Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Rolls-Royce mulling V16 roadster, SUV]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/22/rolls-royce-mulling-v16-roadster-suv/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/22/rolls-royce-mulling-v16-roadster-suv/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/22/rolls-royce-mulling-v16-roadster-suv/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe - dead-on front view

Rolls-Royce may be working on a new, mega-powerful roadster for 2017. CAR reports the convertible would conceivably boast a V16 engine. Of course, the report gets a little muddled here, with CAR saying the engine would be very similar to that of the one that powers the Bugatti Veyron - the French machine makes use of a W16 mill. Even so, the article says the Rolls-Royce version could put down around 700 horsepower. Design wise, we're told the creation will feature a suitably long nose with the passenger compartment pushed far to the rear.

Of course, 2017 is a long way off, and the thought of a 16-cylinder, naturally aspirated engine bowing under the crush of ever more stringent government fuel efficiency and emission regulations seems unlikely. We'll just put this one in the wait-and-see file for the time being. In the interim, you can hop over to CAR for a closer look at the magazine's rendering of the would-be roadster. If a V16 convertible does happen, look for a smug look on Rowan Atkinson's face.

Oh, and about that SUV? There's not much to report, though CAR does note that officials are keeping a close eye on rival Bentley and its plans for a luxury utility vehicle. Rolls brand boss Harald Krüger has even gone so far as to admit "we're regularly debating whether to take action."

Rolls-Royce mulling V16 roadster, SUV originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Feb 2013 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>phantomroadsterrolls-roycerolls-royce suvrolls-royce v16 roadsterv16v16 roadsterFri, 22 Feb 2013 17:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20469757/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/22/rolls-royce-mulling-v16-roadster-suv/20469757/article-detail.xml 20469757 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/rolls-royce-phantom-drophead-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/rolls-royce-phantom-drophead-628.jpg <![CDATA[Rolls-Royce rings up best-ever sales year]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/12/rolls-royce-rings-up-best-ever-sales-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/12/rolls-royce-rings-up-best-ever-sales-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/12/rolls-royce-rings-up-best-ever-sales-year/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The wheeled monolith above is the 2013 Rolls-Royce Phantom Extended Wheelbase - a rolling demonstration of the real definition of "More." For that reason we can use it as a symbol of the firm's sales, which have not only achieved 'more' for the past three years but have also broken company records. Adding to its record-setting years in 2010 and 2011, the Goodwood-based carmaker moved 3,575 units, an increase of 38 over the year before.

The US retook its crown as the greatest consumers of Rolls-Royces, snagging it back from China. Other market movers were the Middle East, where sales rose 26 percent, Mainland Europe - the same place where mass-market makers are drowning in woe and inventory - that rose by 21 percent, and the Asia Pacific region and its 18-percent rise. Rolls-Royce is probably making more money on its cars, too, with bespoke uptake reaching 95 percent on the 10-year-old Phantom line and 73 percent for the Ghost line.

With a just-refreshed lineup and one or perhaps two more models coming, the indicators for more upward sales movement are strong, even if we don't know how soon the new models will arrive. For 2012, the brand that sells more cars above $200,000 than any other proved the saying that storms can't affect you when you live above the clouds. The press release below has more to say about the record year.

Continue reading Rolls-Royce rings up best-ever sales year

Rolls-Royce rings up best-ever sales year originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Jan 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 salesghostphantomphantom ewbphantom extended wheelbaserolls-roycerolls-royce salesrolls-royce sales recordSat, 12 Jan 2013 13:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20424859/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/12/rolls-royce-rings-up-best-ever-sales-year/20424859/article-detail.xml 20424859 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/phantomewbsales_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/phantomewbsales.jpg <![CDATA[Rolls-Royce Phantom celebrates decade of decadence]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/04/rolls-royce-phantom-celebrates-decade-of-decadence/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/04/rolls-royce-phantom-celebrates-decade-of-decadence/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/04/rolls-royce-phantom-celebrates-decade-of-decadence/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe - dead-on view

Ten years ago, Rolls-Royce opened its Goodwood manufacturing facility and handed over the keys to the very first Phantom. Back then, parent company BMW was cranking out Phantom sedans at the blistering pace of one unit per day. By the end of 2003, that number had tripled, and today, the Goodwood plant builds a total of 20 Phantoms in sedan, coupe, drophead and extended-wheelbase models during a single day's working hours. Originally, there were fewer than 400 workers on staff responsible for hand-building the big cruisers, but now the plant boasts over 1,400 craftsmen, with 100 of those positions added in 2012 alone.

Rolls-Royce boasts one of the lowest staff turnover rates of any brand in the industry, thanks in part to a successful apprenticeship and internship program, and the company notes 80 percent of its workers live within 15 miles of the facility. You can read the full press release on the 10th anniversary of both the Phantom and the Goodwood plant below.

Continue reading Rolls-Royce Phantom celebrates decade of decadence

Rolls-Royce Phantom celebrates decade of decadence originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Jan 2013 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 rolls-royce phantomgoodwoodgoodwood facilityphantomrolls roycerolls-roycerolls-royce phantomFri, 04 Jan 2013 16:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20415926/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/04/rolls-royce-phantom-celebrates-decade-of-decadence/20415926/article-detail.xml 20415926 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/rolls-royce-phantom-drophead-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/rolls-royce-phantom-drophead-628.jpg <![CDATA[Watch this Rolls-Royce Phantom get grassy knees]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/17/watch-this-rolls-royce-phantom-get-grassy-knees/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/17/watch-this-rolls-royce-phantom-get-grassy-knees/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/17/watch-this-rolls-royce-phantom-get-grassy-knees/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Rolls-Royce Phantom drifting in the grass - video screencap

Here's a pro tip: if you're going to fire your chauffeur, make sure he hands over the keys to your Rolls-Royce Phantom first. If you don't, you just might wind up with scene like the one in the video below on your hands. In it, some sprightly soul decides to eschew the beaten path for a quick frolicking over hill and dale in the luxury leviathan. The grounds will never be the same. Grass, mud and water are all sent scattering as the Rolls-Royce proceeds to pound the earth into submission.

There's also a few smoky burnouts thrown in for good measure. We can appreciate any shenanigans with a high-dollar automobile that don't end in wrinkled sheetmetal. You can check out the full glory of the sideways Phantom in the video below.

Continue reading Watch this Rolls-Royce Phantom get grassy knees

Watch this Rolls-Royce Phantom get grassy knees originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Dec 2012 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>phantomphantom in grass videophantom videorolls-roycerolls-royce phantomvideoMon, 17 Dec 2012 19:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20405184/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/17/watch-this-rolls-royce-phantom-get-grassy-knees/20405184/article-detail.xml 20405184 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/rolls-royce-rally-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/rolls-royce-rally-628.jpg <![CDATA[Even in a down economy, Rolls-Royce is on a roll]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/05/even-in-a-down-economy-rolls-royce-is-on-a-roll/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/05/even-in-a-down-economy-rolls-royce-is-on-a-roll/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/05/even-in-a-down-economy-rolls-royce-is-on-a-roll/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Limited Volume, Big Margins Spell Success

Rolls-Royce

Bigger isn't always better, especially when it comes to selling super luxury. Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös expects the British automaker to again post a record year, despite the economic troubles in Europe and weak growth in both the US and China.

"It is not all doom and gloom out there," Müller-Ötvös explains, noting that the declining sales in Europe and elsewhere have been offset by good performance for the marque in the Middle East, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong and Russia.

You won't see an SUV from Rolls-Royce.

The key to this success is remaining focused on its strengths by limiting itself to what it knows best, very expensive cars and cars alone. As a result, you won't see an SUV from Rolls-Royce.

"Our clear strategy is to stick to this segment of 200,000 Euros and up," he explains, adding because of the limited volume of about 3,500 cars per year, "we are not in a situation where we need to fill up excess capacity in the plant."

Matt DeLorenzo is the former editor-in-chief of Road & Track and has covered the auto industry for 35 years, including stints at Automotive News and AutoWeek. He has authored books including VW's New Beetle, Chrysler's Modern Concept Cars, and Corvette Dynasty.


Continue reading Even in a down economy, Rolls-Royce is on a roll

Even in a down economy, Rolls-Royce is on a roll originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Dec 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredghostmatt delorenzophantomrolls-royceWed, 05 Dec 2012 18:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20395028/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/05/even-in-a-down-economy-rolls-royce-is-on-a-roll/20395028/article-detail.xml 20395028 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/10-rolls-royce-phantom-series-ii-geneva-1354726214_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/10-rolls-royce-phantom-series-ii-geneva-1354726214.jpg <![CDATA[Rolls-Royce goes glam, celebrates Art Deco heritage in Paris]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/27/rolls-royce-art-deco-cars-paris-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/27/rolls-royce-art-deco-cars-paris-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/27/rolls-royce-art-deco-cars-paris-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe Art Deco

Rolls-Royce has used the 2012 Paris Motor Show to pull the covers off its art deco-inspired Phantom saloon, Phantom Drophead Coupé and Ghost models. These three bespoke machines are said to pay homage to the 1925 Paris Exhibition or Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes. Not coincidentally, the phrase 'art deco' was coined at that very show.

These three models are finished in period-correct color schemes and feature details that include mother of pearl and silver inlays and ornamental glassware. According to Giles Taylor, Design Director Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, "Art Deco was defined by theatre, glamour and a sense of excitement. Working to create contemporary interpretations of these classic themes has been enormously rewarding for everyone in my bespoke design team." But of course.

Feel free to check out our live gallery of high-res images above along with the official shots released by Rolls-Royce below. There's also a press release or two waiting for your prying eyes, if you're so inclined.

Continue reading Rolls-Royce goes glam, celebrates Art Deco heritage in Paris

Rolls-Royce goes glam, celebrates Art Deco heritage in Paris originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Sep 2012 05:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>art decoart deco rolls-roycedropheadghostparisparis 2012paris motor showphantomrolls-royceThu, 27 Sep 2012 05:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20334666/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/27/rolls-royce-art-deco-cars-paris-2012/20334666/article-detail.xml 20334666 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/rolls-royce-phantom-dhc-art-deco_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/rolls-royce-phantom-dhc-art-deco.jpg <![CDATA[Rolls-Royce planning one or two new models based on the Ghost]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/29/rolls-royce-planning-one-or-two-new-models-based-on-the-ghost/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/29/rolls-royce-planning-one-or-two-new-models-based-on-the-ghost/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/29/rolls-royce-planning-one-or-two-new-models-based-on-the-ghost/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Fourteen years after Volkswagen bought Bentley, its English brand has two distinct lines, Mulsanne and Continental - with numerous variants at the Continental's lower price point - an SUV on the way and perhaps a sports car and a Mulsanne convertible, too. In the 14 years since BMW bought Rolls-Royce, its English brand has the Phantom and Ghost - with three variants at the Phantom's much higher price point. Rolls-Royce doesn't chase sales, but the difference in the brand direction helps explain why Bentley has sold more cars in the first six months of this year than Rolls-Royce sold all of last year.

And even though Rolls-Royce isn't solely about the tally, it would still like to improve on the 3,538 cars it sold last year - a sales record that eclipsed a mark set in 1978. To do so its CEO is planning one or two more Ghost-based models beyond the as-yet-unnamed Ghost Coupe due next year, perhaps to be called the Corniche, according to a report in Autocar. A convertible version of the Ghost Coupe is the obvious guess for one of them, and it would get the double-R "closer to 4,000" sales, where the CEO would like to be.

Sales might not be the only part of it, though; the headline of the Autocar piece says the CEO wants the new models because they're "required to give Rolls-Royce a proper identity." If that is accurate, we have no idea what kind of identity Rolls-Royce could be missing that would be served by a wider range of cars in the Ghost range, which by their place in the brand's own lineup are admittedly not the most opulent carriages on the planet.

Rolls-Royce planning one or two new models based on the Ghost originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Aug 2012 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cornicheghostghost coupephantomrolls-royceWed, 29 Aug 2012 18:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20312384/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/29/rolls-royce-planning-one-or-two-new-models-based-on-the-ghost/20312384/article-detail.xml 20312384 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/cornicespy_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/cornicespy.jpg <![CDATA[Rolls-Royce makes room for updated Phantom Extended Wheelbase in Beijing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/rolls-royce-makes-room-for-updated-phantom-extended-wheelbase-in/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/rolls-royce-makes-room-for-updated-phantom-extended-wheelbase-in/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/rolls-royce-makes-room-for-updated-phantom-extended-wheelbase-in/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2013 Rolls-Royce Phantom Extended-Wheelbase driving through city at night

Considering how short some product lifecycles have become, it boggles the mind to think that Rolls-Royce has had the Phantom on the market for nearly ten years now. And with the next-generation model not expected to arrive for another few years, the model that relaunched the brand under BMW ownership stands to reach its Bar Mitzvah before it's replaced. But in the meantime, Goodwood is keeping the Phantom fresh with the Series II update.

The revisions include a refreshed front end with new bumpers and adaptable LED headlamps, the latest in infotainment systems and a new eight-speed automatic transmission to help the 6.75-liter V12 marginally improve its emissions and fuel consumption figures.

New versions of the Phantom sedan, coupe and DHC convertible are already finding their way to eagerly awaiting (and obscenely wealthy) customers around the world, but Rolls opted to wait until the Beijing Motor Show to unveil the new Extended Wheelbase model. Particularly popular in the Chinese market where extra rear-seat legroom is deemed the pinnacle of luxury, the Phantom Series II Extended Wheelbase model measure a whopping 20 feet long.

That's more than a foot longer than the now-departed Ford Excursion, and you can check it out in the gallery of high-resolution images above.

Continue reading Rolls-Royce makes room for updated Phantom Extended Wheelbase in Beijing

Rolls-Royce makes room for updated Phantom Extended Wheelbase in Beijing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 rolls-royce phantom extended wheelbase2013 rolls-royce phantom series iibeijingbeijing 2012beijing motor showphantomrolls-roycerolls-royce phantom extended wheelbaserolls-royce phantom series iirolls-royce phantom series ii extended wheelbaseTue, 24 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20221975/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/24/rolls-royce-makes-room-for-updated-phantom-extended-wheelbase-in/20221975/article-detail.xml 20221975 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/rolls-roycephanton-ii-ext-lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/rolls-roycephanton-ii-ext-lead.jpg <![CDATA[Rolls-Royce Phantom hearse is a classy, costly way to go]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/21/rolls-royce-phantom-hearse-is-a-classy-costly-way-to-go/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/21/rolls-royce-phantom-hearse-is-a-classy-costly-way-to-go/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/21/rolls-royce-phantom-hearse-is-a-classy-costly-way-to-go/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Biemme Special Cars' Rolls-Royce Phantom Hearse

We have fairly modest dreams when it comes to ferrying our remains to our final resting place. After all, it can't cost that much to rent the The Oscar Meyer Wienermobile for a few hours. Should you have slightly more expensive tastes, there's always this Rolls-Royce Phantom Hearse. The specialty vehicle is set to be unveiled at the Tan Expo funeral home show in Bologna, Italy. With 23 feet of length from stem to stern, this Phantom is longer than even the long-wheelbase version of the sedan. Interestingly enough, designers retained the rear doors for additional live passengers while incorporating a large rear cargo area for the dearly departed.

According to builder Biemme Special Cars, the vehicle's tail is constructed entirely of aluminum using over 600 bits and pieces. The same 6.75-liter V12 engine found in the standard Phantom, which means your earthly remains will get to graveside with the help of 453 horsepower.

How much will it cost? Biemme hasn't handed out a specific figure just yet beyond saying the vehicle will likely fetch more than €500,000. That's $663,950 at current conversion rates.

Rolls-Royce Phantom hearse is a classy, costly way to go originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 13:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biemmebiemme special carsfuneral businesshearseliveryphantomphantom hearserolls roycerolls-roycerolls-royce phantomrolls-royce phantom hearseWed, 21 Mar 2012 13:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20197758/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/21/rolls-royce-phantom-hearse-is-a-classy-costly-way-to-go/20197758/article-detail.xml 20197758 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/01-rolls-royce-phantom-hearse-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/01-rolls-royce-phantom-hearse-628.jpg <![CDATA[Rolls-Royce stays classy with the 2012 Phantom Series II]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/07/2012-rolls-royce-phantom-series-ii-geneva-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/07/2012-rolls-royce-phantom-series-ii-geneva-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/07/2012-rolls-royce-phantom-series-ii-geneva-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2012 Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II

The task of trying to update the Rolls-Royce Phantom is like trying to update Mt. Everest - you can swap out a few boulders, add some clouds and a new glacier, but such moves are dwarfed by the simple grandiosity of the highest mountain on the planet. That's why you'll need to pay close attention to note the changes made on the Phantom Series II.

The "striking new front end" gets a revised bumper, full/adaptive LED headllights and a rectangular LED array where there once was a round supplemental light. Moving on to the inside, the satellite navigation and infotainment system gets upgraded - it was the previous car's only real weakness - and includes a larger, 8.8-inch screen, a new controller and a feature called "guided tours." Sounds glitzy.

Under the skin, the old transmission gets traded for a new eight-speed automatic. Fuel economy gets a boost because of it, but you're not really worried about that, are you? The changes also apply to the Coupe and Drophead models, too.

We gave the Phantom a once-over here in Geneva, so scroll through the above gallery for plenty of live images. There's more info after the jump and several galleries of high-res stock photos for your perusal below.

Continue reading Rolls-Royce stays classy with the 2012 Phantom Series II

Rolls-Royce stays classy with the 2012 Phantom Series II originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 21:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 Rolls-Royce Phantom Series IIgenevageneva 2012geneva motor showphantomphantom series iirolls-royceRolls-royce Phantom series IIWed, 07 Mar 2012 21:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20187627/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/07/2012-rolls-royce-phantom-series-ii-geneva-2012/20187627/article-detail.xml 20187627 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/rolls-royce-phantom-series-ii-geneva_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/rolls-royce-phantom-series-ii-geneva.jpg <![CDATA[Rolls-Royce sells out of million-dollar Year of the Dragon edition Phantoms in two months]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/27/rolls-royce-sells-out-of-million-dollar-year-of-the-dragon-editi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/27/rolls-royce-sells-out-of-million-dollar-year-of-the-dragon-editi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/27/rolls-royce-sells-out-of-million-dollar-year-of-the-dragon-editi/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Rolls-Royce Phantom Year of the Dragon Edition

Think the "standard" Rolls-Royce Phantom is expensive at $380,000? Try $1.2 million on for size. That's how much the latest special-edition Phantom was going for, but the astronomic price tag hasn't prevented the (*ahem*) Rolls-Royce of automakers from selling every last one.

The model in question is the Year of the Dragon edition, which was first released just this past August. It features a range of special touches - from a gold-colored "coach line" (that being a pinstripe down the flank) to dragons inlaid in the wood and embroidered into the leather - all aimed at marking the new year on the Chinese calendar.

Rolls-Royce isn't saying exactly how many it sold, but apparently the entire allotment was spoken for within two months of the vehicle's launch. The sales are expected to boost the skyrocketing figures Rolls-Royce posts in China, whose number of millionaires has now risen to third worldwide behind the United States and Japan. As a result, Rolls-Royce reportedly plans to add another ten dealerships to its current network of 14 in China by the end of 2011.

We've yet to see exterior shots of the vehicle - limited as we were previously to some close-ups of the unique touches applied to it - but with news that the special edition is completely sold out, we've added a few more photos to our high-res image gallery.

Rolls-Royce sells out of million-dollar Year of the Dragon edition Phantoms in two months originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 rolls-royce phantomphantomrolls-roycerolls-royce chinarolls-royce phantomrolls-royce phantom year of the dragonrolls-royce phantom year of the dragon editionyear of the dragonFri, 27 Jan 2012 13:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20155959/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/27/rolls-royce-sells-out-of-million-dollar-year-of-the-dragon-editi/20155959/article-detail.xml 20155959 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/webrollsroycedragonphantom-01_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/webrollsroycedragonphantom-01.jpg <![CDATA[Rolls-Royce Phantom facelift spotted]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/rolls-royce-phantom-facelift-spotted/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/rolls-royce-phantom-facelift-spotted/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/rolls-royce-phantom-facelift-spotted/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Rolls-Royce Phantom spy shots

It's been a spell since Rolls-Royce put the aging Phantom under the knife. In truth, the luxoliner hasn't seen any serious revision since it debuted in 2003, but our spy photographers have just managed to click a few photos of a vehicle that may hint at changes to come. Unfortunately for carspotters, Rolls-Royce engineers and designers appear to have cleverly hid the vehicle's new face under stickers designed to make the front end appear identical to the old model. The decal treatment makes it difficult to see exactly what Rolls-Royce has planned for the Phantom, but we'd wager the changes will remain mild.

Expect to see minor updates to the vehicle's lighting out front. Indoors, parent company BMW may throw in an updated navigation system and connectivity hardare. Under the hood, the new Phantom is likely to boast a little bit more power with fewer emissions through fine-tuning, but we don't expect a wholesale powertrain swap-out. Expect the price tag to remain somewhere between lofty and ludicrous.

Rolls-Royce Phantom facelift spotted originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 rolls-royce phantomphantomrolls roycerolls-roycerolls-royce phantomrolls-royce phantom spy shotsspy photosspy shotsThu, 19 Jan 2012 14:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20152024/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/19/rolls-royce-phantom-facelift-spotted/20152024/article-detail.xml 20152024 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/01-rolls-royce-phantom-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/01-rolls-royce-phantom-628.jpg <![CDATA[Rolls-Royce records highest annual sales in 107-year history]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/11/rolls-royce-records-highest-annual-sales-in-107-year-history/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/11/rolls-royce-records-highest-annual-sales-in-107-year-history/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/11/rolls-royce-records-highest-annual-sales-in-107-year-history/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

rolls-royce ghost

Some would say that 2011 wasn't exactly a banner year, but the good chaps at Rolls-Royce would likely respond with a definitive "Poppycock!" That's because the 107-year-old brand experienced its best-ever sales totals in 2011, with 3,538 very expensive autos sold around the globe. That's a 31 percent increase over the 2,711 models sold in 2010, thanks mostly to brisk sales of the Ghost and Phantom models.

With sales up 31 percent, it's clear that the storied automaker was on fire the world over, but certain markets really catapulted the marque. In fact, sales in Asia were up 47 percent, and the U.S. saw 17 percent growth. Austerity measures in England didn't stop the craze for new Rolls-Royce models, either, with sales up 30 percent.

It may not be all that exciting to see that the rich can afford more Rolls Royce models, but we're guessing the 1,000 employees working in Goodwood are probably tickled at the brand's rising popularity. Hit the jump to read over the official Rolls-Royce press release.

Continue reading Rolls-Royce records highest annual sales in 107-year history

Rolls-Royce records highest annual sales in 107-year history originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ghostgoodwoodluxury car salesluxury carsphantomrollsrolls roycerolls-roycesalesWed, 11 Jan 2012 09:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20144151/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/11/rolls-royce-records-highest-annual-sales-in-107-year-history/20144151/article-detail.xml 20144151 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/2012-rolls-royce-ghost-extended-wheelbase-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/2012-rolls-royce-ghost-extended-wheelbase-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Bijan offers up special edition Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/17/bijan-offers-up-special-edition-rolls-royce-phantom-drophead-cou/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/17/bijan-offers-up-special-edition-rolls-royce-phantom-drophead-cou/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/17/bijan-offers-up-special-edition-rolls-royce-phantom-drophead-cou/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Bijan Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe

Bijan Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead CoupeIf there was anything Bijan Pakzad loved more than clothing A-list celebrities and heads of state, it was creating the most luxurious automobiles around. The Persian fashion designer (commonly known by his first name alone) owned a one-of-a-kind custom yellow Bugatti Veyron, and before he died, he commissioned a second Grand Sport roadster in his trademark color.

He was also set to team up with Rolls-Royce for a limited run of special Phantoms, but while he may have passed before his time, his successors are evidently keen to keep his legacy alive with this special-edition Phantom Drophead Coupe.

Decked out in Bijan yellow from the body (including hood, window frame, mirrors and wheels) to the interior, the special DHC has Bijan signature touches all around, including a diamond-pavé watch embedded in the dashboard and a picnic set (complete with crystal stemware) in the trunk.

A limited quantity of these unique and extroverted convertibles will be made available at a price reported as high as $1.6 million, and are sure to be snapped up by the same Middle Eastern sheikhs who draped themselves in Bijan's luxurious suits.

Bijan offers up special edition Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Oct 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bijanbijan pakzaddrophead coupephantomphantom drophead couperolls-roycerolls-royce phantom dhcrolls-royce phantom drophead coupeMon, 17 Oct 2011 15:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20083107/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/17/bijan-offers-up-special-edition-rolls-royce-phantom-drophead-cou/20083107/article-detail.xml 20083107 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/bijanrollsroycedrophead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/bijanrollsroycedrophead.jpg <![CDATA[Rolls-Royce once again proves its Bespoke department knows no bounds]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/19/rolls-royce-once-again-proves-its-bespoke-department-knows-no-bo/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/19/rolls-royce-once-again-proves-its-bespoke-department-knows-no-bo/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/19/rolls-royce-once-again-proves-its-bespoke-department-knows-no-bo/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Purple Rolls-Royce Phantom

Since its inception, Rolls-Royce has made a living making its customers feel very, very special. Given the average net worth of its buyers and the custom-tailored nature of their vehicles, this sort of approach makes good business sense. That said, some customers are clearly more special than others. Michael Fux, a businessman and philanthropist who commissioned the unusual purple Phantom Drophead Coupe seen here, is clearly one of the latter.

Fux is one of Rolls' very best customers, and he's also known for being one of its most outlandish, perpetually giving Goodwood's Bespoke department specialists a workout. Rolls has debuted one-off Fux cars during past Monterey weeks, and this year, they've teamed up again to reveal this striking purple and white Phantom. While the visuals that Fux pushed for certainly won't be to everyone tastes (we're more accustomed to seeing these sort of aesthetic choices among aftermarket firms like Mansory), there's no denying the quality of the workmanship, from the matching purple roof to the customized engraved sill plates and relentlessly white leather interior. And Fux isn't the only Rolls buyer whose tastes require an increasing degree of personalization - earlier this month, the automaker announced plans to double the size of its Bespoke operations to keep up with demand.

Fux's custom Rolls-Royce commissions have never been known for their subtlety. In the past, he's ordered a screaming yellow Phantom Convertible (shown in Pebble in 2008), as well as a candy red Drophead that featured Rolls' first-ever black-and-red carbon fiber inserts. That car was such a test for the English automaker's bespoke team that they not only named the paint for Fux (and guaranteed its exclusivity), they produced a 2010 video about it that you can watch after the jump.

Continue reading Rolls-Royce once again proves its Bespoke department knows no bounds

Rolls-Royce once again proves its Bespoke department knows no bounds originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Aug 2011 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bespokemichael fuxmonterey 2011phantomphantom dropheadphantom drophead couperolls-roycerolls-royce phantomthe quailFri, 19 Aug 2011 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20022438/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/19/rolls-royce-once-again-proves-its-bespoke-department-knows-no-bo/20022438/article-detail.xml 20022438 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/rolls-royce-phantom-purple_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/rolls-royce-phantom-purple.jpg <![CDATA[Rolls-Royce celebrates Year of the Dragon with special Phantom line]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/18/rolls-royce-celebrates-year-of-the-dragon-with-special-phantom-l/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/18/rolls-royce-celebrates-year-of-the-dragon-with-special-phantom-l/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/18/rolls-royce-celebrates-year-of-the-dragon-with-special-phantom-l/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Rolls-Royce Year of the Dragon Collection

The world's automakers have been steadily realizing the enormous potential of the Chinese market. Luxury automakers in particular, and no automaker offers more luxurious motor coaches than Rolls-Royce.

This year, the Chinese people celebrate the Year of the Dragon, so to celebrate along with them, Rolls-Royce is offering a special design edition of the Phantom and Phantom Extended Wheelbase models.

The special touches are crafted by the company's expanding Bespoke division, and include such features as a gold-colored exterior coachline and an interior with dragons embroidered in four colors into the headrests, special inlay panels and throw cushions, bridged by LED illuminated door sills identifying the special edition. Have a closer look in the high-resolution image gallery and the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Rolls-Royce celebrates Year of the Dragon with special Phantom line

Rolls-Royce celebrates Year of the Dragon with special Phantom line originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Aug 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinaphantomphantom extended wheelbaserolls-roycerolls-royce bespokerolls-royce phantomrolls-royce phantom extended wheelbaserolls-royce phantom year of the dragon collectionrolls-royce year of the dragon collectionyear of the dragonyear of the dragon collectionThu, 18 Aug 2011 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20019960/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/18/rolls-royce-celebrates-year-of-the-dragon-with-special-phantom-l/20019960/article-detail.xml 20019960 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/webrolls-dragon_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/webrolls-dragon.jpg <![CDATA[Maharaja's tiger-hunting Rolls-Royce brings the firepower to Quail auction]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/28/maharajas-tiger-hunting-rolls-royce-brings-the-firepower-to-qua/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/28/maharajas-tiger-hunting-rolls-royce-brings-the-firepower-to-qua/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/28/maharajas-tiger-hunting-rolls-royce-brings-the-firepower-to-qua/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

1925 Rolls-Royce Phantom - ex-Maharaja of Kotah

You expect to find all sorts of optional equipment on a Rolls-Royce. It could be pearl-inlayed veneers or a special paint job. But this example is something else entirely.

Crafted for Sahib Bahadur - also known as Umed Singh II, Maharaja of Kotah - this 1925 Rolls-Royce New Phantom was coachbuilt by Barker & Company of London and includes some rather unusual accessories. Namely, a mounted shotgun, rifle stand, Lantaka cannon, a pair of search lights and a machine gun fitted to a matching trailer.

The car was custom built for the Maharaja for the purpose of tiger hunting, and though requested by the Indian Consulate for donation to a museum, is now going up for auction at the hands of Bonhams at the Quail Lodge mid-August, where it's expected to fetch between $750,000 and $1 milllion.

Though the armaments aren't depicted, you can check the car out in the high-resolution gallery and the press release after the jump for a closer look.

Continue reading Maharaja's tiger-hunting Rolls-Royce brings the firepower to Quail auction

Maharaja's tiger-hunting Rolls-Royce brings the firepower to Quail auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Jul 2011 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1925 rolls-royce new phantom1925 rolls-royce phantomauctionbonhamshuntingmaharajaphantomquailquail lodgerolls-roycetigertiger huntingThu, 28 Jul 2011 09:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19997162/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/28/maharajas-tiger-hunting-rolls-royce-brings-the-firepower-to-qua/19997162/article-detail.xml 19997162 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/webrolls-tiger_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/webrolls-tiger.jpg <![CDATA[Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé for Masterpiece London is especially special]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/30/rolls-royce-phantom-drophead-coupe-for-masterpiece-london-is-esp/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/30/rolls-royce-phantom-drophead-coupe-for-masterpiece-london-is-esp/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/30/rolls-royce-phantom-drophead-coupe-for-masterpiece-london-is-esp/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé Masterpiece London 2011
Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé Masterpiece London 2011 - Click above for high-res image gallery

A car like the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé isn't about raw power and performance. It's not about the latest technologies. It's not even about bragging rights. More than anything else, it's about making the owner feel special. But this particular DHC is more special than most.

Created specially for the Masterpiece London 2011 luxury goods show, this one-off packs a suede Asprey jewelry case in the glove box with intricate rings, cufflinks and earrings and a trunk full of matching leather fitted luggage. The one-off is also the first come painted in Mazarine Blue, the latest of 44,000 colors available to Rolls-Royce buyers, and features Santos Pallissander wood veneers (whatever that means) inlaid with mother-of-pearl.

Check it out in the high-res image gallery and the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé for Masterpiece London is especially special

Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé for Masterpiece London is especially special originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dhcdrophead coupemasterpiece londonmasterpiece london 2011phantomrolls-roycerolls-royce dhcrolls-royce drophead couperolls-royce phantomrolls-royce phantom dhcrolls-royce phantom drophead coupeThu, 30 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19979031/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/30/rolls-royce-phantom-drophead-coupe-for-masterpiece-london-is-esp/19979031/article-detail.xml 19979031 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/web-drophead-masterpiece_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/web-drophead-masterpiece.jpg <![CDATA[Rolls-Royce owner can't figure out what color he wants, chooses them all]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/15/rolls-royce-owner-cant-figure-out-what-color-he-wants-chooses/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/15/rolls-royce-owner-cant-figure-out-what-color-he-wants-chooses/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/15/rolls-royce-owner-cant-figure-out-what-color-he-wants-chooses/#commentsFiled under: , ,

colorful rolls-royce phantom
A Rolls-Royce Phantom pretends to be a bag of Skittles - Click above to watch video after the jump

You can order a Rolls-Royce Phantom in nearly any color you'd like. That's a fact the luxury automaker takes very seriously and is quite proud of... But what if you liked a lot of different colors?

One Phantom owner decided to taste the rainbow go the custom route and incorporate a handful of his favorite hues. The varied palette can be seen throughout the entire vehicle, as the exterior bodywork, interior trim and even the grille and wheels get a pop of color.

We are going to call upon every inch of willpower we have in order to refrain from comment on this one. Barf. We've included two clips of the car so you can draw your own opinions. See them for yourself after the jump, and feel free to sound off in the comments.

We'll end this way... To each their own, but this is pushing it.

Continue reading Rolls-Royce owner can't figure out what color he wants, chooses them all

Rolls-Royce owner can't figure out what color he wants, chooses them all originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Jun 2011 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>colorful phantomcustom phantomcustom rolls-roycephantomrolls-roycerolls-royce phantomvideoWed, 15 Jun 2011 19:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19967827/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/15/rolls-royce-owner-cant-figure-out-what-color-he-wants-chooses/19967827/article-detail.xml 19967827 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/colorful-rolls-royce_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/colorful-rolls-royce.jpg <![CDATA[1926 Rolls-Royce Phantom 10EX prototype up for auction]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/18/1926-rolls-royce-phantom-10ex-prototype-up-for-auction/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/18/1926-rolls-royce-phantom-10ex-prototype-up-for-auction/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/18/1926-rolls-royce-phantom-10ex-prototype-up-for-auction/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

1926 Rolls-Royce Phantom 10EX
1926 Rolls-Royce Phantom 10EX - Click above for high-res image gallery

Times change and so do trends. These days, everyone's clamoring for more environmentally-friendly and fuel-efficient cars that even Rolls-Royce is tinkering with electric propulsion. The program is being carried out on the 102EX electric Phantom prototype. But go back nearly a century and speed was the cause célèbre du jour. And then just as now, Rolls-Royce was keen to prove its mettle. This was the car with which it did so.

As Rolls-Royce presented the first-generation Phantom to the world, it was eager to show what it could do, so the company's managing director Claude Johnson had the crew at Crewe put this prototype together. Named in his honor, the "CJ Sports Car" featured a more aerodynamic "torpedo" coachwork by Barker. Although many experimental Phantoms followed (straight through to the aforementioned 102EX), this was the only one that the company held on to after it was done testing, and was even rumored to have been loaned out to Laurence of Arabia at one time.

10EX is expected to fetch around £400,000-£800,000 ($650k-$1.3m) when it goes up for auction on June 23 at RM's inaugural Salon Privé auction at West London's picturesque Syon Park estate. Joining it on the docket will be numerous other Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Jaguar, Aston Martin classics (among others) representing the finest of historic British motoring. Follow the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading 1926 Rolls-Royce Phantom 10EX prototype up for auction

1926 Rolls-Royce Phantom 10EX prototype up for auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 May 2011 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1926 rolls-royce phantom 10exlondonphantomrmrm auctionsrolls-roycerolls-royce phantomrolls-royce phantom i continentalsalon privésalon priveWed, 18 May 2011 19:25:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19942285/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/18/1926-rolls-royce-phantom-10ex-prototype-up-for-auction/19942285/article-detail.xml 19942285 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/web05-rolls-1ex_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/web05-rolls-1ex.jpg -1 2