Rolls Royce releases a new official video starring the new Phantom Series II range, which includes the long and short wheel-base Sedan, the Coupe and the Drophead Coupe. composta dalle berlina passo corto e passo lungo, Coupè e Drophead Coupè. All versions have received a cosmetic upgrade of the front-end, with full LED head-lights and new bumpers, while the classic round-shaped lights are gone, quite possibly for good.

The passenger compartment remains more or less the same of the previous version, with the only exception of the multi-edia info-tainment system which gets - among the other things - a brand new sat-nav system that displays the maps in 3D. On the dashboard there’s a new 8.8″ screen integrated with 8 control buttons.

As for the mechanical side, the new Phantom Series II range now uses a 8-speed automatic transmission courtesy of German specialist ZF as well as a new, more efficient limited slip differential at the back that improves fuel consumption by a remarkable 10% as well as reducing the model’s carbon footprint. The engine itself - a 6.7-litre V12 credited with an output of 460 hp and 720 Nm of peak torque - has been left untouched.

Last month we showed you a bunch of spy shots picturing a mule of the Rolls Royce Phantom sedan, which is currently undergoing its mid-life restyling. Similarly, the coupe version of the famous RR model will is also about to receive some cosmetic change, and here are a few spy shots showing us the relative mule taking on some cold weather testing.

The most visible modifications should be affecting the front end of the car, especially the layout of its head lamps. In fact, just like the aforementioned Phantom sedan mule, this one too sports some smart cammo on the front lights designed to resemble the aesthetics of the current model, making it clear that that is the area where the major changes will happen. As with the sedan version, we suspect that the coupe will feature some minor changes to the interior and infotainment system too, and it is quite likely that some new units with more power and less CO2 emissions will also be added to its engine range.

The Rolls Royce Phantom is the first RR model introduced during BMW ownership, and basically it has remained unchanged since its debut, in 2003. Now the time has come for a mid-life facelift, and here are a few spy shots of a mule sporting some subtle but significant change. Just take a look at its front end: the car is wearing some cunning camouflage on the head lamps designed to resemble the current model, but it is pretty clear that there is something going right there. Nice try RR, but we did not fall for it this time.

Obviously, this kind of super-luxury car does not need any radical makeover to stay relevant and up-to-date, and the current Phantom owners also wouldn’t like to see their cars look older all of a sudden, so it is understandable why parent-company BMW is trying to keep the whole thing quiet. We believe that the exterior design of the next Phantom will not be that different from the current version (they might add some LED strip, change the layout of both head and tail lights and little else, we suppose) while the passenger compartment is likely to get an updated sat-nav and a top-notch infotainment system. As for the mechanical side, we would play it safe by saying that the new model will probably boast more power and less CO2 emissions, but we would not go any further than that. An all-new version of the Phantom is expected to surface in 2016.

Renowned Japanese tuner Wald International will unveil their rendition of the Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe at the upcoming Tokyo Auto Salon, which will open its doors this coming Friday. Aesthetically, the most evident changes for this re-dubbed ‘Black Bison’ Phantom are the new front bumper with redesigned air inlets, integrated LED day running lights and lip spoiler, air outlets placed behind the front wheels, side sills and a rear bumper with integrated mini-diffuser and hosting a couple of mufflers. At the moment there are no further technical data or performance figures to speak of, but we will make up for that once the Tokyo event will get started.

View the full Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe Black Bison by Wald International photo gallery

via | GT Spirit and Autoblog.nl

The Year of the Dragon for the Chinese is particularly special and so Rolls Royce at this stage seems to be the first automaker to jump on the Chinese year bandwagon and produce this new Phantom Bespoke model. The Rolls Royce Phantom Year of the Dragon collection has got some lovely touches to what is already the top end of luxury.

The Phantom Dragon collection features a hand-painted gold dragon on the side of the model. The mythical creature also appears embroidered on the headrests and the panel inlay on the passenger side of the dash. Embroided throw cushions and additional piping on the upholstery feature in the rear seats.

The ultimate for us in the Rolls Royce Phantom Dragon collection luxury is probably the illuminated sills with “Year of the Dragon 2012″ in LED lighting. The model is designed as the latest masterpiece to come out of the Rolls Royce Bespoke workshop and obviously with no pricing announced, we’re suitable impressed anyway.

Year of the Dragon Bespoke Rolls Royce Phantom

Source | Autoblog.com

Rolls Royce is presenting this one-off Phantom Drophead Coupé at the 2011 Masterpiece London luxury event running from June 30 to July 5th. The Phantom Drophead will appear in an exclusive Mazarine Blue tint with interior beige leather upholstery. Luxury features on the interior include rosewood, teak and mother-of-pearl trim.

Unfortunately these pics don’t show us much of that interior, focusing instead on the exclusive Asprey jewellery collection which can come with the car. We’re guessing there are enough people in the world with the money and imagination for these creations, as this has been made as another example of the kind of personalised options which come out of Rolls Royce Goodwood centre.

Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe Masterpiece London 2011

The Mini Inspired by Goodwood showcar which was displayed at the 2011 Shanghai Motor Show marks a new use of the Goodwood for Mini, becoming the brand’s top-end luxury vehicle range. It mirrors the use of the John Cooper Works name for high-performance models, but refers instead to Mini luxury models with classy finishes and the best in interior design for Mini.

The first Mini Goodwood example will get a production run of 1,000 units and will cost about €47,000 to prove the luxury point. The initial production run could indicate future Goodwood models for Mini that will tap into the luxury market. While Mini is known as a top-tier brand, it’s full luxury potential hasn’t been explored.

Judging from these pics, it appears true that the Mini Goodwood was developed in extremely close collaboration with Rolls Royce and the mere mention of these two British motoring icons together has inestimable market value. Not only does the Mini get the Rolls looks on the inside with Cornsilk leather and wood veneers, the materials come from the same Rolls Royce suppliers.

Let’s face it, 50,000 euros is a lot for a Mini but we all know you pay for plushness and this could see a new avenue for Mini on its traditional cars, but edging into a new market segment of people who want the full kit and caboodle on their compact city-goer. The Aston Martin Cygnet has just been put back in its place….

Source | Autocar

It would be easy to confuse this Rolls Royce Abu Dhabi dealership for a luxury hotel lobby or loungeroom. The new Rolls showroom in Abu Dhabi is the biggest for the brand in the world, measuring 900 m2. It holds a space for five models on display, an office area, bar and a “boudoir” where each potential customer can configure their Roller.

The new showroom is a kind of homage to the Middle East whose market has contributed 15 percent to Rolls Royce global production figures. Of 82 Rolls Royce dealerships around the world, eight are in the Middle East, and the newly opened Abu Dhabi store has the new Spirit of Ecstasy Centenery Collection Phantom Drophead Coupé on display. I’d go just to sit on one of those lounges….

Prince William’s and Kate Middleton’s 2011 royal wedding will be quite a spectacle, but here’s hoping the Rolls Royce to take the bride to the church won’t suffer the same fate it did when last in public. Kate will go to Westminster Abbey in a 1977 Rolls Royce Phantom VI which was attacked and damaged by protesters in December.

The car was carrying Prince Charles and Camilla at the time, but is being repaired for the April 29 royal wedding. Kate will go to the abbey in the Rolls Royce, while the new couple of William and Kate will go to the reception at Buckingham Palace in a 1902 State Landau carriage also used to take Prince Charles to church when he married Lady Diana in 1981. If it rains, the couple will use an 1881 Glass Coach instead.

Source | Autoblog.com

The Rolls Royce 102EX Concept seen at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show is the company’s first splash in electric car exploration. It’s part of the Phantom Experimental Electric project and at this stage Rolls Royce is emphatic that the model is not destined for production. It’s being made as purely an R&D project to see whether there is space in the Rolls Royce range in the future for a zero emissions vehicle, or some kind of electric technology at the least.

The 102EX is based on a Phantom platform and in that immense Rolls Royce bonnet are two electric motors capable of 395 hp and 800 Nm of torque. The lithium ion batteries are 71 kW and allow for a range of about 200 km. Time to 100 km/hr is eight seconds and top speed has been limited to 160 km/hr. As you would expect, it’s a heavy vehicle with weight of 2,720 kg.

Some of the details of the Rolls Royce 102EX Concept include a Spirit of Ecstasy statuette made from new materials, a polycarbon Makrolon front grille and new Corinova leather upholstery on the inside. There is a new Atlantic Chrome tint (in 16 layers!) which uses ceramic particles to increase shine. The model, which is also known as the Phantom EE, will be used in upcoming testing and customer feedback projects to see whether the Rolls Royce brand can make space for an electric model.

Rolls Royce 102EX live at 2011 Geneva Motor Show

Rolls Royce is not celebrating 100 years of motoring history, but its famous flying lady “Spirit of Ecstasy” badge is. It’s quite a milestone for one of the world’s greatest automotive icons. To celebrate the centenary, Rolls Royce had a parade of historic models through London, equally one of the world’s greatest cities.

The current stars of Rolls Royce production, including the Ghost and Phantom, led the parade of historic Rollers with some of the company’s most beautiful past models following: including Spurs, Shadows and Silver Ghosts. The models passing through the streets of London and some of the world’s most famous sights, make for quite a photo gallery.

Rolls Royce Spirit of Ecstacy London parade

Source | Autoblog.com

To celebrate, Rolls Royce is indulging in a number of initiatives this year, starting with a special edition badge for each Ghost and Phantom produced, which will have the words “Spirit of Ecstasy Centenary – 2011″ etched into the bottom of each statuette. A drive through central London on February 6 will take place to celebrate the very day on which the mascot was registered, with vintage and current Rolls Royce models taking in historic sites. It will be followed by other events during the year. Rolls Royce CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös says:

The Spirit of Ecstasy is perhaps the most famous automotive icon, gracefully adorning the prow of Rolls-Royce models past and present. She was an inspiration for the founding fathers of our great company, as well as for owners and enthusiasts through the generations. Today her image continues to inspire and drive those of us who are fortunate enough to work for this unique brand, making the world’s most exclusive and desirable cars.