailgate Hosting Area; laser-etched armrests featuring the locations of where the 100EX and 101EX concepts were revealed, unique instrument dials, a Spirit of Ecstasy figurine, and more. “As the name promises, Zenith will be the pinnacle; the best of its kind; the highest standard achievable by which everything else is judged. Zenith will be the sum of all the best features of Phantom Coupé and Drophead Coupé, with a few surprises added," said Rolls' Director of Design, Giles Taylor. Rolls will only be building 50 Zenith models before both models say good-bye later this year. As for the next-generation Phantom sedan, it will utilize a new aluminum platform that will find its way underneath all of Rolls-Royce models. The Phantom will also use lightweight metal and carbon fiber to help reduce weight. Design is expected to be the same as the current Phantom. Source: Rolls-Royce Press Release is on Page 2 ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS BRINGS SEVENTH GENERATION OF PHANTOM TO AN END 23.02.2016 Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Chief Executive Officer, Torsten Müller-Ötvös, has announced that the current Phantom will enter the last stages of its celebrated life in 2016. This announcement follows the recent news that Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has begun testing its all-new aluminium architecture, which will underpin every future Rolls-Royce arriving in-market from early 2018. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Chief Executive Officer, Torsten Müller-Ötvös, has announced that the current Phantom will enter the last stages of its celebrated life in 2016. This announcement follows the recent news that Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has begun testing its all-new aluminium architecture, which will underpin every future Rolls-Royce arriving in-market from early 2018. He also announced that Phantom Coupé and Drophead Coupé models will not be renewed in the future. These two magnificent Phantom models will end their lives with a special collection of only 50 highly desirable cars to be called Phantom Zenith. The current seventh generation of Phantom started production in Goodwood over 13 years ago and quickly became the foundation upon which the renaissance of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars was built. A magnificent, graceful and powerful statement of the marque’s claim to the very pinnacle of super luxury, Phantom VII is now approaching the end of its production. During November this year, the build of the very last Phantom Coupé and Drophead Coupé at Goodwood will be completed. These models will not be replaced. Collectors around the world will be excited to learn that a spectacular collection of 50 unique Coupé’s and Drophead Coupés, called Phantom Zenith, will be built to celebrate the end of production of these truly exceptional cars. Rolls-Royce will also build the last Phantom VII limousines this year. Torsten Müller-Ötvös, said, “I am proud and excited to announce that a new Phantom is on the way – a contemporary and beautiful Phantom enhanced with cutting-edge technologies and design innovations. Any new Phantom is an historic and important moment in automotive history and we are working hard on perfecting the Phantom VIII.” Rolls-Royce Motor Cars reset the benchmark for luxury motor cars in 2003 when it launched Phantom VII, a motor car that has remained the pinnacle of pure luxury for the last 13 years. Over those years Rolls-Royce created many fantastic Phantoms that stunned the world with their beauty and redefined the notion of pure luxury motoring. Now it is time to take the next step in the luxury journey. Phantom VII – Continuing to set the luxury benchmark even as it prepares to leave the world stage Even as it prepares to leave the world stage, Phantom VII will continue to set the benchmark for luxury motoring with a number of limited-run collector’s pieces, each of which will be the last of their line. To mark their exit, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ Bespoke design department will create the most highly Bespoke examples of each Phantom model to date – Coupé, Drophead Coupé and Limousine. At the same time the craftspeople who build each Rolls-Royce motor car to roll down the line at the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood are already preparing themselves for the painstaking work that will go into these very special final motor cars. Zenith – The very pinnacle of automotive excellence The first of these special collections will be named Zenith, and will be the last ever Phantom Coupé and Drophead Coupé models available to commission from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “As the name promises, Zenith will be the pinnacle; the best of its kind; the highest standard achievable by which everything else is judged,” comments Director of Design, Giles Taylor. “Zenith will be the sum of all the best features of Phantom Coupé and Drophead Coupé, with a few surprises added. We expect huge demand for these 50 fine motor cars as we shall not look upon their like again.” Such surprise features will include a Tailgate Hosting Area; laser etched armrests depicting the original launch locations of 100EX in Villa D’Este and 101EX in Geneva; Bespoke instrument dials and a special treatment of the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy figurine. Each customer will also receive a ‘money cannot buy’ portable memento of his or her purchase, whilst the motor cars will be offered to clients in a palate of memorable colour combinations from Rolls-Royce’s history. Phantom VII – The return of the pinnacle of automotive excellence The launch of the seventh generation Rolls-Royce Phantom, on 1 January 2003, was much more than the reveal of a new super-luxury car; it signalled the 21st Century renaissance of the world’s most famous luxury automobile brand and the first glimpse of a masterpiece that quickly established itself at the pinnacle of automotive excellence, leading where others could only try to follow. For the preceding five years, and in the absence of publicity, designers, engineers and craftspeople had overseen the birth of a flagship Rolls-Royce motor car and state-of-the-art production facility on the Goodwood Estate in Southern England. Without parallel in the car industry, the achievement was all the more astonishing for a brand which shouldered the weight of automotive history and for which expectations for the future were rightly very high. From launch, the Rolls-Royce Phantom proved itself a worthy recipient of the famous Spirit of Ecstasy figurine. From its Pantheon grille to long rear overhang, the design was clearly a Rolls-Royce. Every angle revealed a bold yet elegant car with road presence that was second to none. From 2005, new variants of Phantom VII were added. First was the Phantom Extended Wheelbase, followed by the ultimate in luxurious open-top motoring, the Phantom Drophead Coupé in 2007 and, in 2008, the Phantom Coupé, Rolls-Royce’s sophisticated grand tourer. All these beautiful cars are timeless in their appeal, and have been the cornerstone of Rolls-Royce’s Bespoke offering to its clients’ sophisticated requirements, allowing them to create individual works of art with their superlative cars. Today, every Phantom that leaves the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood has Bespoke features. ‘Waterspeed’, ‘Aviator’, ‘Metropolitan’, ‘Maharajah’ and ‘Serenity’ are a few of the names of Iconic Bespoke Phantoms which have entered private collections around the world and will live down the years as some of the most beloved Rolls-Royces ever. -
Rolls-Royce announced this week that they are busy at work on a new model that will debut by mid-2016. In the press release, the company is hinting that the new model will be a convertible, most likely being the Ghost/Wraith. "The car will build on the success of Phantom, Ghost and Wraith by continuing to boldly shape the future of the marque with contemporary, graceful and sensuous styling. It will deliver effortless, open-top touring through the perfect marriage of modern Rolls-Royce luxury, style and elegance with an engaging and exhilarating driving experience," the British Automaker wrote in a press release. Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös adds, "We are currently developing an exciting and thoroughly contemporary interpretation of a pinnacle drophead tourer which will introduce even more discerning men and women to Rolls-Royce ownership." Source: Rolls-Royce William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.comor you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS CONFIRMS DEVELOPMENT OF NEW MODEL The manufacturer of the world's pinnacle super-luxury automobiles today confirmed the development programme for a new Rolls-Royce. The new car will reach the market by mid-2016. The car will build on the success of Phantom, Ghost and Wraith by continuing to boldly shape the future of the marque with contemporary, graceful and sensuous styling. It will deliver effortless, open-top touring through the perfect marriage of modern Rolls-Royce luxury, style and elegance with an engaging and exhilarating driving experience. Speaking from the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood, West Sussex, Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said, "I am truly delighted to confirm today the development of our new model which will open an exciting new chapter in the great story of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. We are currently developing an exciting and thoroughly contemporary interpretation of a pinnacle drophead tourer which will introduce even more discerning men and women to Rolls-Royce ownership." Peter Schwarzenbauer, Chairman of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, welcomed the announcement, saying, "The announcement of a new Rolls-Royce model is always a seminal moment in the automobile industry. When it arrives in 2016, this elegant and sensuous new car will build on the success of our current models and will play a key part in fulfilling Rolls-Royce Motor Cars' commitment to long-term sustainable growth." The new car is currently undergoing a rigorous process of prototype testing as it enters its next stage of development. -
Rolls-Royce looks to be the next automaker to join in on the SUV craze that is currently engulfing everyone in the luxury car class. Autocar had the chance to speak with the company's design boss Giles Taylor who said the company is currently assessing the idea of an SUV. As he put it, Rolls-Royce is "sketching to assess the viability of the concept. We are not yet grappling with three dimensions and proportions.” One thing for certain is that Rolls-Royce will not be doing a 'crossover-coupe-thing'. “I’m interested in function and functionality. I’m looking to create a properly functional vehicle – a shooting brake, not a crossover with a sloping roof. A proper SUV,” said Taylor. Autocar speculates that if Rolls go forwards with this, the SUV will be revealed in 2017. Source: Autocar William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. -
A few years ago, Rolls-Royce introduced an all electric Phantom concept named the 102EX. The concept was shown to customers to gage reaction as to whether or not Rolls should not continue this project. Customers weren't interested and Rolls stopped work on the project. That doesn't mean Rolls isn't looking into other ways to be more environmentally-friendly. Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös tells Auto Express the company is considering a plug-in hybrid powertrain for its vehicles in the next few years. “It will be essential in two years, maybe not from customer demand but through legal regulation on emissions,” said Müller-Ötvös. Most likely Rolls-Royce will borrow the technology from its parent company BMW who is currently working on a plug-in hybrid powertrain for the X5. Its unclear whether or not Rolls-Royce will put this powertrain in the Phantom or Ghost. Source: Auto Express William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. -
William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com August 3, 2012 Back in March, Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös said the automaker is looking into alternative powertrains. Already, electric power has been kicked out due to the range and charging time being unacceptable. Now, it looks like another power option has been kicked to the curb. A source tells Autocar that Rolls-Royce asked their customers what they thought about diesels. The response was a resounding no. “A diesel has a lot of low-end torque. But customers are not going to cop it. It’s the perception of compromise. They wouldn’t entertain the idea. They said absolutely not, don’t bring diesel anywhere near a Rolls-Royce, we won’t buy it,” said the source. Source: Autocar William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. -
Rolls-Royce's CEO Says They're Thinking About Entering The SUV Fray
William Maley posted an article in Rolls-Royce
William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com September 13, 2013 This was Rolls-Royce's CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös answer pertaining to the rumors of a SUV back in April, “We have no plans to produce an SUV, definitely not, the next thing is drophead Wraith but bespoke orders are the priority.” Here's Torsten Müller-Ötvös this week at the Frankfurt Motor Show when asked about an SUV, ”We are intensively thinking about entering the SUV segment. The SUV segment is very interesting. It has been incredibly stable during the crisis, and I think a luxury niche will develop." But why now? Likely, Rolls-Royce has seen luxury automakers raking in the sales (and money) with SUVs. Plus, it would give Bentley's SUV a run for its money. Source: The Truth About Cars William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. -
Rolls-Royce CEO: Wraith Convertible Is Coming, SUV Not So Much
William Maley posted an article in Rolls-Royce
By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com April 29, 2013 The Rolls-Royce Wraith was a show stopper when it was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March. But Rolls-Royce isn't done yet with the Wraith. CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös told Auto Express that a convertible version is coming. “The design certainly lends itself to a drophead coupe, and I think that will be the next variant.” Müller-Ötvös emphasized that a convertible Wraith could take “some time”, so don't expect it to arrive within the next year or two. Müller-Ötvös also addressed the rumor of a SUV from Rolls-Royce. “We have no plans to produce an SUV, definitely not, the next thing is drophead Wraith but bespoke orders are the priority,” he said. Source: Auto Express William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. -
Rumorpile: Rolls-Royce To Use Aluminum In Next Phantom
William Maley posted an article in Rolls-Royce
A new report from Automobile says the next-generation Rolls-Royce Phantom will be debuting modular architecture made out of aluminum. This new platform will underpin the next-generation of Rolls-Royce vehicles such as the upcoming SUV and next-generation Ghost lineup. No information was provided as to how much weight the move to aluminum would cut. As for the next-generation Phantom, the report says we could be seeing it next year. The Phantom will be offered in a short and long-wheelbase sedan. The coupe and drophead - Rolls speak for roadster - will be dropped due to lack of demand. Looks are said to be more imposing. A V12 engine from BMW will be the sole engine. Source: Automobile -
The day has come to Rolls-Royce. In a letter sent to the press, Rolls' chairman Peter Schwarzenbauer and CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös announced that the luxury automaker would be building an SUV. “I am proud to confirm that Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is developing an all-new, high-bodied Rolls-Royce designed to satisfy the contemporary, highly mobile lifestyles of our discerning clients around the world. I am confident that this new Rolls-Royce will fully deliver on our brand’s promise of supreme luxury while at the same time being Effortless ... Everywhere,” said Müller-Ötvös. The letter goes onto say that the new model will use an all-new aluminium architecture - most likely the same architecture that will underpin the next-generation 7-Series. Rolls-Royce didn't announce a timeframe of when we'll see a production or concept model - only stating that development work has begun. Source: Rolls-Royce Letter is on Page 2 AN OPEN LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN AND THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS ON THE SUBJECT OF A NEW ROLLS-ROYCE The launch of Phantom in 2003 marked the beginning of the renaissance of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Since then, we have set a new benchmark for what a super-luxury car should be – unique, hand-crafted, beautiful and rare. Often imitated, Phantom has never been equalled and continues to be hailed as ‘The Best Car in the World’ by our customers and media alike. Twelve years later, after the introduction of successful new models like Ghost and Wraith, Rolls-Royce stands proudly at the pinnacle of British luxury manufacturing, confirming our custodianship of this precious marque. Now we have reached another seminal moment in Rolls-Royce’s 111-year journey. Today we confirm that we are developing an all-new Rolls-Royce with exceptional presence, elegance and purpose: A car that offers the luxury of a Rolls-Royce in a vehicle that can cross any terrain A car that meets our customers’ highly mobile, contemporary lifestyle expectations A Rolls-Royce that is as much about the pioneering, adventurous spirit of Charles Rolls as it is about Sir Henry Royce’s dedication to engineering and innovation A car that appropriately reflects Rolls-Royce’s brand promise of effortless luxury A high-bodied car, with an all-new aluminium architecture A unique new motor car worthy of carrying the Spirit of Ecstasy into the future This new Rolls-Royce will be Effortless ... Everywhere. Many discerning customers have urged us to develop this new car – and we have listened. At Rolls-Royce Motor Cars we are uniquely focused on the desires of our customers and are driven by our own thirst to innovate. So we challenged our engineers and design team, led by Director of Design Giles Taylor, to create a different and exceptional new car. This car will embody all the values and capabilities that drove our two Founding Fathers to secure Rolls-Royce’s reputation, early last century, by taking top honours in rigorous overland adventures such as the Scottish Reliability Trials, the London to Edinburgh event and the Alpine Trials. Rolls-Royces conveyed pioneers and adventurers like Lawrence of Arabia across the vastness of unexplored deserts and over mountain ranges. In other parts of the world including Australia, India and the Americas, Rolls-Royces carried their owners over challenging terrain with absolute reliability and comfort. History sets our precedent and our future calls us to action. This new journey begins now. We will take our time in developing and perfecting this new concept in luxury. We will include our customers, enthusiasts and media along the way and will keep you informed of our progress. Until then, rest assured, we are creating a motor car in the greatest traditions of our marque. Sir Henry Royce famously said: “When it does not exist, design it”. We are doing just that. -
Rolls-Royce looks to be the next automaker to join in on the SUV craze that is currently engulfing everyone in the luxury car class. Autocar had the chance to speak with the company's design boss Giles Taylor who said the company is currently assessing the idea of an SUV. As he put it, Rolls-Royce is "sketching to assess the viability of the concept. We are not yet grappling with three dimensions and proportions.” One thing for certain is that Rolls-Royce will not be doing a 'crossover-coupe-thing'. “I’m interested in function and functionality. I’m looking to create a properly functional vehicle – a shooting brake, not a crossover with a sloping roof. A proper SUV,” said Taylor. Autocar speculates that if Rolls go forwards with this, the SUV will be revealed in 2017. Source: Autocar William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com August 3, 2012 Back in March, Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös said the automaker is looking into alternative powertrains. Already, electric power has been kicked out due to the range and charging time being unacceptable. Now, it looks like another power option has been kicked to the curb. A source tells Autocar that Rolls-Royce asked their customers what they thought about diesels. The response was a resounding no. “A diesel has a lot of low-end torque. But customers are not going to cop it. It’s the perception of compromise. They wouldn’t entertain the idea. They said absolutely not, don’t bring diesel anywhere near a Rolls-Royce, we won’t buy it,” said the source. Source: Autocar William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article
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By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com April 29, 2013 The Rolls-Royce Wraith was a show stopper when it was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March. But Rolls-Royce isn't done yet with the Wraith. CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös told Auto Express that a convertible version is coming. “The design certainly lends itself to a drophead coupe, and I think that will be the next variant.” Müller-Ötvös emphasized that a convertible Wraith could take “some time”, so don't expect it to arrive within the next year or two. Müller-Ötvös also addressed the rumor of a SUV from Rolls-Royce. “We have no plans to produce an SUV, definitely not, the next thing is drophead Wraith but bespoke orders are the priority,” he said. Source: Auto Express William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com September 13, 2013 This was Rolls-Royce's CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös answer pertaining to the rumors of a SUV back in April, “We have no plans to produce an SUV, definitely not, the next thing is drophead Wraith but bespoke orders are the priority.” Here's Torsten Müller-Ötvös this week at the Frankfurt Motor Show when asked about an SUV, ”We are intensively thinking about entering the SUV segment. The SUV segment is very interesting. It has been incredibly stable during the crisis, and I think a luxury niche will develop." But why now? Likely, Rolls-Royce has seen luxury automakers raking in the sales (and money) with SUVs. Plus, it would give Bentley's SUV a run for its money. Source: The Truth About Cars William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article
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Rolls-Royce announced this week that they are busy at work on a new model that will debut by mid-2016. In the press release, the company is hinting that the new model will be a convertible, most likely being the Ghost/Wraith. "The car will build on the success of Phantom, Ghost and Wraith by continuing to boldly shape the future of the marque with contemporary, graceful and sensuous styling. It will deliver effortless, open-top touring through the perfect marriage of modern Rolls-Royce luxury, style and elegance with an engaging and exhilarating driving experience," the British Automaker wrote in a press release. Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös adds, "We are currently developing an exciting and thoroughly contemporary interpretation of a pinnacle drophead tourer which will introduce even more discerning men and women to Rolls-Royce ownership." Source: Rolls-Royce William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.comor you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS CONFIRMS DEVELOPMENT OF NEW MODEL The manufacturer of the world's pinnacle super-luxury automobiles today confirmed the development programme for a new Rolls-Royce. The new car will reach the market by mid-2016. The car will build on the success of Phantom, Ghost and Wraith by continuing to boldly shape the future of the marque with contemporary, graceful and sensuous styling. It will deliver effortless, open-top touring through the perfect marriage of modern Rolls-Royce luxury, style and elegance with an engaging and exhilarating driving experience. Speaking from the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood, West Sussex, Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said, "I am truly delighted to confirm today the development of our new model which will open an exciting new chapter in the great story of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. We are currently developing an exciting and thoroughly contemporary interpretation of a pinnacle drophead tourer which will introduce even more discerning men and women to Rolls-Royce ownership." Peter Schwarzenbauer, Chairman of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, welcomed the announcement, saying, "The announcement of a new Rolls-Royce model is always a seminal moment in the automobile industry. When it arrives in 2016, this elegant and sensuous new car will build on the success of our current models and will play a key part in fulfilling Rolls-Royce Motor Cars' commitment to long-term sustainable growth." The new car is currently undergoing a rigorous process of prototype testing as it enters its next stage of development. View full article
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A few years ago, Rolls-Royce introduced an all electric Phantom concept named the 102EX. The concept was shown to customers to gage reaction as to whether or not Rolls should not continue this project. Customers weren't interested and Rolls stopped work on the project. That doesn't mean Rolls isn't looking into other ways to be more environmentally-friendly. Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös tells Auto Express the company is considering a plug-in hybrid powertrain for its vehicles in the next few years. “It will be essential in two years, maybe not from customer demand but through legal regulation on emissions,” said Müller-Ötvös. Most likely Rolls-Royce will borrow the technology from its parent company BMW who is currently working on a plug-in hybrid powertrain for the X5. Its unclear whether or not Rolls-Royce will put this powertrain in the Phantom or Ghost. Source: Auto Express William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article
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Rolls-Royce has announced that 2016 will mark the end of the current Phantom lineup. The sedan will make a return in 2018, but the coupe and drophead coupe will not. To mark the end of the coupe and drophead, the British automaker has announced a new special edition. The Phantom Zenith coupe and drophead coupe will come equipped with a Tailgate Hosting Area; laser-etched armrests featuring the locations of where the 100EX and 101EX concepts were revealed, unique instrument dials, a Spirit of Ecstasy figurine, and more. “As the name promises, Zenith will be the pinnacle; the best of its kind; the highest standard achievable by which everything else is judged. Zenith will be the sum of all the best features of Phantom Coupé and Drophead Coupé, with a few surprises added," said Rolls' Director of Design, Giles Taylor. Rolls will only be building 50 Zenith models before both models say good-bye later this year. As for the next-generation Phantom sedan, it will utilize a new aluminum platform that will find its way underneath all of Rolls-Royce models. The Phantom will also use lightweight metal and carbon fiber to help reduce weight. Design is expected to be the same as the current Phantom. Source: Rolls-Royce Press Release is on Page 2 ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS BRINGS SEVENTH GENERATION OF PHANTOM TO AN END 23.02.2016 Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Chief Executive Officer, Torsten Müller-Ötvös, has announced that the current Phantom will enter the last stages of its celebrated life in 2016. This announcement follows the recent news that Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has begun testing its all-new aluminium architecture, which will underpin every future Rolls-Royce arriving in-market from early 2018. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Chief Executive Officer, Torsten Müller-Ötvös, has announced that the current Phantom will enter the last stages of its celebrated life in 2016. This announcement follows the recent news that Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has begun testing its all-new aluminium architecture, which will underpin every future Rolls-Royce arriving in-market from early 2018. He also announced that Phantom Coupé and Drophead Coupé models will not be renewed in the future. These two magnificent Phantom models will end their lives with a special collection of only 50 highly desirable cars to be called Phantom Zenith. The current seventh generation of Phantom started production in Goodwood over 13 years ago and quickly became the foundation upon which the renaissance of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars was built. A magnificent, graceful and powerful statement of the marque’s claim to the very pinnacle of super luxury, Phantom VII is now approaching the end of its production. During November this year, the build of the very last Phantom Coupé and Drophead Coupé at Goodwood will be completed. These models will not be replaced. Collectors around the world will be excited to learn that a spectacular collection of 50 unique Coupé’s and Drophead Coupés, called Phantom Zenith, will be built to celebrate the end of production of these truly exceptional cars. Rolls-Royce will also build the last Phantom VII limousines this year. Torsten Müller-Ötvös, said, “I am proud and excited to announce that a new Phantom is on the way – a contemporary and beautiful Phantom enhanced with cutting-edge technologies and design innovations. Any new Phantom is an historic and important moment in automotive history and we are working hard on perfecting the Phantom VIII.” Rolls-Royce Motor Cars reset the benchmark for luxury motor cars in 2003 when it launched Phantom VII, a motor car that has remained the pinnacle of pure luxury for the last 13 years. Over those years Rolls-Royce created many fantastic Phantoms that stunned the world with their beauty and redefined the notion of pure luxury motoring. Now it is time to take the next step in the luxury journey. Phantom VII – Continuing to set the luxury benchmark even as it prepares to leave the world stage Even as it prepares to leave the world stage, Phantom VII will continue to set the benchmark for luxury motoring with a number of limited-run collector’s pieces, each of which will be the last of their line. To mark their exit, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ Bespoke design department will create the most highly Bespoke examples of each Phantom model to date – Coupé, Drophead Coupé and Limousine. At the same time the craftspeople who build each Rolls-Royce motor car to roll down the line at the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood are already preparing themselves for the painstaking work that will go into these very special final motor cars. Zenith – The very pinnacle of automotive excellence The first of these special collections will be named Zenith, and will be the last ever Phantom Coupé and Drophead Coupé models available to commission from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “As the name promises, Zenith will be the pinnacle; the best of its kind; the highest standard achievable by which everything else is judged,” comments Director of Design, Giles Taylor. “Zenith will be the sum of all the best features of Phantom Coupé and Drophead Coupé, with a few surprises added. We expect huge demand for these 50 fine motor cars as we shall not look upon their like again.” Such surprise features will include a Tailgate Hosting Area; laser etched armrests depicting the original launch locations of 100EX in Villa D’Este and 101EX in Geneva; Bespoke instrument dials and a special treatment of the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy figurine. Each customer will also receive a ‘money cannot buy’ portable memento of his or her purchase, whilst the motor cars will be offered to clients in a palate of memorable colour combinations from Rolls-Royce’s history. Phantom VII – The return of the pinnacle of automotive excellence The launch of the seventh generation Rolls-Royce Phantom, on 1 January 2003, was much more than the reveal of a new super-luxury car; it signalled the 21st Century renaissance of the world’s most famous luxury automobile brand and the first glimpse of a masterpiece that quickly established itself at the pinnacle of automotive excellence, leading where others could only try to follow. For the preceding five years, and in the absence of publicity, designers, engineers and craftspeople had overseen the birth of a flagship Rolls-Royce motor car and state-of-the-art production facility on the Goodwood Estate in Southern England. Without parallel in the car industry, the achievement was all the more astonishing for a brand which shouldered the weight of automotive history and for which expectations for the future were rightly very high. From launch, the Rolls-Royce Phantom proved itself a worthy recipient of the famous Spirit of Ecstasy figurine. From its Pantheon grille to long rear overhang, the design was clearly a Rolls-Royce. Every angle revealed a bold yet elegant car with road presence that was second to none. From 2005, new variants of Phantom VII were added. First was the Phantom Extended Wheelbase, followed by the ultimate in luxurious open-top motoring, the Phantom Drophead Coupé in 2007 and, in 2008, the Phantom Coupé, Rolls-Royce’s sophisticated grand tourer. All these beautiful cars are timeless in their appeal, and have been the cornerstone of Rolls-Royce’s Bespoke offering to its clients’ sophisticated requirements, allowing them to create individual works of art with their superlative cars. Today, every Phantom that leaves the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood has Bespoke features. ‘Waterspeed’, ‘Aviator’, ‘Metropolitan’, ‘Maharajah’ and ‘Serenity’ are a few of the names of Iconic Bespoke Phantoms which have entered private collections around the world and will live down the years as some of the most beloved Rolls-Royces ever. View full article
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At first glance, you might be wondering why this Rolls-Royce Phantom is making news. It looks like any standard Phantom. But it's when you look a bit closer and notice the raised ride height, aggressive tires, and shorten rear doors that you realize this isn't your ordinary Phantom. It happens to be the mule for Rolls-Royce's first SUV. It is assumed that the mule is using a new aluminum spaceframe architecture that will underpin the entire Rolls-Royce lineup. Judging by the shortened rear doors, it would be safe to assume that SUV will be slightly shorter than the next Phantom. Power will likely come from a V12 of some sort going through a four-wheel drive system. The Rolls-Royce SUV is expected to come out in 2018. Source: Autoblog, Motor Authority View full article
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A new report from Automobile says the next-generation Rolls-Royce Phantom will be debuting modular architecture made out of aluminum. This new platform will underpin the next-generation of Rolls-Royce vehicles such as the upcoming SUV and next-generation Ghost lineup. No information was provided as to how much weight the move to aluminum would cut. As for the next-generation Phantom, the report says we could be seeing it next year. The Phantom will be offered in a short and long-wheelbase sedan. The coupe and drophead - Rolls speak for roadster - will be dropped due to lack of demand. Looks are said to be more imposing. A V12 engine from BMW will be the sole engine. Source: Automobile View full article
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The day has come to Rolls-Royce. In a letter sent to the press, Rolls' chairman Peter Schwarzenbauer and CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös announced that the luxury automaker would be building an SUV. “I am proud to confirm that Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is developing an all-new, high-bodied Rolls-Royce designed to satisfy the contemporary, highly mobile lifestyles of our discerning clients around the world. I am confident that this new Rolls-Royce will fully deliver on our brand’s promise of supreme luxury while at the same time being Effortless ... Everywhere,” said Müller-Ötvös. The letter goes onto say that the new model will use an all-new aluminium architecture - most likely the same architecture that will underpin the next-generation 7-Series. Rolls-Royce didn't announce a timeframe of when we'll see a production or concept model - only stating that development work has begun. Source: Rolls-Royce Letter is on Page 2 AN OPEN LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN AND THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS ON THE SUBJECT OF A NEW ROLLS-ROYCE The launch of Phantom in 2003 marked the beginning of the renaissance of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Since then, we have set a new benchmark for what a super-luxury car should be – unique, hand-crafted, beautiful and rare. Often imitated, Phantom has never been equalled and continues to be hailed as ‘The Best Car in the World’ by our customers and media alike. Twelve years later, after the introduction of successful new models like Ghost and Wraith, Rolls-Royce stands proudly at the pinnacle of British luxury manufacturing, confirming our custodianship of this precious marque. Now we have reached another seminal moment in Rolls-Royce’s 111-year journey. Today we confirm that we are developing an all-new Rolls-Royce with exceptional presence, elegance and purpose: A car that offers the luxury of a Rolls-Royce in a vehicle that can cross any terrain A car that meets our customers’ highly mobile, contemporary lifestyle expectations A Rolls-Royce that is as much about the pioneering, adventurous spirit of Charles Rolls as it is about Sir Henry Royce’s dedication to engineering and innovation A car that appropriately reflects Rolls-Royce’s brand promise of effortless luxury A high-bodied car, with an all-new aluminium architecture A unique new motor car worthy of carrying the Spirit of Ecstasy into the future This new Rolls-Royce will be Effortless ... Everywhere. Many discerning customers have urged us to develop this new car – and we have listened. At Rolls-Royce Motor Cars we are uniquely focused on the desires of our customers and are driven by our own thirst to innovate. So we challenged our engineers and design team, led by Director of Design Giles Taylor, to create a different and exceptional new car. This car will embody all the values and capabilities that drove our two Founding Fathers to secure Rolls-Royce’s reputation, early last century, by taking top honours in rigorous overland adventures such as the Scottish Reliability Trials, the London to Edinburgh event and the Alpine Trials. Rolls-Royces conveyed pioneers and adventurers like Lawrence of Arabia across the vastness of unexplored deserts and over mountain ranges. In other parts of the world including Australia, India and the Americas, Rolls-Royces carried their owners over challenging terrain with absolute reliability and comfort. History sets our precedent and our future calls us to action. This new journey begins now. We will take our time in developing and perfecting this new concept in luxury. We will include our customers, enthusiasts and media along the way and will keep you informed of our progress. Until then, rest assured, we are creating a motor car in the greatest traditions of our marque. Sir Henry Royce famously said: “When it does not exist, design it”. We are doing just that. View full article