Roll model
Rolls-Royce unveils the Phantom Coupe -- the most glamorous yetJust in case you are seeking an appropriate stablemate for the Rolls-Royce Phantom in the family garage, here it is...
A logical extension of the two-door Drophead Coupe convertible version, the full-production Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe was unveiled at the Geneva motor show, where it was billed as "the most driver-orientated model in the Phantom line."
This means a number of "subtle but significant modifications" that, according to the Rolls-Royce press release, change its character. "It is noticeably more dynamic, whilst still offering incredible levels of comfort," the release says.
The Phantom Coupe was first seen as the 101EX Concept at the 2006 Geneva show and survives into production reality with little apparent change.
The gigantic, rear-hinged doors open to provide access to the back seat almost as convenient as that at the front, while the side windows are bereft of B pillars to help with the feelings of elegance so necessary in this car. Maybe unexpectedly, the Coupe ends up being the "the most torsionally rigid Rolls-Royce ever."
The Phantom Coupe is built on an aluminium chassis that helps make for a lightness of being that otherwise may not have existed -- although it still weighs as much as a full-size 4WD. To increase the touring range, the Coupe also gets a 25 per cent increase in fuel tank capacity.
Because it no longer has to contain a convertible roof, the Coupe's boot, with its split tailgate design, is bigger than that of the Drophead -- with a capacity of 395 litres -- but still quite a bit less than a Toyota Camry.
The engine is the same 6.7-litre BMW V12 seen in the Phantom Saloon and Drophead Coupe, producing 338kW and 720Nm of torque -- well beyond the "adequate" quotation once used by Rolls-Royce when discussing the distasteful subject of power outputs.
Like the Drophead, the Phantom Coupe is slightly smaller than the full-blown saloon, shorter in body and wheelbase but still quite substantial nonetheless.
Optional on the Coupe is the brushed-steel finish on the bonnet and A-pillars that was an eye-grabber on the 101EX concept car.
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