Rolls Royce has unveiled its most driver-orientated model in the Phantom line – the Phantom Coupé.
The firm says the new car is designed to look like ‘a muscular animal, ready to be unleashed’ as well as looking like it is moving even at standstill.
It is derived from the 101EX concept of 2006 that received such a positive reaction Rolls Royce decided to put it into production.
The new car will be revealed in the flesh at the 2008 Geneva Show in March, but Rolls has released some images to keep fans happy until then.
The Coupé will feature the Phantom’s 6.75-litre V12 that produces 453bhp, but the company says it has a 25 per cent increase in fuel capacity, compared to the Drophead, making it a better GT prospect.
The car is said to be virtually silent to leave driver and passenger totally fresh after a transcontinental blast.
There is a sport button on the steering wheel to emphasise the sporting nature of the Coupé.
Each gear is held for longer, increasing the rate of acceleration. Kick-down is also faster and accelerator pedal response has been enhanced.
At the rear is a spacious picnic boot. A split tail compartment that opens in two parts, gives easy access to 395 litres of space. The lower tailgate also provides a comfortable seating platform for two adults when lowered.
At the core of the Phantom Coupé is an advanced aluminium chassis, which is lightweight and exceptionally strong.
Hand made, it requires over 130 metres of welding to create each body.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Chief Designer, Ian Cameron, said: ‘Rolls-Royce has always been about pace, performance and style. For the Coupé design we gave the quintessential Rolls-Royce design a dynamic twist.
‘This adds a sense of drama to the outstanding engineering and drivability that are fundamentals of Rolls-Royce cars.
‘The dynamic drive of the Phantom has always come as a surprise to customers and the Coupé takes it one step further.’
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