2010 Rolls-Royce Phantom Extended Wheelbase

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Working to the maxim of company founder Sir Henry Royce - "Strive for perfection in everything you do" - the design and engineering teams spent four years developing this breakthrough model. Using the most advanced technology, whilst drawing inspiration from the company's rich heritage, their goal was clearcut: to develop a 21st century Rolls-Royce that would be truly worthy of the famous Spirit of Ecstasy.

The result was the Rolls-Royce Phantom. Built at a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Goodwood, this flagship Rolls-Royce ensured the company's renaissance by combining the spirit of its illustrious forebears with ground-breaking technology and visionary engineering techniques.

Phantom's Design

Creating a strong identity for the Phantom was essential, says chief designer Ian Cameron: "Our priority was to create a car that was obviously a Rolls-Royce from any angle, even if the Spirit of Ecstasy or the famous grille could not be seen."

To identify this core essence, the design team immersed themselves in the brand and its history. This revealed classic styling cues such as a long bonnet, wide C-pillars and discrete windows, all of which were incorporated into the Phantom's design. Its powerful, upright stance and dynamic, rising profile are also unmistakably Rolls-Royce. Yet advanced features such as a unique aluminum spaceframe and pioneering direct petrol-injection engine leave no doubt that this is a car at the cutting edge of technology.

Exactly the same can be said of the unique rear coach doors, which stand as testament to the sophisticated engineering to be found throughout the Phantom. Hinged at the back, they allow rear passengers to enter and exit the car gracefully, and can be closed at the press of a button.

Rolls-Royce Phantom Extended Wheelbase: Review (2/2)