Roll-Royce Phantom
by Nick Hull

This is the Rolls-Royce that sceptics insisted would be just a stretched and re-bodied BMW 7-Series. Now the details are out we can see just how wrong that assumption is. This £250,000 ($380,000) limousine boasts a unique aluminium spaceframe construction and aluminium bodyshell, a new 6.75 litre V12 engine and no visible BMW parts whatsover.

One of the keys to the design of this car is the very careful study by the development team of original Rolls-Royce brand values and proportions in an attempt to reassert Rolls-Royce once again as the ultimate limousine, a clear step above any rivals – especially Maybach.

Basic proportions are classical Rolls-Royce: huge 21” wheels with a tall tyre profile; the body height equal to 2 wheels; a long hood with the front wheel pushed as far forward as possible; the thick C-pillar and shallow window area. Considering the sheer scale of the car, the resulting side profile is balanced and understated without being retro. The front view is more controversial, particularly the front bumper and headlamp treatment. The ends of the bumper are chopped away to reduce the apparent front overhang while the small rectangular headlamps are surprisingly unadorned, in contrast to the circular foglamps below. A colour break at sill level provides the key “waftability line” – an upward curving line from below the centre of the rear wheel, rising through the front wheel centre up into the bumper. Together with the fast screen angle it gives the impression of the car surging forward, like a yacht on water.

The rear view is very understated with a wide plain-surfaced trunklid, relieved only by a wide chrome numberplate plinth and small, heavily chromed taillamps.

The Phantom is unique in offering independent opening barn-type rear doors ('coach doors') on a production car. Legislation requirements were overcome by providing a complex system of electronic interlocks. The rear compartment is also notable for the large rear sofa with curled ends, a wide flat floor and complete absence of any centre tunnel or console. The reason for this was to provide a more sociable and intimate environment, with more differentiation from conventional luxury cars. Passengers sit behind the rear door, cocooned by the wide C-pillar and small D-light, with vast legroom. As a final touch the doors can be powered shut from a switch on the C-pillar.

Some nice touches: the rear doors contain hidden umbrellas for rear passengers and synchronized wheel centres ensure the badges are always upright when the car comes to rest.

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