Rolls Royce reveals its latest Phantom
03 January 2003: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited revealed the all-new Rolls-Royce Phantom this afternoon at the company's new manufacturing plant and head office at Goodwood in West Sussex, UK.
It is just four and a half years since BMW Group became the custodians of the Rolls-Royce marque for automotive use, in July 1998, and committed to launch a new company, a new plant and a new motor car in January 2003.
Entirely new from the ground up, the Rolls-Royce Phantom has a light-weight aluminium space frame body, a V12 engine, and its designers used cues in the Phantom I and II models of the 1930s, the Silver Cloud of the 1950s and the Silver Shadow of the 1960s.
Features like a long wheelbase, a short front overhang, a deep C-pillar, a long bonnet and a particular stance were incorporated into the new Phantom - quite apart from the famous grille and The Spirit of Ecstasy mascot.
Inside trim materials include leather, Cashmere, and fitted cabinetry. Access is via coach doors, which open from the centre of the car (the rear doors hinged at the back) reminiscent of the classic Rolls-Royce era and which have been chosen to give easy access to the rear. Combined with a flat floor they allow passengers simply to walk in to the rear, turn and sit down. A slightly curved lounge seat helps to create a social environment.
The purpose-designed 6.75-litre V12 engine will accelerate the car from 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds (0-100 kph 5.9 seconds) and on to a limited top speed of 149 mph (240 kph). Peak torque is 720 Nm at 3500 rpm, with 75 per cent of that tota developed at just 1000 rpm. Maximum power is 460 PS.
The engine features variable valve lift, variable valve timing and direct fuel injection. On the EU extra urban cycle it returns 25.7 mpg and a combined figure of 17.8 mpg.
The electrically retractable Spirit of Ecstasy mascot can be lowered out of sight whenever the Phantom is parked. Umbrellas are stowed within each rear door.
The Rolls-Royce Phantom is on sale immediately, priced at E320,000 excluding tax. It will get its first public viewing on Sunday at the Detroit Motor Show.