Autoblog

Rolls-Royce gets into LSR game, backs Bloodhound SSC [w/video]

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 17 May 2013 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Technology, Videos, UK

Rolls-Royce, the "power solutions" company that makes jet engines and much more (not the luxury motorcar company) has signed on to support the Bloodhound SSC Land Speed Record attempt project. This isn't just a financial tie-up and exchange of engines and tech, though, Rolls-Royce is just as interested as the Bloodhound gang in promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics to children in the UK and around the world.

It will be providing its EJ200 jet engine that powers the Eurofighter Typhoon combat jet with 20,000 pounds of thrust. In the Bloodhound, the engine will be the first stage in the hybrid rocket system that they hope will get the SSC to 1,000 miles per hour. Coincidentally, although Rolls-Royce hasn't been officially involved with Bloodhound before, its engines have been used to break records in the Bloodhound predecessors Thrust 2 and Thrust SSC.

There's a press release below with more details and a video that animates how the hybrid rocket inside the blue streak works.

Continue reading Rolls-Royce gets into LSR game, backs Bloodhound SSC [w/video]

Rolls-Royce gets into LSR game, backs Bloodhound SSC [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rolls-Royce Wraith officially revealed in profile

Jeffrey N. Ross — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 11:15:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Geneva Motor Show, Rolls-Royce, Luxury

Well here's a nice twofer. On the same day Rolls-Royce releases its first official teaser image showing the 2014 Wraith, we also get a look at the car undergoing some cold-weather testing courtesy of some new spy shots. As the coupe version of the Ghost, the 2014 Rolls-Royce Wraith will make its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March, and it's expected to go on sale during the fourth quarter of this year.

Rolls-Royce already confirmed plenty of information in a teaser it released last week, but the latest image shows us a clear shot of what the car's midsection will look like. Comparing this image and the spy shots, we can see that the Wraith will have a pretty sleek - (almost Bentley Continental GT-like) roofline, and, like the Phantom Coupe, it will have rear-hinged doors. We can also tell from the spy shots that it seems to be keeping the same face as the Ghost and taillights, too.

Be sure to check out the latest spy photos for the Wraith as well as a brief press release from Rolls-Royce by scrolling below.

Continue reading Rolls-Royce Wraith officially revealed in profile

Rolls-Royce Wraith officially revealed in profile originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jan 2013 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rolls-Royce Phantom celebrates decade of decadence

Zach Bowman — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Rolls-Royce, UK, Luxury

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

Man drives Rolls-Royce for 78 years then makes museum donation to ensure its preservation

Michael Harley — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 09:13:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Convertible, Rolls-Royce

Mr. Allen Swift died in 2005 at the impressive age of 102, but his automotive story is even more remarkable. Not only is the gentleman credited with owning a Rolls-Royce automobile longer than anyone else in the world, but he had the forethought and funds to ensure its future preservation after his death.

In 1928, while living in Springfield, Massachusetts, Swift's father gave him a 1928 Rolls-Royce Piccadilly P1 Roadster as a graduation present (Springfield and Rolls-Royce have a history - from 1920 to 1931, the British automaker built 2,944 vehicles in the city as part of its attempt to establish a US plant). The young man was passionate about his green-over-green softtop convertible, not only driving it on a regular basis, but maintaining it meticulously over the decades (the two door-received a complete body-off restoration and engine rebuild in 1988).

Rolls-Royce acknowledged Mr. Swift in 1994, awarding him a crystal Spirit of Ecstasy award for his length of ownership. By 2005, Swift had logged more than 170,000 miles on its analog odometer and he was recognized as the oldest living person to have owned a car from new. He passed away that year.

But the story doesn't end there. Swift left the Lyman & Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History a $1 million gift to create a new exhibition to care for his roadster and tell the story of Rolls-Royce manufacturing in the Massachusetts town. Today, Mr. Swift's beautiful Piccadilly P1 Roadster is prominently displayed in the museum's Transportation Collection.

Man drives Rolls-Royce for 78 years then makes museum donation to ensure its preservation originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Dec 2012 09:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

BMW, Rolls-Royce issue recall over smoldering circuit boards

Chris Tutor — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, BMW, Rolls-Royce, Luxury

Drivers of 2010-2011 Rolls Royce Ghost models and several BMW models with turbocharged engines need to get their vehicles to their dealers. The cars are being recalled for a potentially hazardous defect that could turn their high-end autos into smoldering hunks of less luxurious melted plastic and steel.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says the circuit boards on the cars' water pump could overheat and possibly catch fire.

The 2011 BMW models affected are the 5 Series and 5 Series Gran Turismo. 2012 models are the 6 Series, 7 Series, X5 and X6. All affected models have either the turbocharged V8 or V12. NHTSA says the number of BMWs affected is 2,846. About 60 Rolls Royce Ghosts will be recalled.

The recall is nearly identical to one announced last November that recalled 2010 Rolls Royce Ghosts. This campaign seems to address the same problem that plagued 2011 models.

Continue reading BMW, Rolls-Royce issue recall over smoldering circuit boards

BMW, Rolls-Royce issue recall over smoldering circuit boards originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rolls-Royce Phantom hearse is a classy, costly way to go

Zach Bowman — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 13:44:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Europe, Work, Rolls-Royce, Specialty, Design/Style, Luxury

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

Rolls-Royce Phantom facelift spotted

Zach Bowman — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Europe, Rolls-Royce, Luxury

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

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

Chris Shunk — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Rolls-Royce, Earnings/Financials, UK, Luxury

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

Rolls-Royce goes out to lunch with custom orders

Noah Joseph — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 07:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Etc., Rolls-Royce, Design/Style, Luxury

Rolls-Royce Bespoke Picnic Set - Click above for high-res image gallery

Rolls-Royce has announced the availability of - wait for it - a new picnic set! What, not excited? Did we mention that it's made from polished aluminum, leather and wood veneers? Well that's just fine. We'll enjoy our champagne and caviar on the green without you. But that's not even the point - the popularity of customizing a new Rolls-Royce motorcar is.

On the Phantom family alone - discounting the popularity of the new Ghost - custom orders from Rolls-Royce have skyrocketed in the past few years in markets around the world. In the Middle East, for example, about 90 percent of Phantoms ordered last year had something off the usual options list ordered. That's up from 75 percent in 2005, the level at which all of Rolls-Royce markets worldwide are holding at in terms of customization, up from 50 percent in 2005.

Rolls-Royce's Bespoke design and engineering department can fulfill a variety of special orders, from the customer's name on the sill plates and special veneers to custom luggage and picnic sets like this one. Details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Rolls-Royce Bespoke Picnic Set

[Source: Rolls-Royce]

Continue reading Rolls-Royce goes out to lunch with custom orders

Rolls-Royce goes out to lunch with custom orders originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Jul 2010 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rolls-Royce sales up 146 percent on popularity of Ghost

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 18:37:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Rolls-Royce, Earnings/Financials, Luxury

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

If there was any lingering doubt as to the business value of the 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost, recent sales figures appear likely to put such concerns to an abrupt end. Over the course of the first five months of 2010, Rolls-Royce has sold a total of 678 automobiles. That doesn't sound like a whole lot when judged against the world's largest automakers, but that figure represents an impressive 146-percent increase over the previous year.

As you might have guessed, that sales uptick is being driven by orders for the new Ghost, which, with a price starting at around $250,000, is Rolls-Royce's new entry-level model. Company head Torsten Müller-Ötvös expects the sales surge to continue throughout the 2010, suggesting that the automaker will post figures "at least double the volume of last year." As we found during our recent First Drive, Ghost buyers are likely to be very pleased with their new saloons.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost

Photos by Rex Roy / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Financial Times - sub. req.]

Rolls-Royce sales up 146 percent on popularity of Ghost originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 Jun 2010 18:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Where's The Love: Russian Rolls-Royce Centurion abandoned by train tracks?

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 11 May 2010 15:29:00 EST

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

When a custom-tuned Rolls-Royce Phantom dubbed the "Centurion" showed up on eBay Motors three years ago, the seller wrote it "will become one of the most historically significant Rolls Royce Phantoms of recent times." In response, our own Alex Nunez replied, "We tend to agree, as bad things do make history." It appears that when the Centurion met history, they didn't get along: that's the car above, abandoned next to railroad tracks in the Russian suburbs.

Even if the Centurion was ugly, it's still a Phantom, and one would think it would be worth something more than a lonely death down by the tracks. Assuming the photo above is the real deal, there is at least one enigmatic inhabitant of Russia who thinks differently. Let this be a lesson, kids: this is what comes when one reaches too eagerly for stardom. You can have a look at the car in its better days in the gallery of high-res photos below. Thanks for the tip, Alex!

Gallery: Rolls Royce Centurion

[Source: English Russia]

Where's The Love: Russian Rolls-Royce Centurion abandoned by train tracks? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 May 2010 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Phantom of the Sofa Rolls in to the Autoblog Fantasy Living Room

Noah Joseph — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 06:59:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Rolls-Royce

Rolls-Royce Phantom sofa - Click above for image gallery

We think we'll need a bigger house, because the Autoblog fantasy living room keeps growing. It's already packed with Pininfarina desks, engine-block coffee tables, chairs designed to emulate F1 race cars and so much more. Now we've got a new couch to join those crafted to look like Aston Martins and Porsches.

Encased in the replicated rear end of a Rolls-Royce Phantom, this sofa has got everything from wheels to tail lights and even a workable trunk for ~~keeping a baby~~ storing knickknacks. Of course, in the true Spirit of Ecstasy, it will take up a sizable portion of any living space. You may think it's ridiculous, but we don't doubt there's someone out there willing to shell out the very Rolls-like $5,500 asking price.

Gallery: Rolls-Royce Phantom sofa

[Source: Autogespot via CarScoop]

Phantom of the Sofa Rolls in to the Autoblog Fantasy Living Room originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Mar 2010 06:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rumormill: Rolls-Royce Phantom to undergo major overhaul in 2016

Noah Joseph — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 13:01:00 EST

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

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

Having been introduced in 2003, the Rolls-Royce Phantom has been on the market for seven years now. That's a pretty long life-cycle for a car these days. According to the ever-churning rumor mill, that's only the tip of the proverbial iceberg, as Rolls may be planning on keeping the Phantom the way it is for another six years or so.

According to the reports, the Phantom is set to receive a major overhaul in 2016. What that will entail is far from being known at this point. And considering Maybach may reportedly fall by the wayside, its only major competition is the Bentley Mulsanne, which is brand spankin' new.

Once the Phantom sedan is replaced, though, it would be reasonable to expect the Coupe and DHC convertible to follow suit. In the meantime, expect another few dozen special editions for the Persian Gulf crowd.

Gallery: Review: 2007 Rolls-Royce Phantom

[Source: Autotelegraaf.nl (translated)]

Rumormill: Rolls-Royce Phantom to undergo major overhaul in 2016 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Mar 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

One-off Million-Dollar "Black Ruby" Rolls-Royce coupe up for sale

Noah Joseph — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Rolls-Royce, UK, India, Specialty

DC Design "Black Ruby" Rolls-Royce coupe - Click above for image gallery

Funny thing about one-off creations. Sometimes you look at them and wonder why they only made just the one, and sometimes you thank your lucky stars they're not roaming the streets in packs. Whatever side of the fence you come down on with the DC Design Rolls-Royce coupe, that one and only example is now up for grabs.

The product of Indian coachbuilder Dilip Chhabria - also responsible for the Porsche Cayenne coupe and the $220k Tata Nano - "The Black Ruby" combines the grille of a Rolls-Royce with the shape of a Nissan Z, packing exotic-style scissor doors and the spirit of the Maybach Exelero. It was reportedly built for an Indian maharaja, and has been spotted as far away as London.

It's now available for purchase for the low-low price of £750,000, or about $1.2 million. Check it out in the gallery below for a closer look... if you dare.

Gallery: DC Design "Black Ruby" Rolls-Royce coupe

[Source: SparkCars.com via CarScoop]

One-off Million-Dollar "Black Ruby" Rolls-Royce coupe up for sale originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Feb 2010 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Sheikh, Rattle and Rolls: Another special Phantom for Abu Dhabi

Noah Joseph — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 13:28:00 EST

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

Rolls-Royce Phantom Yas Eagle edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

If there's anywhere in the world where they know how to gild a lily, it's the Persian Gulf. The oil-rich emirates there seem to have an endless appetite for items of, shall we say... questionable taste. And Rolls-Royce seems to have no qualms about milking the region's appetite for all it's worth.

Along with the gold-dipped Drophead Coupe and the series of special editions exclusively for the Gulf, Rolls-Royce has crafted another special Phantom for the land where oil flows like water. Called the Yas Eagle, this special was actually released a few months ago to coincide with the inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, but details have only made their way onto the Intertubes now.

The package can be ordered on any of the three bodystyles in the Phantom range: sedan, coupe and DHC convertible. It consists of a two-tone white and cobalt blue paint scheme (think the original Viper GTS coupe, sans attitude), an interior done up in blue and red leather (with matching top for the Drophead Coupe), special blue-stained ash veneers, white instrument dials, blue carpets, a checkerboard stripe running down the waistline and across the fascia, an illuminated hood ornament and oh, so much more. Have a look for yourself in the gallery below.

Gallery: Rolls-Royce Phantom Yas Eagle

[Source: Automotive Design Corner]

Sheikh, Rattle and Rolls: Another special Phantom for Abu Dhabi originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rolls-Royce announces Torsten Mueller as new CEO

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, BMW, Rolls-Royce, Luxury

Outgoing Rolls-Royce CEO Tom Purves (left) and incoming CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös (right) - Click above for high-res images

Back on July 1st of 2008, Tom Purves became Rolls-Royce's new CEO. At the time, we remarked that the move was interesting due to parent company BMW's mandatory retirement age of 60, which Purves was just about to turn when he got the top spot at R-R. Not surprisingly, then, the automaker has announced a new commander-in-chief, Torsten Mueller.

Mueller is a longtime member of the BMW Group's senior management, having worked for the German automaker for the last 20 years. Most recently, Mueller had been running BMW global product management, though his most significant contribution to the company may be his role in helping the revived Mini brand get off the ground back in 2000.

Mueller will assume the role of Rolls-Royce CEO at the end of March 2010, which is also the time when Tom Purves will retire after 25 years service with the BMW Group.

Gallery: Rolls-Royce chief executive officer

[Source: Rolls-Royce]

Continue reading Rolls-Royce announces Torsten Mueller as new CEO

Rolls-Royce announces Torsten Mueller as new CEO originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Jan 2010 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments