Exclusive Elegance

There are certain opportunities that come but once in a lifetime. For us mere mortals, spending time in a Rolls-Royce Phantom is likely one of them.

According to official literature, when a Phantom passes by the world stands still. There is truth to this statement. Even in such an affluent part of North America as Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, we found other motorists turning their eyes as the English White behemoth rode by. There’s no denying it has presence. The current Rolls-Royce Phantom measures 229 inches – over 19 feet – from stem to stern in standard form, an even more impressive 240 inches with the extended wheelbase, so by any stretch of the imagination, it is a big car. It’s also superbly finished. Each body has no fewer than five coats of paint and between each layer the entire surface is wet sanded by hand and final coat polished for five hours. The aluminum space frame on which the body panels are attached, features no fewer than 500 hand welds and has the torsional stiffness equivalent to a Formula 1 car. What this means, is that even on rougher pavement, the Phantom never loses composure and there is barely a creak to be heard.

Dignified Performance
According to Rolls-Royce, almost 80 percent of Phantoms sold in North America are owner driven and perhaps what does surprise, is that in view of this car’s size and weight (over 5,500 lbs.), it is actually quite the performer. Power comes from a BMW-sourced V12, though sized at Rolls’ traditional 6.75L displacement. It’s rated at 453 horsepower and a substantial 531 lb-ft of torque. Though what is interesting is that most of that torque (413 lb-ft), is available at just 1,000 rpm, ensuring that acceleration is completely effortless. Even at highway speeds, according to official releases, the Phantom still has approximately 90 percent of power in reserve.
The ZF six-speed automatic transmission is also sourced from BMW, but in this application features a column shift. Like the V12, it is silky smooth, the change in gears barely noticeable, even under healthy acceleration. Each speed is well matched to the engine, ensuring that the required velocity is reached with the minimal amount of fuss or fanfare.
 
Seriously Capable
Given that the Phantom has virtually 50/50 weight distribution, along with extensive use of aluminum in the all-independent suspension as well as the space frame, it is actually rather agile. The massive, specifically tailored Michelin PAX tires do an excellent job at providing the grip needed, and the huge Phantom barely rolls through the corners.
Although most owners are never likely to subject their cars to this kind of grandstanding (and why should they, it just wouldn’t be proper), it’s still very reassuring to know that the big Rolls can hold its own. Braking is also very strong – the massive discs (374 mm in diameter front, 370 mm rear), haul the car down quickly and without fuss.
But as competent as the Phantom is in terms of dynamics, it is perhaps the interior that is most spectacular of all. It has the feel and richness of an old world exclusive member’s only club, nearly everything in sight is hand crafted. Over 15 individual leather hides are used to construct the interior, including the seats and door panels, while up to 43 wood parts are used, crafted from 28 individual layers, throughout the cabin. The chairs (it’s not really fair to call them seats) are supple and comfortable, rear riders getting the best treatment (especially with the optional four-seat interior) thanks to thrones that are 18 mm taller than the fronts and feature multiple individual adjustment, fold out picnic tables and a pair of 12 inch viewing screens for personal DVD entertainment. An optional drink cooler only adds to the luxury, as do standard Teflon-coated umbrellas housed in the coach rear doors, ensuring that one never gets wet when exiting the vehicle.

Ultimate Custom
Although 13 leather colours and six different wood veneer finishes are part of the standard package, Rolls-Royce offers a Bespoke program, where buyers can choose from an almost limitless number of different interior trims, as well as just about any other aspect of the car. In fact Bespoke is so popular that the majority – approximately 65 percent – of its cars are done this way. Since its inception in 1904, Rolls-Royce has strived to build the finest motorcars in the world and, after having sampled the current Phantom first hand, even in the homogenized, jaded 21st century we have to say that much like it’s forebears, this is one machine that both literally and figuratively, stands head and shoulders above just about anything else on the road. 

SPECS
2010 Rolls-Royce Phantom
$380,000  Base
DOHC 6.75 V-12
453 hp @ 5350 RPM
531 lb-ft @ 3500rpm:           
6-Speed Automatic
15.7 Comb. L/100 km (18.0 mpg)
Premium Fuel