Attracts attention; imposing dimensions and looks; extensive customization options; a cabin fit for royalty; handles well for a comfort-first luxury convertible.

Disadvantages

Attracts unwanted attention; size is an issue in tight spaces; few awkwardly placed controls.

Introduction

2011 Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe with an exterior inspired by racing yachts of 1930s and an interior design, which highlights the airy openness of top-down motoring, retains Rolls Royce’s conventional luxurious comfort and feel through the use of wood veneers and finest leather. The Phantom Drophead Coupe provides owners an unparalleled convertible experience fusing compelling drivability with exceptional engineering technology and design. If you can afford the 2011 Phantom Drophead Coupe, you probably don’t care what we think. Suffice it to say that no other cabriolet can match the Drophead’s combination of curbside presence, prestige and luxury. Other than limited edition run of 100 specially trimmed cars for celebrating the centennial of Rolls Royce’s “Spirit of Ecstasy” hood ornament, there are no changes for the 2011 Phantom Drophead Coupe.

The Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe is basically a British handmade cabriolet designed, developed and engineered by Rolls Royce which was introduced at 2007 NAIAS (North American International Auto Show) in Detroit, Michigan, on 7th January 2007. It is based on 2003 Rolls Royce Phantom and has styling heavily derived from the 100EX, a concept car revealed for celebrating Rolls Royce’s centennial in 2004. At present, it is one of the most expensive Rolls Royce models available for the price of $443,000. The exterior remains faithful to the marine nautical theme of 100EX. The four-seater 2-door convertible features a dual-tone color scheme and rearward opening coach doors, which delineates between the lower and upper bodywork and frames the teak wood paneling of convertible’s tonneau cover. As compared to the 2004 concept car, however, the production unit eschews the EX’s aluminium bonnet in favor of more easily maintained stainless steel.

The front fascia of Rolls Royce Drophead Coupe takes its cues from 100EX but with crucial difference of the middle bonnet/grille bodywork/raised assemblage terminating midway down the face instead of continuing downwards and bisecting the front bumper. The headlights are also taken straight out of 100EX/101EX concept and are identical to the Phantom’s. The deep set rectangular high beams are LED (light-emitting diode) units, whereas the round faux foglamp driving lamps are projector style xenon arc lamps. The exterior is offered in over 44,000 color combinations. It fuses hand crafted materials and aluminium technology. All in all, the vehicle continues Rolls Royce’s current design theme premiered on the Phantom, fusing features of luxuriant 1930s Art Deco with cold 21st century techno-modern.

The 2011 Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe’s latest expression demonstrates a less formal and more relaxed side of Phantom. It shows a sociable character and its convivial cockpit suggests the feeling of being aboard an elegant motor yacht. It provides both passengers and driver a dual experience – cocooning and intimate or embracing the elements depending on whether the roof is lowered or raised. Inspired by J-class racing yachts of 1930s, the result is a vehicle, which epitomizes romantic, performance motoring. Mr. Charles Coldham, Chief Stylist Interior Design explained that they wanted to create a vehicle, which is a shared experience. The passengers are surrounded by the finest natural materials, evoking the experience of being on board a yacht.

The new Adaptive LED Headlamps provide the 2011 Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe a stunning contemporary look which is instantly recognizable day or night. The light clusters feature a glowing bar of LED Daytime Running Lights through the centre with high beam and dipped functions illuminating the bottom and top sections. Lisa Tandy, a Paint Associate stated that when you look closely at Rolls Royce’s paintwork, you will see a perfect reflection of yourself staring back at you. There are 16 colors to choose from or they can mix any color you want from a swatch maybe from a favorite tie or lipstick – Their Bespoke programme provides 44,000 hues. Further customization includes hand painted fiber-metre coachlines and dual-tone finishes.

You can choose from 12 different wheels, 5 designs with up to 3 finishes, each with their own special character. All wheels get distinctive self-righting wheel centres which always display the Rolls Royce monogram the right way up. It is typical of the attention they provide to the smallest details which make their vehicles so special. The 2011 Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe’s optional brushed steel bonnet features a hand applied brushed finish that provides the bonnet a soft sheen. Accentuating its lines it creates an unbroken flow of bright steel which runs from the grille around the A-frame windscreen surround and along the waistline of the tonneau cover and occupant compartment.

The Rolls Royce Phantom’s launch on 1st January 2003 was much more than the introduction of a new ultra luxury car; it signaled the 21st Century renaissance of the world’s most famous luxury automobile brand and the first glimpse of a masterpiece which quickly founded established itself at pinnacle of automotive excellence. For the preceding 5 years, under BMW Group ownership and in the absence of designers, publicity, skilled production staff and engineers had overseen the birth of state-of-the-art production facility on Goodwood Estate in Southern England and a flagship Rolls Royce motor car. Without parallel in the car industry, the achievement was all the more astounding for a marque that shouldered the weight of historic ups and for which expectations for the future were rightly high.

For such an inspiring vehicle, the 2011 Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe surprised drivers with its precision and agility in motion, whereas its ride was described by Rolls Royce at the time as ‘designed to lower the pulse’. The magnificently sublime ride famed through model generations had returned and waftability re-affirmed itself in the company lexicon. At its core lay a lightweight aluminium, ground breaking space frame with power supplied by a highly developed, V12 direct-injection engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Complementing this excellence in engineering was Phantom’s beautiful interior, presenting fine veneers, exquisite detailing and hand stitched sumptuous leathers, a combination which marked the vehicle as something distinctively special.

Today, Rolls Royce presents Phantom Series II, a family of pinnacle cars which have been thoughtfully upgraded with improvements to an already peerless drive-train, enhancements in connectivity which reflect the changing world in which we live and the launch of cutting edge technology. The modern and stunning front end of Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe best encapsulates the essence of changes which lie underneath with rectangular light apertures and redesigned bumpers that frame full LED lamp clusters. These enable the incorporation of new technologies such as adaptive headlamps, where light patterns change automatically and – of course – effortlessly in response to different driving speeds and curve light functionality, where headlight beams are reflected in the direction of travel for providing greater illumination of the road ahead when cornering.

You have just disembarked from your 30 meter Azimut yacht after sailing through the Mediterranean. Well rested after couple of weeks on water, your lovely spouse by your side, you walk toward your awaiting motor car, a cabriolet. For those accustomed to the best of everything, nothing less than 2011 Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe will do. Albeit it’s 10 inches shorter as compared to the standard Phantom, the Drophead Coupe is still a massive automobile. To put this into proper perspective, consider that it is but two inches shorter in length as compared to Chevrolet Suburban and weighs even more.

Everywhere your hands touch and your eyes fall, the 2011 Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe offers breathtaking luxury and styling. The power closing doors are hinged at the back, providing the normally mundane aspect of egress and ingress a sense of occasion. The interior is furnished in materials befitting a near-half-million-dollar car. 30 strips of matched Asian teak are joined together and accented with black caulking, producing a gorgeous design element which oozes segment. Meticulously designed and engineered by Rolls Royce and BMW, the Phantom Drophead Coupe perfectly combines the dynamic virtues of a contemporary German vehicle with the panache and style expected of a classic British luxury automobile.

Variants, Body Types and Features

The 2011 Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe is an ultraluxury 4-seater convertible with 2 rear hinged doors. Everything you would expect from a luxury car is standard along with run-flat tires, 21-inch wheels, power closing doors, an adjustable air suspension, LED running lights, bi-xenon headlights, a five-layer convertible soft top, a two-piece “picnic” trunk lid, front and rear heated seats, parking sensors, a power tilt and telescoping steering column, power front seats, multizone climate control and memory functions. Electronic features include keyless ignition and entry, Rolls-Royce emergency telematics, Bluetooth, voice commands, a Lexicon 15-speaker premium surround sound audio system with in-glovebox six-CD changer, an in-dash single-CD player, satellite radio with a lifetime subscription and an auxiliary audio jack and a navigation system.

The 2012 brings the Spirit of Ecstasy Collection, a limited run of 100 Phantoms which celebrate the 100th anniversary of Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament. For honoring that piece of sculpture, there are unique Rolls Royce badges, unique exterior and interior colors, polished wheels, an illuminated solid silver hood ornament, a leather lined glove compartment and console box, a Spirit of Ecstasy desk ornament with a signed letter of authenticity and metal foil instrument fascias.

Should you still yearn to make the car more yours, rest assured that all Rolls Royce models can be customized to your heart’s content. Besides the infinite palette of interior/exterior colors that is available, there are front and rear camera systems, different wheel designs, a brushed stainless steel hood, visible exhaust tips and such frivolities as champagne fridges and humidors. Individual requests are likely to be accommodated.

What’s Beneath the Hood of 2011 Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe?

Motivation for the 2011 Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe comes from a V12 6.7 liter engine, which is good for pulsating 453 horsepower with 531 pound feet of torque. The engine is mated to six-speed automatic transmission with rear wheel drive system and accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in the time range of 5.7 seconds.

Safety & Reliability

Standard safety features on 2011 Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe include antilock brakes, run-flat tires, a pop-up rollover protection system, traction and stability control, front knee airbags, active front head restraints, Rolls Royce emergency telematics and front side airbags. Rear and front parking cameras are optional.

Special Features and Cockpit Design

Believe it or not, the 2011 Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe boasts a pretty nice interior with coach doors that elegant entry and exit to and from the rear lounge seat. Designed and engineered to turn occupants gently towards each other it creates an intimate atmosphere which underscores its convivial nature. The signature hood is constructed from 5 layers of material including cashmere making it both luxurious and quiet when the top is raised. The 2011 Phantom Drophead Coupe is ideal for sporting and social occasions providing a versatile boot with space for a hamper and comfortable picnic seat for two adults. Even when the hood is lowered, there is still plenty of space for weekend cases or a set of golf clubs in the luggage compartment.

The hand stitched leatherwork takes over 2 weeks to complete with 9 hides required for each interior. Drum-dyed and pre-shrunk so the color permeates right through, the soft, supple full-grain leather won’t crack or squeak. Select from a wide range of mono and contrast leather color combinations. Phantom Drophead Coupe features a new 3-flute seat design in both the rear and front seats, providing a contemporary feel to the interior. You can also choose to customize the seats further with contrast piping, embroidery and stitching. The newly upgraded central console presents everything within easy view and reach so you can concentrate on driving.

In 2011 Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe, you now have the option to choose a full metal fascia or to match it to the veneers that run through the rest of the interior. It features a new infotainment system to make every journey more enjoyable. The new 8.8-inch front monitor gives you a clear view whether you are using the new hard drive based Navigation system on the road or watching a DVD while stationary. The revised Rotary controller puts everything at your fingertips for effortless operation. The USB and Aux-in and smartphone cradle options all provide enhanced connectivity to keep you in touch with your world.

Driving Impressions

The 2011 Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe has a full complement of advanced technology both beneath the bonnet and in the cockpit of the car. Everything is designed to work in unison. The result is a dynamic connection and fingertip control with the road, making driving an effortless pleasure. Underneath the beautiful exterior, the combination of advanced air suspension system and rigid aluminium space frame creates a composed and refined ride. Phantom Drophead Coupe features an advanced aluminium spaceframe adapted to the demands of open-top motoring. It is hand-welded from more than 500 separate components, with more than 100 metres of weld. Incredibly light but strong, the windscreen and A-pillar surround have been designed for optimum roll-over protection and strength. Fused with state-of-the art suspension technologies and the smooth power delivery of the new rear differential it creates the air-cushioned ‘magic carpet ride’ that is unique to Rolls Royce.

The muscular aluminium V12 engine provides effortless power with 75 percent of torque available from 1,000 rpm. With weight distribution slightly to the rear of the car and a low centre of gravity, Phantom Drophead Coupe’s drive is as spirited as its looks suggest. The new eight-speed transmission provides a greater choice of gears and reduced CO2 emissions with enhanced fuel consumption. Pressing the accelerator gives you a feeling of smooth, endless acceleration from standing or at speed.

The exclusiveness only Rolls Royce can offer; rapid acceleration; extremely customizable; sumptuously and quiet comfortable interior.

Bad

Simply enough trunk space; unreasonable cost.

Introduction

2011 Rolls Royce Ghost is an all new exotic saloon designed in England, and is more driver-oriented and slightly smaller as compared to flagship Phantom. Those who are in the market looking for a vehicle with luxury and presence of Rolls Royce Phantom but with acquisition cost and more manageable size should be pleased with the 2011 Ghost. Seductively simple, the all new Ghost provides the presence you would expect from the Rolls Royce strengthened by highly developed ideas and technology in luxury car design. It is the essence of the company in its purest, simplest form. The Ghost offers true Rolls Royce driving experience along with excellent driving position. It is developed around steel suspension system and monocoque chassis, including Active Roll Stabilization and Dynamic Stability Control for creating more dynamic drive and Rolls Royce magic carpet ride. Select from broad range of accessories and options – from new Silver Satin bonnet finish to quite a few most sophisticated technology ever to feature in Rolls Royce.

The Rolls Royce Ghost is a premium luxury sedan produced and introduced by Rolls Royce Motor Cars. The Ghost nameplate named in honour of Silver Ghost, the first vehicle designed and developed in the year 1906 and was announced in the month of April 2009 at Auto Shanghai Show. During development, it was called RR04. Engineered as a more realistic, small and more measured car than Phantom, aiming for lower price segment for the company models, the retail price is around £170,000. It was officially revealed in the year 2009 at Frankfurt Auto Show. The original concept car called 200EX was revealed at March 2009 Geneva Auto Show indicating styling direction of production model Ghost. As compared to aluminium bodied Phantom, it was constructed from steel that features higher tensile strength and consequently can be made sleeker. Systems including four corner air springs, Variable Damping Control and Active Roll Stabilisation operate as one, unnoticeably to passengers and driver for providing best possible comfort for occupants.

The cheaper, entry level and baby Rolls Royce; all of those adjectives are factually correct with regard to 2011 Rolls Royce Ghost. It is quite small as compared to Phantom and costs much less competing with other class leading, premium luxury sedans in the market. The Ghost weighs 5500 pounds and is designed to be more frequently drive by its owners. Its less ostentatious image, smaller dimensions and enhanced handling make it one of the superior choices for everyday commuting. It is based on one of the finest vehicles in the world, the plebeian BMW 7 Series, but feel Germanic in the way it is balanced for handling and ride. The twin turbocharged engine generates 563 horsepower, which is adequate to bring a 5500 pound vehicle from 0 to 60 miles per hour in roughly the same amount of time like Ford Mustang GT.

The 2011 Rolls Royce Ghost is scrupulously designed, muscle car quick and more enjoyable to drive as compared to its larger brother. The artfully designed interior boasts top notch materials and state of the art technology and is filled with latest gizmos and gadgets. There are quite a lot of other models such as Audi A8L, Mercedes Benz S600 and Jaguar XJL Supersport. The Bentley Continental Flying Spur is around 68,000 cheaper. The Bentley Mulsanne can’t really match the prestige and presence provided by the Spirit of Ecstasy on radiator grille.

Variants, Body Styles and Optional Features

The 2011 Rolls Royce Ghost is a premium luxury four-door saloon that offers comfortable seating capacity for five passengers and is offered in one single trim level. It comes equipped with plethora of standard features and equipments, which include active air suspension, 19 inch wheels, rear and front parking sensors, sunroof, auto dimming mirrors, keyless ignition/entry, automatic xenon headlamps, automatic wipers, power closing rear coach doors, adaptive cruise control, pair of umbrellas stored within front doors, leather trim and upholstery, power and massaging 10-way front seats, heated rear and front seats, Bluetooth, automatically controlled quad-zone climate system, 16-speaker surround sound audio system with satellite radio, CD/DVD player, auxiliary audio jack, iPod/USB audio interface and digital music storage and navigation system.

Optional features on 2011 Rolls Royce Ghost include twin rear DVD monitors with six-disc changer, multi-adjustment outboard rear seats with optional ventilation or massaging and drop-down veneer picnic tables. You can get cooler between the seats. The Driver Assistance System package gets automatic high beams, lane departure warning, night-vision camera and head-up display. Even though dozen exterior colors and choice of five wood and eight leather trims.

Engines and their Performance

Powering the all new 2011 Rolls Royce Ghost is a twin turbocharged 6.6 liter brawny V12 engine, which is good for cranking out impressive 575 pound feet of torque and 563 horsepower. The engine teamed up with eight-speed automatic transmission with rear wheel drive system designed to send power to the rear wheels. In performance testing, the Ghost accelerated from 0 to 60 miles per hour in the time range of less than five seconds. The estimated fuel economy for Ghost is 20 mpg highway, 13 mpg city and 15 mpg in combined driving.

Safety Features

Standard safety features on 2011 Rolls Royce Ghost include traction and stability control, side curtain airbags, antilock brakes, front seat side airbags and front head active restraints. The Driver Assistance Package comes with lane departure warning system, night vision camera, automatic high beams and head-up display.

Special Features and Cockpit Design

The 2011 Rolls Royce Ghost features one of the contemporarily designed, beautifully crafted, well appointed and class leading interiors slathered with metallic accents and exotic wood veneers. In spite of dizzying array of high end luxury features, it presents relatively clean console and dash. The multicontroller BMW-sourced knob is very easy to use and stylish knobs and buttons resemble the keys of saxophone or flute. The cabin inside is quite luxurious and offers abundant headroom and legroom for both passengers as well as driver. The maximum cargo capacity behind rear seats is 14 cubic foot, which is disappointingly modest.

Driving Impressions

The twin turbocharged V12 engine of 2011 Rolls Royce Ghost is exceptionally silent and smooth. The kind response from first bit of throttle travel makes for lurch-free, smooth acceleration, however lean into it and you unleash steady, smooth and turbine-like thrust, which continues to swell smoothly in triple-digit speeds. Its automatic eight-speed transmission is spot-on as well. Power is transmitted through the shift-by-wire, eight-speed, automatic transmission. What this achieves is the feeling of surging, endless power, which is exemplified by power reserve gauge on fascia, replacing a more common rev counter. Overall, it is a vision of simplicity of taking Rolls Royce’s core values and producing modern effortless luxury.

Almost never-ending customization options; royal passenger accommodations; drives astoundingly well for its size; profligate and iconic styling; splendid ride.

Bad

Might attract paparazzi; size makes it devil for manoeuvring in tight areas; quite a few perplexing secondary controls.

Introduction

2011 Rolls Royce Phantom is an ultraluxury, flagship sedan of the company, offered with extended or standard wheelbases. Its classic styling cues including discrete windows, long hood and wide C-pillars, powerful upright stance and dynamic profile are unmistakably Rolls Royce. Together with the use of wood veneers and finest leather, the fusion of hand craftsmanship and high technology provides the cabin, a prestigious and distinctive feel, while the comfortable, serene ride offers unparalleled passenger experience. The Phantom has a rare sense of occasion and scale, which makes it truly a contemporary interpretation of Rolls Royce. The Spirit of Ecstasy and grille immediately mark out Phantom. Just like its presence is quietly authoritative, the power delivery from direct injected V12 engine is equally impressive. It is an experience, which touches all senses; the aroma and feel of wide expanses of soft leather upholstery and beauty of book matched veneer created from single tree that runs like story throughout the cabin.

The Rolls Royce Phantom is fundamentally a sedan car developed and designed by Rolls Royce Motor Cars in England, a subsidiary of BMW. It was revealed in the year 2003 and is the first vehicle launched during BMW era. The Rolls Royce Phantom and Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe are based on 2003 Phantom. It also won the Top Gear Car of the Year Award for 2003. It uses a distinctive chassis platform, interior, body and retains conventional Rolls Royce design cues. The body is mainly aluminium. Final assembly, including full body, leather, paint and wood work is completed to each customer’s individual specification at Rolls Royce facility situated in Goodwood, West Sussex. The facility is near to historic Goodwood Motor Racing Circuit. It comprises of paint shop, executive offices, body shop, assembly line, woodworking shop and leather shop under one roof. There are just two robots in the industrial unit. The body is painted by robots and paint is polished by hand after the robots spray each coat.

Other than limited edition run of 100 especially trimmed vehicles for celebrating centennial of Rolls Royce’s Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament, the all new 2011 Rolls Royce Phantom remains unchanged for the model year. Referring to 2011 Phantom as simply a vehicle is like calling Queen Mary a boat, Bono a singer or Notre Dame a church. The Rolls Royce is more than merely supremely prestigious transportation. Of course, Maybach and Bentley are identically plush and powerful, but the Phantom is considered as one of the nicest luxury cars of the world. It comes packed with plethora of high tech features and gizmos and its countless special touches, which set Rolls Royce apart.

Inside the 2011 Rolls Royce Phantom’s cabin, the surfaces are covered in lustrous metal, finest leather and extremely finished wood. The sheepskin carpets will tempt occupants to take off their shoes, while the reverse opening rear doors comprise of Teflon coated umbrellas. You will also find fiber optic headliner, which produces an illusion of starry night, not to mention countless customization options, including cabin curtains; full interior partition, custom interior/exterior colors and trunk mounted wine cooler. The 2011 marks 100th anniversary of Spirit of Ecstasy, iconic flying lady ornament on the hood that automatically disappears into grille, once the car is locked for preventing kidnapping. Some of the feature highlights include illuminated solid silver hood ornament, leather headliner, distinctive badges and colors, metal foil instrument facings and polished wheels.

There are in fact two Phantom saloons. The standard wheelbase model offers one of the biggest backseats on four wheels, however those who want more, there is an extended wheelbase version that provides additional 10 inches of backseat legroom. The all new 2011 Rolls Royce Phantom is available in sixteen color shades; these include Black, Diamond Black, Anthracite, Jubilee Silver, Silver, Midnight Blue, Darkest Tungsten, Blue Velvet, Metropolitan Blue, Woodland Green, New Sable, Madeira Red, Ensign Red, Cornish White, English White and Arctic White. However, thanks to parent company prudent stewardship of BMW, the 2011 Phantom is methodically contemporary union of iconic British panache and meticulous German engineering.

Variants, Body Styles and Optional Features

The 2011 Rolls Royce Phantom is a rear wheel drive, five passenger ultra- and premium luxury sedan, which is offered in extended or regular wheelbase models. Standard luxury features include adjustable air suspension, cast aluminium 21-inch wheels, power closing rear coach doors, rear and front parking sensors, soft-close power front doors, power closing trunk lid, multizone climate control, sunroof, driver memory functions, heated rear and front seats, power telescoping and tilt steering wheel, veneered picnic tables built into rear seatbacks and leather headliner with cashmere accent and wool panels. Keyless ignition/entry, Bluetooth, voice command functionality, navigation system, multifunction electronics controller and Rolls Royce Assist emergency telematics are also standard.

The 2011 Rolls Royce Phantom adds Lexicon Logic 7 15-speaker premium surround sound audio system with satellite radio with lifetime subscription, in-dash single CD player, auxiliary input jack and glovebox mounted six-CD changer. The Extended Wheelbase model offers additional 10 inches of legroom, rearseat entertainment system, full rear climate control and reversible footrests. All Roll Royce models can be modified to your heart’s content. Other optional features include visible exhaust tips, two different wheel designs, front and rear camera system, expanded trunk, rear center console, power rear multi adjustable captain’s chairs, “drinks cabinet,” chilled storage box for rearseats, rear curtains, DVD-changer rear seat entertainment system with two 12-inch monitors and fiber optic “Starlight Headliner” ceiling illumination.

Additional by-request-only items on 2011 Rolls Royce Phantom are trunk mounted wine cooler or safe, modified monogram leather stitching, dash mounted Conway Stewart pen set, humidor, interior partition for EWB model, and almost any other equipment you can dream up and fund. Finally, there is the “Spirit of Ecstasy” Collection, the limited run of 100 Phantoms, which rejoice 100th anniversary of Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament. For honouring this piece of sculpture, these cars have a choice of distinctive Rolls Royce badges, exclusive interior and exterior colors, polished wheels, illuminated solid silver hood ornament, leather lined console box and glove compartment, metal foil instrument fascias, Spirit of Ecstasy desk ornament with signed letter of authenticity and leather headliner.

Performance and Powertrains

Motivation for the 2011 Rolls Royce Phantom comes from a massive, burly 6.7 liter powerful V12 engine, which is good for pulsating jaw-dropping 531 pound feet of torque and impressive 453 horsepower. The engine is teamed up with six-speed automatic transmission with rear wheel drive system designed to send power to the rear wheels. In performance testing, the standard wheelbase model accelerated from 0 to 60 miles per hour in the time range of 5.7 seconds, while the extended wheelbase in few tenths slower. The estimated fuel economy of Phantom is 18 mpg highway, 11 mpg city and 14 mpg in combined driving.

Safety Features

Standard safety features on 2011 Rolls Royce Phantom include antilock brakes, side curtain full length airbags, stability control and traction control system, side airbags for front passengers and front head active restraints.

Special Features and Cabin Design

The 2011 Rolls Royce Phantom boasts one of the class leading, uniquely designed and contemporarily appointed interiors with classic gauges and clean instrument panel design. The climate and stereo controls are aesthetically pleasing, but the latter are mounted too low on dash and some might lament that they are not of usual automatic variety. More complex functions, including DVD based navigation system are controlled by iDrive interface of BMW. Its trademark mouselike controller hides inside center console, when not required, while LCD display disappears behind classic analogue clock.

Each cabin needs eleven hides from same batch that are carefully prepared to ensure consistency of color throughout. Every mm of 55 metres of soft full grain leather is examined by eye to make sure there are no imperfections. Beautiful wood in most natural form provides a simple, yet striking finishing touch to the cabin of 2011 Rolls Royce Phantom. Even more impressive from outside and more voluptuous inside, the extended wheelbase Phantom provides further 250mm of legroom for backseat occupants. With choice of best in modern communications technology, it is an indulgent space.

Driving Impressions

The spindly three-spoke steering wheel of 2011 Rolls Royce Phantom provides light effort, but excellent feedback, enabling this stately saloon for changing direction with ease. It is not a sport sedan, but the V12 power is phenomenal. Fused with six-speed electronically controlled transmission, pressing the accelerator provides the driver a feeling of endless, buttery acceleration from standing or at speed. The highly developed, distinctive aluminium spaceframe of Phantom is hand-welded from more than 500 separate components, with more than 100 metres of weld. When fused with state of the art suspension technologies, it produces air cushioned magic carpet ride, which is distinctive to Rolls Royce. BMW will swap Rolls-Royce Phantom by 2016. This would mean making time of 13 years.

Call it “Baby’ Rolls-Royce, Call it “Cheaper” Rolls-Royce, or call it “entry-level” Rolls-Royce or put any uncommon adjective before this Rolls-Royce, they all will fit it perfectly. And we are not joking here. The 2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost, in unlike any other Rolls-Royce you have seen in market. The new Ghost is smaller than the Rolls-Royce Phantom, is priced way less and enters a completely different segment of luxury sedan. While all these adjectives are true, they also are rather relative. Even this new baby in Rolls-Royce family is lighter than its siblings and weighs only 5,500 pounds. But despite all this, the new “entry-level” 2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost in fact is a Rolls-Royce. And though, this is not as pricey as a $400,000 Rolls-Royce Phantom, but still its not people’s car, you still well have to put $250,000 down the table to drive this new Rolls-Royce baby home.

In simple words, there isn’t any shame in any shame in driving 2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost despite the fact that there are bigger, expensive and fancy Rolls-Royces in the market. As a matter of fact “driving” is what this Ghost is intended to offer, this new Ghost is meant to be driven more frequently by its owners. The smaller dimensions, comparatively less ostentatious image and improved handling the new 2011 Rolls Royce surely is a better choice as a daily driver.

What’s New for 2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost?

The 2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost comes with complete “Bespoke Commission” treatment for model year 2011, which means you will be able to customize this entry-level Rolls-Royce to almost the same extent as the fancy Phantom. The new Ghost also gets entertainment and Bluetooth systems.

Body Styling and Features

The 2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost comes in a single body style of a four-door sedan with a seating capacity of five and comes in a single trim level.

The standard feature set for the 2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost includes keyless entry/ignition, an active air suspension, 19-inch wheels, rear and front parking sensors, a sunroof, automatic wipers, auto-dimming mirrors, power-closing rear “coach” doors, adaptive cruise control, automatic xenon headlights, leather trim and upholstery, a couple of umbrellas stored inside the front doors, heated rear and front seats, massaging and 10-way power front seats, Bluetooth, four-zone automatic climate control, a 16-speaker sound system having a CD/DVD player, an iPod/USB audio interface, digital music storage, satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack.

There are plenty of optional equipments available as well, but these largely depend upon the budget and imagination of the buyer. Some of the optional equipments here include twin rear DVD monitors (having a 6-disc changer), drop-down veneer picnic tables and multi-adjustment outboard rear seats having additional optional massaging and/or ventilation. There also is an option of getting cooler between the seats. There are plenty of other options available as well, and as per your liking and budget, you can get pretty much everything that you can imagine or buy.

Under The Hood:

The 2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost has a 6.6 ltr twin-turbo V12 engine pumping maximum power of 563 hp and 575 lbs-ft of maximum torque under its hood. The power is transmitted through an 8 speed automatic transmission to its rear wheels.

As far as performance is concerned the 2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost sprints from 0 to 60 mph in less than 5 secs.

The estimated fuel efficiency for new ghost is around 13 mpg in city and 20 mpg on highways, which comes to a combined fuel efficiency of 15 mpg.

Safety Equipments

The 2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost ensures the safety of the occupants with traction and stability control, active front head restraints, antilock brakes, side curtain airbags and front-seat side airbags. There also is a Driver’s Assistance Systems package which will get you automatic high beams, a lane-departure warning system, a night-vision camera and a head-up display.

Verdict

The 2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost might be a smaller Rolls-Royce in terms of size, but apart from that the vehicle is not small or deficient in any department and is a superb option for anyone who wants a daily drivable Rolls-Royce.

Rolls Royce CEO, Tom Purves recently announced that this elegant vehicle when combined with an electric engine would make a terrific combination. Rolls Royce is already known for its urban propriety, quiet operations and instantaneous torque. These qualities would help in making of an imposing electric Phantom car.

There are rumors that Rolls Royce would have an electric Phantom ready before the 2012 London Olympic. It is believed that this edition would star as a highlight of BMW’s sponsorship for the global sporting event.

The Rolls Royce Phantom electric edition would offer a quiet ride and instantaneous torque delivery. This edition would also assist in offsetting CO2 emission and aid in meeting tougher regulations coming into play in Europe.

There are reports from insiders that the company has finished with the engineering design but no prototypes have been built yet.

Once they start production they plan to produce the electric Phantom in limited editions.  This special edition would be available to a handful of select customers around the globe.

If an all electric Rolls Royce edition does not fancy your taste buds, do not despair as Rolls Royce is already in the venture of coming up with a hybrid version of its new Ghost sedan .

Rolls Royce recently announced that their engineers all geared for the 2010 Rolls Royce ghost. Rolls Royce is generally associated with luxury encompassed with resolute styling and old world charm.  They, however feel that this equation added to the Hybrid nature makes a perfect combination.

This new edition will borrow its hybrid technology from BMW’s Active Hybrid 7. The two models share many features in common like the rear drive technology. The 2010 Rolls Royce Ghost will feature a 6.6 liter twin turbocharged V12 engine which will be teamed with an electric motor in a mild hybrid configuration. The engineers have the designed the vehicle in such a way that it will not be able to drive on electric propulsions alone.  The electric motor will generate 27 horsepower and 155 pounds feet of torque.

To improve fuel economy this ghost edition will feature an engine stop start technology. This will offer an improvement of 15% in fuel economy. This edition will also feature 8-speed ZF automatic transmission and will run on a small lithium ion battery pack.

The company has finalized its engineering details but has not yet released its date of launch .Rolls Royce CEO, Tom Purves has revealed last month that they would love to see such an option available in a car like Rolls Royce Phantom.

We will wait for further details till then keep tuned….

The Rolls Royce team has designed the new car with new dynamism but keeping up with the true luxurious heritage. This new model is the 2010 Rolls Royce Ghost sedan.

The Ghost sedan will be approximately priced at $271,106 excluding taxes and delivery charges and will be available in Europe during the end of this year. It is expected that the company will start deliveries of this model in other markets like the US and Asia in the second quarter of 2010.

The company has received good response from the 200Ex version which was released earlier during this year and hence plans to design the Ghost sedan on these lines.

The 2010 Rolls Royce Ghost will be powered by 6.6 liter turbo charged V12 engine which would produce 563 horsepower and 575 pound feet of torque. The engine will be crafted to match the ZF 8 speed automatic gearbox. The high performance engine would be more powerful than the Phantom despite being positioned below it. The Ghost version is estimated to sprint from zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds at a top speed of 155 mph. This model would offer an average fuel economy of 17.3 mpg for a combined highway and city driving.

Even though it is planned that the Ghost model will be smaller than the Phantom model in dimensions, it will include chassis that are designed using latest technology. The new chassis management system is designed to control the car’s anti-roll stabilization and the suspension stiffness to ensure that it provides maximum comfort to the travelers.

The interiors are designed using finest materials which offer a contemporary ambience and maximum comfort while staying true to the Rolls Royce heritage. Everything from the carpets to the floor mats offers a luxurious feel. To add to the luxury is a premium audio system which would deliver 600 watts of sound through a 10-channel amplifier and 16 speakers, including two floor-mounted subwoofers. It is equipped with 12.5 GB hard drive that would assist in storing music files from USB or CD player source. The music can be listened individually with most headphones which offers privacy to each passengers.

The Ghost model offers options of seating arrangements in “Theatre Configuration” which allows all settings that do not directly affect the driver to be controlled from the rear seat. All the functions are well displayed on two 9.2 inch LCD screens in the back of the front seats. The screens can be regulated independently of each other.

If you wish for optional accessories the buyer has the option to choose a six disc multi-media changer which is mounted in the glove compartment.

The new Rolls- Royce Phantom is an ultra premium luxury sedan priced at MSRP $350,000 – $ 415,000. Buyers of this premium car generally look for opulence and exclusivity and hence do not mind paying a huge sum for this premium luxury. The Rolls Royce Phantom has a perfectly divine combination of uniquely imposing looks and presence with the sumptuous interiors. The RR logos have a style, grace and richness to carry.  This four door sedan is an ultra luxury vehicle engineered in the most modern way but with all of its four wheels planted firmly in the past. This luxury car makes it presence felt whether it is in the valet space or any driving lane or just parked outside. The Rolls Royce may appear traditional but it is definitely a modern performer.

Body style

The Rolls Royce Phantom has a streamlined and contemporary look with new front bumpers, and smaller stainless steel grille. This Edwardian style phantom luxury blends tradition and modernity into a contemporary iteration of how an ultra modern luxury car should be styled. it features majority of the luxury features such as an adjustable air suspension, bi-xenon headlights, LED running lights and door handles, power-closing rear coach doors, a power-closing trunk lid, soft-close power front doors, leather headliner with wool and cashmere accent panels, front and rear parking assist, a sunroof, multi zone climate control, heated front and rear seats, driver’s memory functions, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and veneered picnic tables in the front seatbacks.

The Rolls Royce phantom model boasts of the unique style, grandiose dimensions and sterling reputation that it has on offer.  The interiors of the Rolls Royce have much more to offer than you can imagine everything that you can see and touch is wrapped in beautiful, hand stitched, sublime leather.

Rolls-Royce Phantom Features

Each of the Rolls Royce features has features befitting its status as one of the most luxurious cars. Almost every surface is adorned in beautifully crafted veneer, shiny chrome, soft cashmere or the sumptuous hides of between 15 and 18 Bavarian cattle Phantom has been accessorized with features that in unimaginable ways from turning the glove box into a humidor to modifying the body for added luggage space in the trunk to buffing the Ecstasy ornament with 24-carat gold. The winged Spirit of Ecstasy retracts into the grille when you shut off the engine. You have the twin umbrellas that deploy from the front door opening. The ashtrays which are beautifully designed resemble organ pipes. The rear panel of the trunk folds down and can be used as tailgate party seating, or a nice place to spread out your buffet. The fifteen speaker’s stereo is another feather added to its cap. The complex functions like the DVD navigation system are managed by an interface similar to BMW’s iDrive system.

The only drawback feature that the Phantom faces is that the climate control knobs are digital and hence requires a bit of finessing to get the temperature you want.

Phantom Performance

The Rolls Royce Phantom is powered by a 6.7-liter V12 making 453 horsepower and 531 pound-feet of torque. The base Phantom accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, while the larger EWB is a few ticks slower. Even though the Phantom shares its basic with that of BMW 760 sedan, it is till larger, more powerful and retuned for even greater refinement. The Phantom is backed by ZF’s superb six-speed automatic transmission, which offers a ‘Low’ mode-in reality more like a ‘Sport’ mode-holding the tranny longer in each gear for more spirited acceleration. We found that the top speed is limited to 149mph. there are many who would check reviews for such a premium vehicle but on records the EPA estimates an average of 11 mpg city/18 mpg highway and 14 mpg combined.

Rolls-Royce Quality

The Rolls Royce Phantom has everything that a luxury could demand. The luxury spells are boundless for all passengers traveling any number of times. Phantom is a large car and offers comfortable seating space. The back seats are very comfortable and have enough leg space but when compared to BMW you will find them narrower. The Phantom can easily seat four passengers if the bucket seats are chosen or five passengers in comfort.The comfort is so high due to the good quality interiors that the outside world ceases to exist when you travel with your windows rolled up. Even the minutest details are taken care off and there is nothing left for complaints. We would score a full ten on ten for quality of this prestigious beauty.

Phantom Safety

The drivers and the passengers are provided with the latest safety gear. The Phantom is well equipped with run-flat tires, antilock brakes, traction control break resistant glass and stability control. Side airbags for front occupants and full-length side curtain airbags are also standard, along with active front head restraints. An electronic parking brake and park-distance control sensors for the front and rear of the Phantom are also standard equipment. We found that there was no safety tests conducted and the phantom lacked the very latest safety features, like lane-departure warning systems, laser-guided cruise control, or blind-spot detection systems. However Rolls Royce offers options of front and rear cameras.

Conclusion

We can conclude that 2009 Rolls Royce Phantom is an exclusive luxury car which offers epic styling and extensive customization options and exclusivity. The exquisite materials and finishes used are exemplary.

The only drawback is that there are some awkwardly placed controls; the rear leg space could have been a little more comfortable. There is at times a clash of modern and old fashioned details.