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The interior of the Phantom is clean and contemporary, the simplicity of the design belying the technology beneath. Any controls not needed for everyday driving are kept out of sight until required. The multi-media screen, for example, is hidden behind a revolving panel in the centre of the dashboard that normally displays a round, analogue clock. This apparent simplicity extends to the operation of the controls as well: even the highly sophisticated audio system can be operated using just one button.

Engineering

At the core of the Phantom is a sophisticated, lightweight, aluminum spaceframe - a unique and advanced platform conceived specifically by Rolls-Royce's engineering team to provide a refined and accomplished driving experience.

The Phantom's spaceframe provides the foundation for its extraordinary dynamic ability. It has excellent handling - enthusiastic drivers will appreciate the precision with which it can be placed on the road - but not at the expense of the ride, which is as serene and comfortable as one would expect of a Rolls-Royce. The spaceframe also helps to eliminate noise, vibration and harshness, contributing immensely to the calm and tranquility of the Phantom's interior.

Hand-Assembled V12 Engine

At the heart of the Phantom lies its naturally aspirated 6.75-liter V12 engine. Designed specifically for the Phantom, and hand-assembled by Rolls-Royce technicians, this sophisticated engine develops a massive 720 lb ft of torque, 413 lb ft of which is available at 1000 rpm. On the road that translates into instant, muscular power, carrying the Phantom from 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. Maximizing the extraordinary traction of the Phantom V12, a six-speed, electronically controlled, automatic transmission helps to deliver the seamless, effortless progress for which Rolls-Royce is famed.

The Phantom offers an unparalleled passenger experience, and yet many owners have suggested that the best place to sit is behind the wheel. The view from the elevated driver's seat down the long sweep of bonnet to the Spirit of Ecstasy is the most inspirational in motoring, while the beautifully crafted, thin-rimmed steering wheel is a pleasure to hold and provides instant feedback from the wheels.

Rolls-Royce Phantom's Exterior Finish

Strikingly modern and immaculately proportioned, the Phantom is a car of extraordinary elegance. Matching the beauty of its exterior design is the mirror-like luster of the paintwork, testament to the great skill of Goodwood's paint technicians. Five layers of paint and clear lacquer are applied to each Phantom - seven if it's a two-tone car - and between each application, our technicians sand the body by hand. After the final layer has been applied, the body is hand-polished for five hours to give a finish of unrivalled depth and sheen.

In 2005, the Phantom was joined by a longer model, the Phantom Extended Wheelbase, which offers additional space for rear passengers while maintaining the beauty of the standard Phantom as well as its first-class driving performance and the comfort of all four occupants.

To create the Phantom Extended Wheelbase, an additional 250 mm was added to the rear passenger compartment behind the B-pillars. The extra length is achieved simply by using longer extrusions in the construction of the spaceframe, which was engineered specifically to allow for longer-wheelbase models. As a result, no torsional rigidity is lost, so the Phantom Extended Wheelbase retains not only the powerful looks of the standard car, but also its outstanding dynamic performance and driving refinement. The only major new parts required are a new aluminium roof and door panels - and thanks to Goodwood's flexible production processes, the Phantom Extended Wheelbase can be built alongside the Phantom without any difficulty.

The interior of the Phantom Extended Wheelbase offers significant additional space and lends itself particularly well to the inclusion of Bespoke features - for example, a partition wall for passenger privacy. Other possibilities include drinks cabinets in the rear doors or additional audiovisual equipment, while many customers choose to add rear compartment curtains or even a safe in the boot. Through the Bespoke programme, any number of options can be explored.

Interior: What You Would Expect from a Rolls-Royce

The timeless architecture of the Phantom's interior combines with the finest natural materials to provide a luxurious social space in which passengers can relax. Cashmere and soft leathers give an air of sumptuous indulgence, while the very latest in audiovisual technology ensures that every journey is as pleasurable as possible.

The rear seats are elevated by 18 mm, giving rear passengers a peerless view out of the car, while head room is generous at 979 mm. Lounge seating with slightly curved outer edges allows passengers to turn towards one another comfortably; if preferred, however, the option of individual seats may be specified, adding a centre console which can be used to house a drinks cabinet, additional audiovisual equipment or other Bespoke items.

The Lexicon audio system delivers a quality of sound unrivalled in the automotive world. Engineered to recording industry standard, this system uses studio-grade Lexicon components and is unique to the Phantom, using 15 speakers and a nine-channel amplifier to deliver 420 watts of sound. Two subwoofers are housed within 16-litre resonance chambers in the space created by the Phantom's double floor, while a combination of 100 mm mid-range and 25 mm tweeter arrays are located in the front and rear doors, on the parcel shelf and above the instrument panel. The result is an acoustic 'sweet spot' that encompasses the whole interior, giving the perfect, surround-sound listening experience from anywhere in the car.

For further entertainment, theatre configuration adds two 12-inch monitors within the veneered picnic tables in the rear. These screens are linked to a six-DVD changer and also allow viewing of digital television, depending on market restrictions. In combination with the Lexicon audio system, this option can make any journey in the Phantom a truly cinematic experience.

Craftsmanship

Only the very finest materials are used in the Rolls-Royce Phantom. Both the leather hides and the exquisite wood veneers are hand-selected by specialists from our leather and wood workshops - to ensure not only that they are of the highest quality, but also that they have aesthetic characteristics appropriate to the interior of the Phantom. They are then painstakingly prepared so that their inherent natural beauty and quality is displayed to best effect.

It takes between 15 and 18 hides to upholster one Phantom - more for the Phantom Extended Wheelbase. Each one comes from specially selected herds of cattle, and only the most supple mature bull hides are used. Each hide is checked meticulously by hand to identify any imperfections. The 450 individual leather parts are then cut out using a precision laser before being carefully stitched by hand.

Bespoke

While the Phantom has an extensive options list, the Bespoke program allows customers to create a car that is completely personal to them by specifying features that are not usually available and 65 per cent of Rolls-Royce customers choose to do this. Examples include a one-off color for the paint or leather, or the use of an unusual wood to complement the interior.

Customers may choose to personalize their Phantom by specifying embroidery on the interior leather: Rolls-Royce's Bespoke interior designers can fulfill any request, from simple initials to embroidered images. Customized tread plates incorporating text or pictures can also be produced, perhaps featuring an owner's name or celebrating an event or limited edition.

Rolls-Royce Phantom Extended Wheelbase: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications