Surely it’s not too late? We just got all the info from Rolls Royce Motor Cars Auckland on the new model, and since I’ve been a pretty good boy this year, I didn’t think that was too big an ask, Santa. Plenty of room under the tree!
While the tasty Bentley Continental is always an option, Rolls Royce surely is still the ultimate luxury buy.
Rolls Royce’s flagship model, the new Phantom doesn’t just have the best name out there, it’s being touted as just as good to drive as it is to be driven in. While I can’t guarantee that, it is certainly a car which I would like to drive.
This new model is lighter and yet 30% more rigid than its predecessor, has next-generation air suspension, a state-of-the-art chassis control systems, 130kg of sound insulation, double-laminated glass and dual-skin alloys across the bulkhead ensure Phantom is the pinnacle of comfort and quietness. Apparently when Rolls-Royce’s acoustic test engineers reviewed the results of road and vibration tests, the sound levels were so low they had to check their instruments were calibrated correctly.
Effortless drive
Rolls Royce is say that new Phantom owners will enjoy the effortlessness of the all-new, 6.75 litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine, which delivers 563hp and 900Nm of torque from just 1,700rpm and spiriting New Phantom from 0-100km/h in 5.3 seconds with the help of its seamless 8 speed, satellite-aided transmission. Yes, satellite aided, and no, I don’t know what that means either. Still, 0-100 in 5.3 seconds for such a luxury car that weighs in at 2,600kg is not too shabby.
In addition, the new Phantom is equipped with the ‘Flagbearer’ – a stereo camera system integrated in the windscreen that sees the road ahead and adjusts the suspension proactively. Its headlights are
equipped with the latest laser light technology, providing a 600-metre range of light at night, twice the range of LED headlights and with ten times the intensity. A sophisticated night vision system – able to detect pedestrians, cyclists and animals.
New Phantom’s driver will be further pampered by new safety technology including Alertness Assistant; a four-camera system with Panoramic View; all-round visibility including helicopter view;
Active Cruise Control; warning systems including collision, pedestrian, cross-traffic, lane departure and lane change. A high-resolution head-up display combined with a new digital instrument cluster, discreet 12.3” TFT display, 1300 watt, 18-channel bespoke audio system and massage seats (front and rear) complete the effortless drive.
For Rolls Royce, the interior has always been where it’s at. A ‘divine’ selection of materials have been placed thoughtfully throughout the interior of New Phantom. As a result, apparently being inside Phantom is akin to entering a luxury hotel ‘suite’ with passengers being cocooned in the finest leathers and veneers. All four doors can now also be electrically closed from the exterior via touch sensitive door handles.
A curated selection of rear seating options is available on New Phantom, from lounge to individual formats. Technology is discreetly hidden throughout the car until required, leaving only the visual majesty of wood, leather and billeted metal for all to admire.
‘The Gallery’
I’m told that the centerpiece of New Phantom is ‘The Gallery’ – a world’s first, and a nod to New Zealand’s love of the Arts. A wholly contemporary and luxury reinterpretation of a motor car’s dashboard and instrument panel area, ‘The Gallery’ comprises an application of glass which runs uninterrupted across the fascia of Phantom, providing an unprecedented opportunity to present commissioned artwork. The initiative has come from an understanding that the marque’s patrons are increasingly collectors of fine and contemporary art.
Each New Phantom is expected to be Bespoke, with customers tailoring their specifications. A Rolls -Royce customer can choose from 44,000 exterior colours and request personalised designs from the company’s team of Bespoke designers. Yes, you read it right – 44,000.
Pricing in New Zealand for New Phantom Standard Wheelbase starts from NZ$700,000, with New Phantom Extended Wheelbase from NZ$840,000, inclusive of a four-year service package and regional warranty, 24 hour roadside support and a ‘flying doctor’ aftersales team. Pricing depends on customer specification, with all Phantoms built bespoke.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions
Vehicle length 5762 mm / 226.8 in
Vehicle width 2018 mm / 79.4 in
Vehicle height (unladen) 1646 mm / 64.8 in
Wheelbase 3552 mm / 139.8 in
Boot volume (DIN) 548 ltr / 19 ft3
Weight
Unladen weight (DIN) 2560 kg / 5643.8 lbs
Engine
Engine/cylinders/valves: V/12/48
Fuel type 10:1 / Premium unleaded
Fuel management Direct injection
Max torque @ engine speed 900 Nm / 664 lb ft @ 1700 rpm
Power output @ engine speed 563 bhp / 571 PS / 420 kW @ 5000 rpm
Performance
Top speed 155 mph / 250 km/h
Acceleration 0-100 km/h 5.3 sec
Fuel consumption
Urban 21.3 ltr/100 km / 13.3 mpg
Extra urban 9.7 ltr/100 km / 29.1 mpg
Combined consumption 13.9 ltr/100 km / 20.3 mpg
CO2 emissions (combined) 318 g/km
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS – EXTENDED WHEELBASE
Dimensions
Vehicle length 5982 mm / 235.5 in
Vehicle width 2018 mm / 79.4 in
Vehicle height (unladen) 1656 mm / 65.2 in
Wheelbase 3772 mm / 148.5 in
Turning circle 13.77 m / 45.2 ft
Weight
Unladen weight (DIN) 2610 kg / 5754.1 lbs
Engine
Engine/cylinders/valves: V/12/48
Fuel type 10:1 / Premium unleaded*
Fuel management Direct injection
Max torque @ engine speed 900 Nm / 664 lb ft @ 1700 rpm
Power output @ engine speed 563 bhp / 571 PS / 420 kW @ 5000 rpm
Performance
Top speed 155 mph / 250 km/h
Acceleration 0-100 km/h 5.4 sec
Fuel consumption ‡
Urban 21.4 ltr/100 km / 13.2 mpg
Extra urban 9.7 ltr/100 km / 29.1 mpg
Combined consumption 13.9 ltr/100 km / 20.3 mpg
CO2 emissions (combined) 319 g/km
