Autoblog

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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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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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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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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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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REPORT: Angry U.K. man drives Rolls-Royce into store after his bed is delivered without a mattress

Dan Roth — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 08:03:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Etc., UK

Drunk people often display a distinct lack of comprehension, and that appears to be the case in this particular instance as well. A 1983 Rolls Royce Silver Spirit bore the brunt of the injuries when a frustrated Robert Caton of Andover, England got fed up trying to sort out a customer service problem at his local Tesco store. Apparently, Caton had placed a telephone order with Tesco Direct for a bedroom set, which arrived without a mattress. Heading off fully-cocked to sort things out, the man arrived at the brick and mortar store to try and get some satisfaction.

Like many retailers, Tesco's catalog/online division is separate from the real-world stores, so the staff that Caton was haranguing could only do so much. Shortly after asking a security guard how long it would take to evacuate the store, he carefully lined up his Roller for a good shot at the storefront. Several people were treated for cuts and bruises and the big luxury car caused the destruction of a low brick wall, plenty of plate glass, and two registers as it made its 15-foot run into the outlet. Now, rather than sleeping it off on his brand new bedroom set, Mr. Caton is spending nights on a prison cot, awaiting his September 25th sentencing.

[Source: Telegraph | Photo: Sky News]

Continue reading REPORT: Angry U.K. man drives Rolls-Royce into store after his bed is delivered without a mattress

REPORT: Angry U.K. man drives Rolls-Royce into store after his bed is delivered without a mattress originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 08:03:00 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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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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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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Rolls-Royce gives up the Ghost... performance numbers

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 09:27:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Rolls-Royce, Luxury

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

The official numbers for the Rolls-Royce Ghost have been revealed, and as expected, you won't need to worry about getting embarrassed. The 6.6-liter, twin-turbo V12 is rated at 563 hp and 575 lb-ft, that latter number, in typical Rolls fashion, being available practically at idle - just 1,500 rpm.

The run to 60 mph takes 4.8 seconds in North America (but 4.7 elsewhere for some reason), which is a couple of tenths behind the BMW 760i and about a second quicker than the company's own Phantom. For a car once derided as "the baby Rolls," its performance looks as if it will be pleasantly adult. It will go on sale later this year for £165,000 in the U.K. (that's $271K U.S.). You can check out our high-res gallery below and the official Rolls-Royce press release after the jump.

Gallery: Hands-On: Rolls-Royce Ghost

[Source: Rolls-Royce]

Continue reading Rolls-Royce gives up the Ghost... performance numbers

Rolls-Royce gives up the Ghost... performance numbers originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rolls-Royce launches configurator for 200EX/Ghost

Noah Joseph — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 08:27:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Rolls-Royce

Looking for a spectacularly useless way to waste some time? Online car configurators are one of our favorites. You can sit for an hour or more playing with different color combinations and options on a car you're never going to buy, and have absolutely nothing to show for it when you're done. The most alluring are the configurators for the most exclusive European exotica, but typically automakers don't launch these until the car's on the market, or at least has been unveiled in production form. Rolls-Royce, however, has evidently decided to jump the (nickel-plated, mother-of-pearl-handled) gun in putting online a configurator for the 200EX, the concept car that previewed the upcoming Ghost model at the Geneva show this past March.

Labeled the "visualizer", the utility is available for all your distracting, time-wasting needs on the 200EX mini-site. There you can play around with different color and trim choices inside and out, right down to the "silver satin bonnet". Enjoy, but don't come complaining to us when you haven't gotten any work done.

Gallery: Rolls-Royce 200EX concept

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Rolls-Royce 200EX concept

[Source: Rolls-Royce]

Rolls-Royce launches configurator for 200EX/Ghost originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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No Surprise: Rolls-Royce reportedly planning coupe and cabrio versions of Ghost

Michael Harley — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Rolls-Royce, UK

2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost - Click above for high-res image gallery

Without catching anyone off guard, an exterior stylist for Rolls-Royce disclosed that the company is planning both coupe and convertible variants of its upcoming all-new Ghost sedan. Andreas Thurner, responsible for penning the new four-door, told Autocar that, "...the Ghost was designed in a way to make other body styles... we have to build up a family for the Ghost just as we did for the Phantom." The coupe and cabriolet models have yet to receive any official go-ahead for production, but history is on their side.

Rolls-Royce has confirmed that the new model will receive an "intelligent" four-corner air suspension that will read multiple sensor inputs and make individual load calculations every 2.5 milliseconds. It is reportedly so sensitive that it can detect where passengers are seated and when they move about within the cabin. In addition, the air suspension will raise or lower the vehicle by 25mm (a.k.a. "the lift and kneel" function) to compensate for squat and dive, improve ground clearance, and ease entry for the soon-to-be coddled passengers. Hand-build at the company's Goodwood plant in the U.K., production is set to start later this year.

Gallery: Hands-On: Rolls-Royce Ghost

[Source: Autocar]

No Surprise: Rolls-Royce reportedly planning coupe and cabrio versions of Ghost originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rolls-Royce to double workforce ahead of Ghost production

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 21 May 2009 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Plants/Manufacturing, Rolls-Royce, UK

Rolls-Royce 200EX Concept - Click above for a high-res image gallery

The Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost will not only mean more sales for the company, it will mean more workers. Rolls is adding 300 production workers to the payroll, bringing its Sussex workforce to 900. The majority of new positions will be in the wood, leather and paint shops, but there will be assembly positions opening up as well since the Ghost gets its own line. It might not be the best time to bring a top-end luxury sedan to market, but it is a very good time to apply for a job, and Rolls wants to fill them over the next few months. If you have a luxurious way with wood, leather, or paint (or all three), you can peruse the job openings on the Rolls-Royce site, www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Rolls-Royce 200EX concept

Rolls-Royce to double workforce ahead of Ghost production originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 May 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shanghai 2009: Geely GE goes for baroque. Again.

Chris Paukert — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 14:27:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, China, Rolls-Royce, Specialty, Shanghai Motor Show

Geely Excellence Limousine - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Asian consumers loves them some baroque styling. How else to explain the popularity of gaudy, over-the-top couture in the continent's major city centers? Indeed, how else to explain the existence of cars like the Mitsuoka Galue S50 and Galue 204? Proving that the love affair is still very much still alive is this, the Geely Excellence (GE) Limousine.

Despite the obvious aping of traditional Rolls-Royce styling cues (square-rigged waterfall grille, Spirit of ~~Imitation~~ Ecstasy hood ornament, wool carpets, etc.) there is some innovation here, in the form of the rear seat "throne," a kingly perch that forms the literal centerpoint of the car's unorthodox 1+2 seating arrangement.

In any case, the 17.5-foot Goliath is widely expected to be the first offering from Geely's new sub-brand, YingLun, or ENGLON (a melding of "England" and "London), but for the moment, the Chinese automaker is stopping short of confirming production.

Gallery: Geely GE Limo

Gallery: Geely GE

Shanghai 2009: Geely GE goes for baroque. Again. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CONFIRMED: Rolls-Royce RR4 getting 500+HP turbo V12, 8-speed gearbox

Chris Paukert — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Geneva Motor Show, Technology, Rolls-Royce

Rolls-Royce 200EX Geneva debut - Click above for high-res image gallery

Historically, Rolls-Royce has somewhat smugly declined to quote horsepower numbers, utilizing amusingly evasive language like "entirely sufficient" to describe its engines' power outputs. Perhaps a sign of the times, Rolls is now being a bit more forthcoming about details for its upcoming "baby" RR4 model, including approximate horsepower numbers.

The company has disclosed that the RR4 will be powered by a new, 6.6-liter turbocharged V12 engine that gives "upwards of 500bhp." Further, it will route that prodigious output through a ZF transmission with no less than eight forward ratios. Despite its ability to generate big power figures, Rolls says that one important drivetrain figure will be smaller than any other Rolls on the market: C02 output.

The news came from CEO Tom Purves himself at a New York press event for the 200EX, where the Geneva concept car is making its first stop on a world tour designed to get prospective clients in the car and booking orders for the production RR4 version.

The BMW-owned British automaker has long been famous for its peerless interiors and isolated ride, but Purves promises that the RR4 will bring with it a new emphasis on driving entertainment: "... we have consciously engineered this car to be more involving and dynamic for those owners around the world that will wish to drive it themselves."

While we don't expect Porsche Cayman-baiting dynamics, we look forward to seeing what the company views as more involved driving dynamics when the car starts rolling out the front doors of its Goodwood production facility. Official press release after the jump.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Rolls-Royce 200EX concept

[Source: Rolls-Royce]

Continue reading CONFIRMED: Rolls-Royce RR4 getting 500+HP turbo V12, 8-speed gearbox

CONFIRMED: Rolls-Royce RR4 getting 500+HP turbo V12, 8-speed gearbox originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Mar 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost (aka RR4) to be available in coupe, convertible

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 17:57:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Rolls-Royce, Rumormill

Rolls-Royce 200EX - Click above for high-res image gallery

Despite the fact that Rolls Royce is still calling its 200EX (aka RR4) a concept, the vehicle that debuted at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month is, in reality, a thinly disguised future production model that could possibly revive the Silver Ghost nameplate from the early 1900s. According to the European rumormill, the brand may be considering expanding the new downsized range with coupe and droptop versions that would all be based on the same architecture that's been borrowed from the latest BMW 7 Series.

We can't speak to the voracity of these rumors, but the move does seem to make sense as it would follow the same pattern that RR took with its larger Phantom range. In any case, we're expecting a production model based on the 200EX concept to bow later this year at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Rolls-Royce 200EX concept

Gallery: Rolls-Royce 200EX concept

[Source: Auto Telegraaf]

Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost (aka RR4) to be available in coupe, convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Mar 2009 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #117

Dan Roth — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 14:15:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts

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This week, Sam and Chris return from a short hiatus for some fun with a Rolls Royce and a BMW 750Li. After we get all the iDrive carping out of our systems, we move on to what we might see at the Geneva Motor Show, touch briefly on the Autoblog Garage, and finish up with a dandy little bailout/bankruptcy argument. Thanks for listening, and please keep your notes coming in to Podcast at Autoblog dot com, we're going to do another all-questions edition soon. See you next week!

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Autoblog Podcast #117 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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