(continued from above)
Reflecting the new world in which we live, this pinnacle family of cars -
including Phantom Saloon, Phantom Drophead Coupe and Phantom Coupe - have been
thoughtfully updated with contemporary yet timeless design enhancements that
frame the introduction of cutting-edge technologies which significantly improve
the car's drive-train, ease-of-use and connectivity.
"From launch in 2003, the Rolls-Royce Phantom established itself as the
benchmark in automotive luxury, a reputation it has held ever since," said
Torsten Muller-Otvos, CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. "These cars are timeless in
their appeal, but technology moves rapidly and we cannot afford to stand still.
"Today I am delighted to present Phantom Series II, a family of models that
feature significant improvements in design, drive-train and technology. As a
consequence of these changes, we will continue to present with pride the best
motor cars in the world, which re-confirm Rolls-Royce's position at the very
pinnacle of the ultra-luxury goods marketplace."
New LED Lighting
Rolls-Royce Director of Design, Ian Cameron, likens the evolution of Phantom
Series II design to a "familiar theme, lit in a different way". And Phantom's
striking new front-end, with re-styled bumpers and rectangular light apertures,
perhaps best encapsulates the essence of the significant changes that lie
beneath.
Rolls-Royce is the first to include full LED headlamps as standard on a
production car. As well as delivering a characteristic whiter light, augmenting
safety and preventing driver tiredness, these allow for the introduction of new
technologies that better control lighting.
Curve light functionality, for example, uses electronically-controlled
reflectors to focus headlamp beams in the direction of travel, providing greater
illumination of the road ahead when cornering. Adaptive headlamps change the
cone of light projected onto a road - effortlessly of course - in response to
different driving speeds.
Effortless as Standard
Effortless is a word that perhaps best epitomizes the Phantom experience, both
for drivers and their passengers. So an improved user interface, as well as the
addition of new driver assistance technologies, have been built on the
foundation of a new electronics' platform for Phantom Series II. The satellite
navigation system, for example, has been fully updated with functions that
include 3D map display with landscape topography, guided tours, as well as
enhanced points of interest and composite route planning.
Audio visual content, satellite navigation maps and driver information is
presented on Phantom's new 8.8 inch control center display, underlined by eight
programmable bookmarks in chrome for optimum convenience in selecting key
functions. Front, rear and top-view camera systems, further augment Phantom's
ease of use particularly when driving in tight urban environments. When reverse
parking for example, rear path prediction automatically deploys on-screen.
These significant changes add further substance to a reputation Phantom has
proudly built since launch of the signature Rolls-Royce back in 2003. It is a
new world. But it's a world in which the Rolls-Royce Phantom family will occupy
a pinnacle position for many years to come.
Waftability and Sublime Ride
The word waftability has long been part of the Rolls-Royce lexicon, with models
past and present being renowned for their magnificent ride experience. Phantom
Series II reinforces the company's reputation for both.
A new 8-speed automatic gearbox and rear differential enhance already exemplary
driving dynamics perfectly complementing the V12 direct injection engine. Fuel
consumption improves by 10 per cent on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions fall
from 388 to 347 g/km as a consequence.
Inspired by J-class yachts of the 1930s, the beautiful teak-decking in 2013 Phantom Drophead Coupe is
a fine example of the marriage between Rolls-Royce traditions and the best in engineering.