Straightline
Rolls-Royce
April 20, 2009
Prior to today's announcement at the Shanghai Auto Show, the Rolls-Royce Ghost was called everything from the "baby Phantom" to RR4 to 200EX. Now it has a proper name from the Rolls-Royce history books, one that makes it sound all wispy and athletic.
Don't be fooled, though, this sedan still measures 212-inches nose-to-tail, a good 7-inches longer than a Mercedes-Benz S Class, and it will use a 6.6-liter, turbocharged V12 under its hood. Production is expected to start at Goodwood later this year.
March 23, 2009
After showing the 200EX concept in Geneva, Rolls-Royce is now trickling out details on the production version of its upcoming sedan.
Power will come from an all-new turbocharged 6.6-liter V12 with over 500-horsepower. The engine is unique to Rolls-Royce and will use an eight-speed automatic transmission from ZF.
According to Rolls-Royce CEO Tom Purves, "RR4 will deliver an authentic Rolls-Royce experience to owners, so expect peerless comfort and build quality. However, we have consciously engineered this car to be more involving and dynamic for those owners around the world that will wish to drive it themselves."
March 3, 2009
We have seen the Rolls Royce 200EX concept in the big, blocky metallic flesh and, trust us on this one, it ain't no "baby Roller." This BMW 7 Series-based V12-powered sedan is big, real big.
In fact, we'll bet it'll look big next to anything except maybe the Rolls-Royce Phantom -- a car that the 200EX resembles quite a lot. -- Daniel Pund, Senior Editor, Detroit
Read our full story on the Rolls-Royce 200EX concept.
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- Posted by: Daniel Pund March 3, 2009, 5:20 AM
- Categories: Geneva Motor Show, Rolls-Royce
February 19, 2009
We've been calling it the RR4, but now it's official, sort of. The Rolls Royce 200EX will make its world debut at the 2009 Geneva Auto Show. A concept version of the production sedan due this fall, the 200EX will serve as an entry-level offering against the likes of the Bentley Continental Flying Spur and Mercedes-Benz S-Class
"There will be some very minor difference, but what you see in Geneva is for all intents and purposes what we'll be bringing to Frankfurt later in the year," says Rolls-Royce's newly installed CEO, Tom Purves, referring to plans to show its new model at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show in September.
Full Story: Rolls-Royce 200EX
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig February 19, 2009, 2:18 PM
- Categories: Geneva Motor Show, Luxury Cars, Rolls-Royce, Sedans
February 10, 2009
Looks like the new addition to the Rolls-Royce family will continue to use a healthy dose of BMW technology. This prototype of the RR4, as it's known internally, shows off an iDrive-like device and a sizable display screen on the dash.
Also note there's no sign of a console-mounted transmission lever, so one of those stalks sticking out from the steering wheel controls the shifts.
Not everything is so high-tech though. Check out those chrome vent pulls in the dash. It doesn't get much more old school than that.
First Look: 2010 Rolls-Royce RR4
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig February 10, 2009, 3:36 PM
- Categories: Luxury Cars, Rolls-Royce, Sedans
January 9, 2009
Blame the mainstream media if you will, but with all that talk of recession, disappearing jobs and a falling stock market, you would think 2008 was a terrible year for everybody.
Well, not quite everybody. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars reported today that it sold a record 1,212 cars in 2008. Nearly half were Phantom sedans, the "screw you plebs" on wheels that carries a base price of $340,000. The rest were Phantom coupes and convertibles, slightly smaller cars that carry slightly larger price tags in the $400,000 range.
You might be glad to know that the U.S. was once again the largest market for Rolls Royce followed by the U.K., United Arab Emirates, China and Russia.
Rolls Royce Motor Cars
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig January 9, 2009, 8:44 AM
- Categories: Rolls-Royce
November 26, 2008
With Porsche, Suzuki, Mitsubishi, Ferrari, Land Rover and Rolls-Royce, Nissan and Infiniti being no-shows at the NAIAS, that gives the Chinese automakers a better chance to display their products. Formally these vehicles have been delegated to pretty much second-class floor space in the basement of Cobo Hall, better known as Michigan Hall.
Not anymore, as there is now some prime real estate now available up on the main floor. Two Chinese brands moving up to the "show" are BYD Auto and Brilliance.
Full story here.
Related stories here and here.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland November 26, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: All Auto Shows, Detroit Auto Show, Ferrari, Infiniti, Land Rover, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Rolls-Royce, Suzuki
October 23, 2008
Holy Wafability Batman!
Inspired by driving an electric-powered Mini, Tom Perves, the CEO of Rolls-Royce, now wants to offer an electric-powered RR Phantom. Imagine that: The Big Cheese behind arguably one of the largest cars on the planet being inspired by one of the smallest cars on the planet!
Okay, this idea almost (not quite, but almost) makes the hybrid Lexus LS600h seem to make sense.
Full story here.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland October 23, 2008, 11:27 AM
- Categories: Green Tech, Lexus, Luxury Cars, MINI, Rolls-Royce
October 10, 2008
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So, we're in the midst of the worst financial mess since the great depression, and Bentley and Bugatti are thinking of pairing up, and taking on Rolls-Royce? Are they nuts? Or are they and their customers just sooooo wealthy that they're immune to everything that's going on around them? So what if they or their customers drop a few million on the stock exchange? That must be chump change to these guys.
Full story here and here.
More über-rich silliness: Captain Mercedes, a.k.a. Dieter Zetsche, says Daimler will not kill the Maybach--and that it's making money!
Last year they sold 146 cars. With the addition of the new 62S Landaulet (pictured), they should sell 150 cars next year. Wow.
Full story here.
October 3, 2008
There's an interesting comment over in AutoObserver today, regarding the just-introduced at Paris Honda Insight concept:
Fuel economy? Somewhere close to the Civic hybrid,...
Okay, if that's the case, then what's the point? Shouldn't this car get better--if not significantly better--gas mileage than the Civic hybrid? Is this just going to be a styling statement much like the original '60s-era Karmann Ghia VW, a "designer hybrid," so to speak? Is this Insight merely something in which owners can drive around whispering to the neighbors that, hey, I'm green?
Sort of reminds me of a while back when Bentleys and Roll-Royces were identical, save for the grille. It was often said that Bentley owners were a bit more restrained, and that they, unlike RR owners, didn't want to announce their wealth so much.
Honda Aims to 'Mainstream' Hybrids with Coming Insight
September 26, 2008
The last of the Rolls-Royce-based Bentleys, the Arnage, is riding off into the sunset. As such, Bentley is producing a special "Final Series" of cars, a limited run of 150 vehicles, to mark this event.
Bentley Chairman and Chief Executive, Dr Franz-Josef Paefgen, explains: "For 10 years, Arnage has enjoyed extraordinary success at the pinnacle of the luxury saloon market. The Final Series is a celebration of the Arnage era as Bentley prepares for the next generation of its flagship model."
Full story here.
Here's
Inside Line's take:
So Long: Bentley Arnage Final Series
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- Posted by: Bob Holland September 26, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Bentley, Luxury Cars, Rolls-Royce
September 16, 2008
Ever since BMW announced that they were going to revive the Isetta brand, I've wondered how they would be able to capture the fun and funky spirit of the original. Early renderings, while attractive, just didn't succeed here. Now this new rendering has cropped up. Whether it is accurate or not, I have no idea. It is however, dead on in capturing the essence of what the original Isetta was all about.
Gotta hand it to the 'BMW Boys,' as they've been absolute masters in bringing old and revered automotive nameplates up to date, if not being state-of-the art. All you have to do is look at the new Mini and Rolls-Royce for proof of that. Let's just hope this wacky Isetta illustration came from BMW design studios, and this is where they're heading.
Full story here.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland September 16, 2008, 5:42 AM
- Categories: BMW, Green Tech, MINI, Rolls-Royce
August 29, 2008
Spy shots of the "baby" Roller are up on the UK Autocar site. The car will be built off the BMW 7-Series chassis, but will have a 'proper' RR engine and not a BMW engine. As to size, expect it to slot in between the big Bimmer and the Phantom. So that being the case, this is going to be one big baby indeed.
It appears that it will have Phantom-like rear suicide doors, and probably profile as well. Also of note is that Rolls-Royce market studies have indicated that there are 100,000 customers out there who would buy such a car. Folks, if true, those numbers are staggering. It would make this car a truly high-volume product in this ultra-wealthy market segment. The car is expected to debut at the Geneva auto show in March.
Full story here.
August 12, 2008
This year's Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance is shaping up to being one heck of an event, as Straightline has reported on several very special vehicles that will be on display. Here's one more:
It's a special one-off Rolls-Royce called the Hyperion. This tiny Roller (by usual Rolls standards) was built by Pininfarina; and probably most incredible, is that it is fitted with a gun rack in the cabin!
Full story here.
Here's Inside Line's take: Pininfarina, Regrouping After Loss of CEO, To Unveil Rolls-Royce-Based Hyperion Concept at Pebble Beach
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 12, 2008, 8:49 AM
- Categories: All Auto Shows, Classic Cars, Luxury Cars, Rolls-Royce
April 4, 2008
Manhattan Motorcars, a New York Rolls-Royce dealer, has commissioned a $200,000 "Spirit of Ecstasy" hood ornament. As a point of reference, this hood ornament costs about half of what a Rolls-Royce Phantom Extended Wheelbase sedan costs. Think about that.
So how can a silly hood ornament cost so much?..
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland April 4, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Rolls-Royce
March 17, 2008
Maybach's sustainability as a brand is much in doubt. Last year they sold only 146 units worldwide, which is only 10% of what was expected. This is especially grim news when you consider the record amount of Rolls-Royces being sold. Besides the ultra-limited-edition Landaulet, there are no other new models scheduled for introduction...
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland March 17, 2008, 7:14 AM
- Categories: Maybach, Mercedes-Benz, Rolls-Royce
March 4, 2008
It was a typical day at the Rolls-Royce booth in Geneva, meaning that we couldn't get anywhere near the 2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe until 30 minutes after the press conference. Chinese manufacturer BYD had the good fortune to have its booth right next to the Rolls stand, allowing it to pull in a healthy crowd for its own press conference immediately preceding the two-door Phantom's unveiling.
As in the past, we were immediately cowed into silence by the Roller's monstrous size -- exactly as it should be for a car of this stature. Despite its 18-foot length, this will be the sportiest of the Phantoms, as it has the stiffest chassis and the firmest suspension settings. Nevertheless, said Ian Robertson, chairman and CEO of Rolls-Royce, "that waftability that we refer to is still very much in the character of this car."
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Erin Riches March 4, 2008, 7:07 AM
- Categories: Coupes, Geneva Motor Show, Luxury Cars, Rolls-Royce
February 25, 2008
Desperate times call for desperate measures...
Or so the saying goes; Maybach, an automaker arguably on the ropes, is pulling out all the stops as they've given a production okay for the Landaulet. A concept study was recently shown at the Detroit auto show.
So will this save the brand?..
Continue reading...
January 9, 2008
Despite having an official presence in Australia, not one Aussie opted for this luxury road yacht. That's right, not one new Maybach was sold in Australia during 2007. Amazing—and especially amazing considering Rolls-Royce has a long backlog of orders with their competing Phantom, with 17 sold in Australia last year. No, not a huge number but considering the MSRP and the population of Oz, not bad I'd say...
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland January 9, 2008, 5:00 AM
- Categories: Luxury Cars, Maybach, Rolls-Royce
October 19, 2007
In what has to be one of the oldest cars in existence, is also the oldest running Rolls-Royce. Period. End of story. The car will be auctioned off this December at Bonhams in London...
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland October 19, 2007, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Classic Cars, Luxury Cars, Rolls-Royce
July 17, 2007
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has launched its first approved program for pre-owned cars. The Rolls-Royce Provenance program offers new car peace of mind and ensures that only the finest examples of the marque gain the Provenance seal of approval.
Each car has to meet exacting criteria set by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Factory-trained technicians conduct a painstaking inspection procedure, including a full road test, to ensure that every Provenance car reaches the highest standards prior to delivery...
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland July 17, 2007, 9:30 AM
- Categories: Rolls-Royce
April 6, 2007
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has announced that a new armored version of the Phantom will be launched, offering substantial security benefits for those customers that require the highest levels of personal protection.
Engineered to VR7 level, the highest current international protection rating, the Phantom Armored is virtually indistinguishable from the standard version, inside and out. The car features high-tech fibre composites and special purpose steel to provide protection for the bodywork, while the glazed area is constructed from sheets of thickened glass. In addition, a polycarbonate layer is fitted to the inside for extra passenger protection...
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland April 6, 2007, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Luxury Cars, Rolls-Royce, Trends
March 7, 2007
You may think you're looking at a Rolls-Royce Phantom with a flat black paint job, but really it's the Conquistador who's staring you down.
On display at the Rinspeed booth, this coach of the headless horseman is actually the work of a high-end German tuner called Mansory, which specializes in performance and cosmetic modifications to high-end British cars. Needless to say, Mansory's Conquistador is our unofficial staff favorite from the Geneva show.
Among its many exterior modications are its wheels: "The CONQUISTADOR is staying on mightful forged 24 inch wheels in the typical MANSORY design with tyres in dimensions of 305/35/24 in front and rear," says the Mansory press kit, evidently a hasty translation from German...</SP
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- Posted by: Erin Riches March 7, 2007, 7:22 AM
- Categories: Geneva Motor Show, Luxury Cars, Rolls-Royce, Sedans
February 20, 2007
Ever wonder what's it like selling a vehicle (motorcar!) like a Rolls-Royce? The answer may surprise you.
First off, Rolls-Royce targets customers with liquid assets of at least $30 million. "Conventional car companies tend to push cars down a pipeline and expect people to buy them," said Ian Robertson, Rolls-Royce's chairman and chief executive...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland February 20, 2007, 5:00 AM
- Categories: Rolls-Royce
January 30, 2007
Goodwood, 29 January 2007: The first Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé destined for the USA has been bought at a charity auction held during the annual Naples Winter Wine festival in Florida for $2million. More than $1.6 million will go to the Naples Children and Education Foundation, which supports charitable and educational programmes to improve the physical, emotional and educational lives of underprivileged or at-risk children.
The car was bought by a resident of Naples, who will take delivery of the car later this year. The winning bid of $2 million is the single highest price paid for any lot in the event’s seven-year history and, it is believed, makes this Phantom Drophead Coupé the most expensive new car ever sold in the USA...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland January 30, 2007, 8:22 AM
- Categories: Rolls-Royce
January 1, 2007
I reported on this fabulous new Rolls the other day (Rolls-Royce Drophead Coupe to be displayed at NAIAS). Now, thanks to Autoblog, here is a gallery of 61 hi-res images of this new car.
Full story here. Enjoy...
December 27, 2006
Looking virtually identical to the Roller 100EX concept shown on last year's show circuit, this new production-ready Rolls-Royce Drophead Coupe will be introduced at the Detroit auto show.
I gotta admit, in a market niche where "image is everything," nobody does it better than Rolls-Royce. As great as the Maybach may be, it's strictly minor league in the head-turning department, when compared to the new Phantom or this new Rolls ragtop.
Here's Inside Line's take: Revealed: Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe
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- Posted by: Bob Holland December 27, 2006, 8:25 AM
- Categories: Convertibles, Future Vehicles, Luxury Cars, Rolls-Royce
December 10, 2006
Want the latest future vehicle information, but don't have a subscription to Automotive News? No problem. We've summarized all the important stuff in this weekly update, enjoy.
-- After years of sticking with more fuel efficient V6s, Acura is finally considering a V8 for higher end models...
Continue reading...
October 24, 2006
Question: What does the Rolls-Royce grille, Buick portholes, and the Subaru boxer engine and AWD all have in common?
Answer: Automotive DNA—as in heritage that helps define the brand—and the success of that brand.
This is an interesting topic, in that it's often these kinds of details, that have evolved over years, that often define the identity what any given product is about. Would Rolls-Royce be the brand that it is today if it weren't for their imposing in-your-face formal upright grille? Buick seems to have found its mojo now that portholes (actually 'ventiports' is the proper term) are finding their way back onto their cars...
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland October 24, 2006, 12:53 PM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Buick, Rolls-Royce, Subaru, Trends
October 16, 2006
Some might say it's shocking, sacrilegious, even ugly. While I'm not sure about some of the styling details, I find it intriguing, even stunning. It sort of reminds me of the offspring of a 350Z and a Phantom, an odd combo if ever there was one.
This one-off Roller was created by Indian coachbuilder DC Design, and has been seen in the posh neighborhoods of London...
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland October 16, 2006, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Rolls-Royce
October 8, 2006
This week's issue of Automotive News was packed with plenty of stories related to future vehicles, so we'll get right to it. Mitsubishi plans to pick up where GM left off by introducing an electric based on its Concept-CT MIEV shown in Detroit earlier this year. It will use lithium ion batteries and a unique drive system which puts a motor at each wheel. No cost or timing specifics were announced, but don't expect to see it for at least another two or three years.
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig October 8, 2006, 11:41 PM
- Categories: Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Detroit Auto Show, Ford, Future Vehicles, General Motors, Jeep, LA Auto Show, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Rolls-Royce, Toyota, Volkswagen
March 27, 2006
Rolls-Royce or Maybach? Which would you choose (assuming, of course that you could afford one)? Here's the first comparo of these two that I've seen.
Now if it were me, I'd opt for the Rolls, as it is the most imposing and in-your-face luxury liner in the world...
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland March 27, 2006, 1:00 AM
- Categories: Luxury Cars, Maybach, Rolls-Royce
December 15, 2005
Rolls-Royce has given the go-ahead for the 100EX-inspired cabriolet. Not really a
surprise here, as I think most people expected the 2004 RR 100EX
concept to eventually make production.
I have to say I find the new Rolls-Royce Phantom, and this new Cabriolet,
to be absolutely stunning. Nowhere on this planet, in the Mine-is-Bigger-than-Yours market, do any of the players execute that
concept
better than the folks from Rolls-Royce...
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland December 15, 2005, 7:23 AM
- Categories: Convertibles, Rolls-Royce, Spy Photos
