Autoblog

REPORT: Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini not attending LA Auto Show

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Performance, Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Lamborghini, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, Rolls-Royce, Ferrari, Spyker, Fisker, Luxury

The closest we'll get to the Ferrari 458 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Here's an unsurprising stat for you: 60 percent of all vehicles sold in the U.S. that cost over $100,000 find homes in New York, Florida and California. The majority of which are parked in garages in Manhattan, Miami and Los Angeles, respectively. So the revelation that Bentley, Ferrari and Lamborghini won't be attending next month's LA Auto Show is -- at the very least -- surprising.

According to a spokesperson speaking with The Detroit Bureau, Bentley has decided to skip the So. Cal. show, adding that the automaker is looking for "a better use of our resources." Ferrari and its sister marque Maserati are out as well, with an unnamed source telling the industry pub, "It's just the economy. We're cutting back on a lot of things."

Given the global economic climate and its affect on high-end automotive sales, the choice to scale back isn't such a shock, but for automakers that rely on the Southern California market, it's a disturbing sign of the times. As for the rest of the LA exhibitors, the luxury market's Big Three (Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz) will be in attendance, although it looks like the lower hall will only house Aston Martin, Spyker, Fisker and -- we'd assume -- Rolls-Royce.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Ferrari 458 Italia

[Source: The Detroit Bureau]

REPORT: Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini not attending LA Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Electric Rolls-Royce Phantom could arrive within a year

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:33:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Rolls-Royce, Electric

2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom - Click above for high-res image gallery

Adding fuel to the rumormill fire, Autocar reports that a pure electric version of the Rolls-Royce Phantom could hit the streets within 12 months. Rolls' parent company, BMW, has been getting heavily involved in EVs and the Phantom would be an obvious choice to launch its new drivetrain considering the price premium already tacked onto the brand's offerings.

Since Phantom owners tend to be driven rather than drive and rarely use their luxo-barges for long road trips (that's what the jet is for), the decision to offer an EV Phantom makes sense on many levels. Given the size and mass of the Phantom, the bulk of the batteries wouldn't affect performance or comfort, and cost... well, that's not an issue when you're dealing with $300,000+ vehicles. In spite of that, Rolls-Royce may end up only leasing the initial batch of electric Phantoms in small numbers just as BMW has done with the MINI E.

Gallery: 2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Electric Rolls-Royce Phantom could arrive within a year originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pixie of Ecstasy: Rolls-Royce edition Mini reportedly confirmed for custom order

Noah Joseph — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Mini, Rolls-Royce, Luxury

Mini Rolls-Royce special for Park Lane - Click above for image gallery

It's been about half a year since the initial reports of a Rolls-Royce edition Mini first surfaced, and nearly as long since the first batch of photos emerged. But rumors persist, and now reports from the UK indicate that mutual parent company BMW has given the green light for a series of Rolls-style accoutrements for the iconic retro-hatch.

Following market trends that seem to indicate that, in Europe especially, buyers aren't willing to give up on luxury when they go for more compact, fuel-efficient rides, the specially-trimmed Minis would offer customers a range of customization options suitable for a Phantom yet packed into a Cooper. But rather than outfitting Minis with stock luxury trim packages - like Aston Martin is preparing to do with the iQ-based Cygnet - the exclusive Mini hatchbacks would be outfitted at the Rolls-Royce factory according to individual customer orders. Clients would be able to choose from the best leathers and veneers to give their Minis a more upscale feel, much like the coachbuilt Minis popular amongst British celebs like Harold Radford and The Beatles in the '60s, but available through established dealers in a more organized fashion.

Unfortunately, that's about all the information available at this point, but sources suggest a public announcement sometime next year.

Gallery: Rolls MINI for Park Lane

[Source: Autocar]

Pixie of Ecstasy: Rolls-Royce edition Mini reportedly confirmed for custom order originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Quieter Spirit: Rolls reportedly planning hybrid Ghost for 15% better economy

Chris Shunk — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Technology, Rolls-Royce

Rolls-Royce Ghost - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you've been pondering getting on the list for a Rolls-Royce Ghost but you're hesitant because of the negative environmental impact (and social standing) of the big, beautiful boat's V12 engine, we've got good news for you. British site Autocar is reporting that a hybrid version of the Ghost is in the works. It's rumored to be based off the mild hybrid system of the BMW ActiveHybrid 7, which makes sense considering that the two luxury sleds utilize the same platform. The nearly 18-foot long Ghost will likely still sport a 6.2-liter V12, but the brutish powerplant will be aided and abetted by a 20kW electric motor capable of an extra 15 hp and 155 lb-ft fitted into the baby Rolls' eight speed ZF auto transmission.

Battery power will reportedly come courtesy of a .6 W/h lithium-ion battery pack fitted to the Ghost's substantial trunk. The reported hybrid Ghost won't have the ability to run on battery power alone, but the luxury barge will employ start/stop tech and due to the battery's presence it won't need an alternator, either. The net result of the of the (relative) greenification of the Ghost will reportedly be a 15% bump in fuel economy.

A 15% efficiency bump probably won't do much to improve the Ghost's likely miserable fuel economy figures, but the added twist from the Ghost's electric motor may help it hit 60 mph more quickly than the gasoline-only 4.8 seconds (U.S. spec).

Sure, if this hybrid Rolls ever sees the light of day it'd make the already massive Ghost even heavier and more costly, but the negatives pale in comparison to the gratification of telling other rich people that your chauffeur drives a hybrid.

Gallery: Hands-On: Rolls-Royce Ghost

[Source: Autocar]

Quieter Spirit: Rolls reportedly planning hybrid Ghost for 15% better economy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: German armor company blows the crap out of a Rolls-Royce

Noah Joseph — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Videos, Rolls-Royce, Specialty

Click above to view the video after the jump

Why on earth would you deliberately shoot a Rolls-Royce and try your darnedest to blow it off the road? Well, because it looks like fun, that's why. But at a third of a million dollars, you should have a better reason than an appetite for destruction and a wad of cash burning a hole in your pocket like so many rounds from an assault rifle.

Fortunately, Mutec has such a reason. The German firm armors up luxury sedans and vehicles of all kinds for customers around the world. In this case, they've worked an undisclosed amount of bulletproofing and bomb-resistant armor into an extended-wheelbase Phantom, and then went to work on it with more fire power than Donald Trump commanding a marine batallion. And since we're not likely to do the same in this lifetime, we might as well enjoy the video after the jump, with our thanks to Patrick and Julio for sending in the tip.

[Source: Bentley Spotting via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: German armor company blows the crap out of a Rolls-Royce

VIDEO: German armor company blows the crap out of a Rolls-Royce originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AB stops at the 27th Concours d'Elegance at the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 09:31:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Performance, Aston Martin, Bentley, Bugatti, Cadillac, Chrysler, Ford, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Lincoln, Maybach, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Rolls-Royce, Misc. Auto Shows, Ferrari, Specialty, Luxury

27th Concours d'Elegance at the St. Regis, Dana Point - Click above for high-res image gallery

For its 27th iteration, Orange County's most prestigious classic car show returned to the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point, and finally dropped the "Newport Beach" from its name. No longer would it be known as the Newport Beach Concours d'Elegance, instead adopting the Concours d'Elegance at the St. Regis moniker. The title may have changed, but the quality of the entrants hasn't. Still benefiting the Mary & Dick Allen Diabetes Center at Hoag Hospital and the CSP Assessment and Treatment Services Center, the field of classic cars at this concours was once again stunning.

This year's featured marque was Mercedes-Benz, and the automaker was represented by some truly spectacular models, aided in no small part by the show's proximity to the Mercedes Classic Car Center, the factory-backed restoration shop for vintage Mercedes vehicles. Besides the beautiful Benzes, the roughly 3,000 attendees got to see about 300 other classic and exotic vehicles spread out around the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort and the adjacent Dana Point Sea Terrace Park. Read on to learn what else we found during our day in Dana Point and don't forget to check out the huge gallery below.

Gallery: 27th Annual Concours d'Elegance at The St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort

Continue reading AB stops at the 27th Concours d'Elegance at the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort

AB stops at the 27th Concours d'Elegance at the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FOLLOWUP: Angry customer who drove Rolls-Royce through shop window gets 16 months?

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Government/Legal, Rolls-Royce, UK

Robert Caton was trying to keep a leash on his mounting stress, but - aided by depression and two bottles of whiskey - the beast got away from him. The ensuing explosion - and, again, depression and two bottles of whiskey - led Caton to drive his restored 1983 Rolls-Royce through the front window of a Tesco store. Luckily no one was killed, but the store and the car took a severe beating.

For doing £21,000 worth of damage to the store, costing the store another £41,000 in lost sales and creating general mayhem, Caton was sentenced to 16 months in jail and another 3-month concurrent sentence for failing to take a breath test. He also had to give up his driver's license for five years and the Rolls for good.

Caton's statement to the court was, "I would like to say anybody breaks if the stress is enough. I broke. I gladly offer my sincere apologies to all affected by my reckless and irresponsible behaviour." Perhaps it should have been something more along the lines of Grandmaster Flash...

[Source: Herald Scotland | Photo: Sky News]

FOLLOWUP: Angry customer who drove Rolls-Royce through shop window gets 16 months? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official Cash for Clunkers trade-in list reveals oddities too strange to believe

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Government/Legal, Aston Martin, Bentley, BMW, Maserati, Rolls-Royce, Specialty, Luxury

Cash for Clunkers claimed some really interesting vehicles - Was a Buick GNX among them?

Mixed reaction has surrounded the government's Cash for Clunkers program, but after spending around $2.8 billion, some 700,000 new vehicles have found homes. But what got traded in? We've heard some horror stories, but now that the full list of executed vehicles has been released on the Cars.gov website and we've listed some of the oddities we found while snooping around. Many are down right hard to believe, suggesting either errors in the submission process, typos in the list or even some fudging by dealers who clunked a few vehicles that weren't eligible. After the jump is a list of "Clunkers" that stood out. We can't guarantee these all really went to the crusher, but they do appear on the list.

Follow the jump for a recap of the program's eligibility requirements for trade-in vehicles and our full list. And we'd suggest having a box of tissues nearby.

[Source: Cars.gov]

Continue reading Official Cash for Clunkers trade-in list reveals oddities too strange to believe

Official Cash for Clunkers trade-in list reveals oddities too strange to believe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Electric Rolls-Royce Phantom cometh?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 17:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Rolls-Royce, Rumormill, Electric, Luxury

2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom - Click above for high-res image gallery

Yes, an electric Rolls-Royce. And why not? The torque curve of an electric motor - making maximum pulling power right at zero RPM - would seem to suit the R-R mission perfectly, as would the distinct lack of noise, vibration and harshness. Sounds like a match made in heaven, no?

Naturally, there are issues to overcome, not the least of which is sourcing a suitably large battery for the three-ton Phantom sedan. According to Auto Express, that battery pack would feature lithium ion cells, which happens to be the same technology used by parent company BMW in its electric Mini E.

These rumors aren't exactly new - we last heard of an electric Roller about a year ago - but this time the addition of a possible range extender is mentioned for the first time. Such a configuration is featured in both the upcoming Chevy Volt and the Vision EfficientDynamics Concept BMW showed off at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

The unnamed spokesperson cited by Auto Express doesn't offer any sort of timetable as to when we might see an electric Phantom, but we're not exactly holding our breath.

Gallery: 2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom

[Source: Auto Express]

Rumormill: Electric Rolls-Royce Phantom cometh? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: 2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost is an apparition to move you

Chris Paukert — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Sedan, Rolls-Royce, Luxury

2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost - Click above for high-res image gallery

Perhaps with conspicuous consumption falling out of favor, you're looking to downsize from your Phantom. Perhaps you're Kanye West and you feel the need to lower your public profile, but you don't want to give up your Roller's famously coddling ride. Well, B-list celebrities and hangers-on, Rolls-Royce has your number, and it's called the Ghost.

Looking quite a bit like Geneva's 200EX showcar, the Ghost made its public debut here in Frankfurt, and while we may kid prospective owners that the Ghost is not the Brit brand's top-shelf offering, there's no shame in this car's game. After all, it's hard to consider anything of this scale a "baby," particularly when it's packing a 6.6-liter V12 putting down 563 brake horsepower. What's more, it doesn't actually look that small, even when placed in a row shoulder-to-shoulder with its big brother.

As with the Phantom, rectilinear styling, an impossibly high beltline, and suicide doors are the stylistic meme of this Ghost, although this sedan manages to look somewhat lighter and modestly more athletic than its senior stablemates. Suffice it to say that if you've got a spot for the Phantom in your dream car garage, the Ghost ought not be far behind. If you loath the Phantom's imposing scale and bank vault styling, you're probably unlikely to warm to this latest family member - at least until you are ensconced inside its leather-lined, air-suspended confines.

Even if you don't have a prayer of parking one of these by your yacht slip or in the courtyard of your summer home, it's okay to check out the high-res gallery and the official press release after the jump. It'll be our little secret.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost

Gallery: 2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost

[Source: Rolls-Royce]

Continue reading Frankfurt 2009: 2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost is an apparition to move you

Frankfurt 2009: 2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost is an apparition to move you originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Take it to the Bank: BMW Group to display new debuts in Frankfurt on exhibit hall track

Noah Joseph — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, BMW, Mini, Rolls-Royce

BMW Group Frankfurt show stand - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's all about presentation. That's the sentiment which BMW is apparently embracing for the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show, for which the Bavarian automaker has announced an intriguing element to its exhibition.

While auto shows typically are limited to showcasing new cars in static displays, this year BMW will feature a track built around the entire show stand which will display its cadre of new debuts for the show. And as we've been reporting incrementally, BMW's got quite a few unveilings scheduled for Frankfurt: the Vision EfficientDynamics concept, the X1 crossover, the production 5 Series Gran Turismo, 320d EfficientDynamics and ActiveHybrid versions of the 7 Series and X6.

On top of BMW's own, the company's Mini and Rolls-Royce subsidiaries have also got a few new debuts as well - including the Mini Coupé Concept, Mini Roadster and Rolls-Royce Ghost - and will for the first time be displaying with their parent company, taking full advantage of BMW's trackside accommodations. Details in the press release after the jump and photos in the gallery below.

Gallery: BMW track display for Frankfurt 2009

Continue reading Take it to the Bank: BMW Group to display new debuts in Frankfurt on exhibit hall track

Take it to the Bank: BMW Group to display new debuts in Frankfurt on exhibit hall track originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #144

Dan Roth — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 18:15:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Podcasts, Acura, Audi, Ford, Honda, Lexus, Rolls-Royce

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Episode #144 of the Autoblog Podcast is here. Chris, Sam, and Dan took some time on Labor Day to ruminate over some automotive subjects, and it wound up being another near-epic length 'cast. The Frankfurt Motor Show is coming, and on that note, we start off with the Lexus LF-Ch, expected to debut there soon. More Frankfurt anticipation is built as we talk about the Ford CMax, and then we move on to the Rolls Royce Ghost, the debacle surrounding the Honda Crosstour and social media, Time Magazine's unexciting list of exciting cars, and wrap it all up with the disparaging remarks Audi's chief directed at the Chevrolet Volt. We hit the questions before calling it a night well past the hour and a half mark. Thanks for taking the time to listen, welcome to all the new listeners who've discovered us through everyone's reviewing efforts in iTunes, thanks for the help on the survey, and as always, hit us up at Podcast at Autoblog Dot Com. See you next week, but in the meantime, check out this, or this!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #144

Autoblog Podcast #144 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Sep 2009 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: 2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost details released [w/VIDEO]

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 12:35:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Sedan, Videos, Rolls-Royce, Luxury

Rolls-Royce Ghost - Click above for high-res image gallery

Rolls-Royce has officially dropped dozens of images and plenty of details on its new "baby" saloon, the Ghost. The new Roller won't be seen publicly for another week, when it'll formally bow in Frankfurt, but we now know that its 6.6-liter V12 generates an impressive 575 lb-ft of torque at 1,500 rpm, along with 563 horsepower in U.S. trim. The 212.6-inch body stretches over a 129.7 inch long wheelbase, and the whole car weighs in at 5,445 pounds unloaded.

There are no surprises in the styling, which is unchanged from the 200EX concept displayed in Geneva last March. naturally, the Ghost retains the Phantom-style coach doors (don't call them suicide in the presence of a Rolls rep) with built-in umbrellas. Inside, the Ghost carries over additional Phantom quirks, such as the "Power Reserve" gauge the driver gets in lieu of a traditional tachometer. Aside from that, this is clearly more of a driver's car than the Phantom, whose opulent backseat accommodations show that it's more about being driven in. The Ghost's steering wheel is much smaller in diameter and has a thicker rim than its big brother, and the seats appear to have more contouring for lateral support, as well. Pricing hasn't been announced yet, but plan on bringing a Halliburton attache case full of cash if you plan on buying one, just to be on the safe side. A video and an exhaustive official press release follows after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost

[Source: Rolls-Royce]

Continue reading Officially Official: 2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost details released [w/VIDEO]

Officially Official: 2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost details released [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Sep 2009 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rolls-Royce launches limited-edition Phantom Bespoke Collection in the Persian Gulf

Noah Joseph — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 15:34:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Rolls-Royce, Middle East, Luxury

Rolls-Royce Phantom Bespoke Collection - Click above for high-res image gallery

While Rolls-Royce prepares to roll out the new downsized Ghost model, in the Middle East demand still soars for the full-size Phantom. But with every sheikh and his cousins driving - or more likely, being driven in - the big Rolls, the automaker has announced a new Bespoke Collection exclusively for the Persian Gulf region.

Enabling wealthy clients to specify all manner of trim and color options beyond the usual range of choices, the Phantom Bespoke Collection will deliver just six special vehicles to customers in the Middle East. Following the gold-finished DHC delivered last year, the first example in the new line - pictured here - is decked out in two-tone Arizona Sun over English White paint, with Creme Light and Saddle Tan leather interior complimented by handmade silk rugs and mother of pearl inlays. So you'd better wipe off your sandals before stepping foot inside, habibi. Check it out in the gallery below.

Gallery: Rolls-Royce Phantom Bespoke Collection

[Source: Drive Arabia via Autoblog.nl]

Rolls-Royce launches limited-edition Phantom Bespoke Collection in the Persian Gulf originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 16 Aug 2009 15:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Rolls Royce Ghost promo vid lands online

Chris Shunk — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Sedan, Rolls-Royce

Click above to watch the video after the jump

The Rolls-Royce Ghost aims to be the next great super lux, competing with storied marques like Bentley and Aston by offering both a sumptuous cabin and engaging driving dynamics. In pictures, the Ghost looks small by Rolls standards, yet it's seven inches larger than the BMW 7-Series, and with a 6.6-liter, twin-turbo V12 rated at 563 hp and 575 lb-ft, the Ghost can shuffle you to 60 in a scant 4.7 seconds.

Rolls-Royce has released a promotional video (stashed after the jump) starring the great Ghost, and although it's a shameless love-letter penned by the Roller's engineer, the silky smooth Ghost looks as good in motion as it does in pictures, and anti-roll stabilization sounds way cooler with a British accent.

Gallery: Hands-On: Rolls-Royce Ghost

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Rolls Royce Ghost promo vid lands online

VIDEO: Rolls Royce Ghost promo vid lands online originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rolls-Royce Star of India to go on auction for €10,000,000

Jonny Lieberman — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 18:28:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Auctions, Europe, Rolls-Royce, UK, Luxury

1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Star of India - click above image for high-res gallery

As if the adventures of Bernie Madoff weren't enough to convince you that we're living in the new Jazz Age, this might: A very custom, one-off 1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II 40/50 HP Continental, known in high Roller circles as the Star of India, is being put on auction for the seriously astronomical price of ten million Euros. That's one Porsche Turbo over fourteen million Yankee dollars to you and me. Originally bodied by Thrupp & Maberly for the Maharaja of Rajkot, the Star of India has spent the last few decades in the private collection of Hans-Günther Zach at his Mühlheim/Main Rolls-Royce museum.

There's no indication if Herr Zach is feeling the pinch of the world wide economic meltdown -- or if he's just moving on to greener pastures -- but his entire collection is up for grabs. While there's no doubt other impressive cars up for sale (like the 1926 "Aluminum Sculpture" Phantom I Open Tourer) the star is without question the Star. Never mind the royal pedigree, how can you get past the aluminum on orange carriage work?

Should it sell for its asking price, the 7.7-liter pushrod straight-six Rolls equipped with two additional headlights to follow the path of the steering (fourteen headlights total), would be the most expensive car in the world. After all, rumors of the Japanese man that reportedly paid $15,000,000 for a Ferrari 250 GTO before Japan's economy imploded in the late 1980s have never been proved. Happy bidding. Thanks to Reddy for the tip!

Gallery: Rolls-Royce Phantom II Star of India

[Source: Born Rich]

Rolls-Royce Star of India to go on auction for €10,000,000 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Aug 2009 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: BMW will create new electric vehicle sub-brand

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 13:33:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, BMW, Mini, Rolls-Royce, Electric

BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer has confirmed to Reuters that its future electric cars will be badged as BMWs. This contradicts some earlier rumors that the automaker would revive another brand such as Triumph or Isetta for its electric vehicles.

The company will stick with its existing BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce marques, but Reithofer revealed that the board has voted to create a sub-brand for electric vehicles. This new sub-brand will be similar to BMW's seperate marketing of the "M" line of vehicle, will be targeted at urban drivers and include a two wheeler. The first of these new vehicles will likely start appearing sometime around 2012-13.

Gallery: Quick Drive: MINI E

REPORT: BMW will create new electric vehicle sub-brand originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Meadow Brook Concours 2009: Pre-WWII rides for the rich

Chris Shunk — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 15:21:00 EST

Filed under: Cadillac, Lincoln, Rolls-Royce, Misc. Auto Shows, Peugeot, Design/Style

Pre-WWII luxury at Meadow Brook Concours 2009 - click above for high-res image gallery

From the moment the world's first automobiles were built, the wealthy began demanding better transportation than the masses. Brands like Rolls-Royce, Lincoln Pierce-Arrow and Cadillac delivered big, beautiful vehicles with luxury appointments to coddle their occupants. Big, gaudy hood emblems and acres of shiny chrome and brass showed onlookers that big money was rolling by.

At Meadow Brook this weekend, there were over 100 exclusive vehicles from automakers from Packard to Peugeot, and most of them held very true to their original designs. Some cars from the early 20th century had tool boxes that resided on their running boards, and even these containers were decorated in rich-looking finishes. Wheels were made of wood, windshields were optional, and even a sixteen-cylinder Cadillac had less power than a typical four-banger of today. Designers and engineers collaborated to make some of the most beautiful and unique-looking vehicles of any time period, and we've got the pictures to prove it. Click on the gallery below to view the best of the pre-WWII vehicles from Meadow Brook.

Gallery: Meadow Brook 2009: The Pre WWII years

Meadow Brook Concours 2009: Pre-WWII rides for the rich originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 15:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW to show off 50th anniversary edition Minis in Frankfurt

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 15:07:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Hatchback, BMW, Mini, Rolls-Royce

Mini 50 Mayfair and 50 Camden -- Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW has a number of splashes planned for this year's Frankfurt Auto Show, one of the biggest being Mini's 50th birthday celebration. As part of the "What a birthday. It's MINI" celebration, Mini will bring the special edition 50 Mayfair and 50 Camden to the show -- as well as a ginormous birthday sign. The Minis get a "jubilee placard" on their noses, and an ear-splitting audio system run by the new "Mission Control."

Elsewhere at the BMW group stands will be the entire Rolls-Royce line, featuring the Ghost, and BMW itself will have the entire Efficient Dynamics fleet running on a circuit, including the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 and BMW ActiveHybrid X6. You can read all about it after the jump, and don't forget to take a cupcake to Mini if you're at the show.

Gallery: MINI 50 Mayfair

Gallery: MINI 50 Camden

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW to show off 50th anniversary edition Minis in Frankfurt

BMW to show off 50th anniversary edition Minis in Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 01 Aug 2009 15:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Badge-engineering at its finest? Rolls-Royce Phantom spotted in Manhattan with GM hybrid emblems

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Etc., Rolls-Royce, Luxury

Rolls-Royce Phantom 'Hybrid' - click above for high-res image gallery

If there is any car that seems to be well suited to either hybridization or outright electrification, the Rolls-Royce Phantom would seem to be logical candidate. Many of them are used transporting the wealthy around the world's great cities like Paris, London and Manhattan in trips that are not necessarily that long. It's also not unheard for a manufacturer to provide vehicles to customers for field testing, just as BMW is doing right now with the electric Mini E. However, aside from the highly publicized Mini E project, these sorts of initiatives are typically done on the down-low.

So when we heard that someone had spotted an extended-wheelbase Phantom prowling the streets of New York with an extra badge on each of its fenders, we were naturally a bit suspect. The car that was photographed wears hybrid badges of the same type used on all of General Motors' gas-electric vehicles. The driver claims that car was loaned to a VIP client for evaluation by Rolls-Royce. Remember, friends, that Rolls-Royce is owned by BMW - a company that has a partnership with GM, Daimler and Chrysler to develop a two-mode hybrid system. It is certainly not beyond the realm of possibility that BMW might want to evaluate or even build a two-mode hybrid Phantom. However, it is almost inconceivable that any such vehicle would be clad in GM badges.

Adding further cold water to this story is the report earlier this week that BMW and Daimler are looking at dissolving the two-mode partnership and going in a different direction with their hybrid efforts. Our guess is that the owner of this particular Roller simply had a guilty environmental conscience (or a sense of humor) but couldn't bring himself to be seen in anything as pedestrian as a Toyota Prius. We're still waiting for a comment from Rolls-Royce.

Update: Rolls-Royce spokesman Wayne Kung confirmed our suspicions that this is not a Rolls prototype. The company does not currently have any prototypes running in the New York area.

Gallery: Rolls-Royce Phantom Hybrid?

[Source: Man on the Move; images used with permission]

Badge-engineering at its finest? Rolls-Royce Phantom spotted in Manhattan with GM hybrid emblems originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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