This year started off with many celebrations all around. Jeep celebrates their 75th anniversary, Lamborghini 100 years and Mercedes, well there celebrating 130 years! But with such great news to be heard, there’s sure to be sad news as well, as this year marks the end of the seventh generation Rolls-Royce Phantom.
November 2016 will be the end of an era. Spanning over 12 years, we saw many versions of Phantom including sedans, coupes, convertibles and a host of special editions. All graciously moving along with a V12 motor pumping out 453 horsepower and looks to prove whoever was in the vehicle was loaded. No doubt a tear will be shed by many.
In true Rolls-Royce fashion, 50 limited edition models will roll off the production floor. Zenith is the moniker added and will be bespoke from head to toe. Each and every one comes with a commemorative letter to say thanks and customers can choose from an array of historical paint jobs used throughout the British’s brands rich heritage.
Each of these limited models feature tailgate hosting area, which presumably are seats in the boot area that can be folded out for “stadium seating”. Armrests engraved with the exact locations of the unveilings of 100EX and 101EX, both of which were concepts for the coupe and convertible Phantom’s respectively. Of course, this model wouldn’t be complete with a unique Spirit of Extascy adorning the bonnet and specifically designed instrument panel. What a brilliant way to end a production cycle that lasted over a decade.
There is some good news after all, as Rolls-Royce are already working on a successor, which has already been caught testing. With a lighter subframe made from aluminum, it retains most of it’s luxurious presence but with a larger front grille, longer bonnet and minor adjustments to the body work. Especially at the rear, around the door area looks to be more covered up, for those in the media or government that wish to go unnoticed whilst zipping around town.
V12 will be the engine of choice and because of its new base, plug-in hybrid, and hybrid drivetrains are considered alternatives alongside. Semi-Autonomous features are to play a vital role, as it is the future after all. Let’s not forget all the new technology that could make its way inside such as wireless phone charging, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, WiFi spot and other interesting gizmo’s that may pop up.
Phantom Successor’s are to roll out in 2017 with a hybrid version to follow shortly after. No pricing has been announced. The safe bet is that it’ll be higher than current generation vehicles. And for those of you who don’t know, Rolls-Royce are currently working on an unnamed SUV to rival the Bentley Bentayga. It’s also said, they are working on a smaller Rolls-Royce Ghost sedan as well.
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