Lone Star Lady April June 2008 - Rroctexas.com

of the tailgate provides a comfortable seatingplatform for two adults when lowered.The highly advanced spaceframe aluminiumchassis endows the Coupé with the marque’slegendary ride comfort, handling and safety.It is the most torsionally rigid Rolls-Royceever built. The unique architecture of the caris further augmented by the rear-hinged coachdoors, allowing the easiest possible access tothe rear lounge seat.Rolls-Royce Phantom CoupéMakes DebutThe Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupé, the fourthnew model from Rolls-Royce under BMWGroup ownership, is the most driver-orientatedmodel in the Phantom line-up. This two-door,four-seater model has already seen outstandingdemand with this year’s production already sold.A modern grand touring coupé in the finesttradition, this car is powered by the Phantom’s6.75-litre V12, producing 460hp and 720Nm oftorque making it the definitive choice for all-day,long distance driving. With its engine tuned forimmense low down torque, the new Rolls-Royceeffortlessly achieves the 0-100 km/h sprint in5.8 seconds, and continues rapidly towards anelectronically governed top speed of 250km/h.A combination of segment-leading fuel economyand a 25 percent increase in fuel capacity, comparedto the Drophead Coupé, increases drivingrange to more than 600 kilometres. A spaciouspicnic boot with split tail compartment giveseasy access to 395 litres of space. The lower partTo ensure a perfect balance of refinement anddriver involvement, Rolls-Royce developed anew gearbox programme, stiffer rear dampersand modified spring rates. In addition, a thickerrear anti-roll bar, modified brake response andtuned steering offer more feel over other Phantommodels.As with every Rolls-Royce car, the finely handcraftedinterior of the Coupé can be personalisedvia the Bespoke programme, allowing for anynumber of features, each tailored to the tasteof the individual. For example, customers canchoose from more than 44,000 different colours.The Phantom Coupé’s cabin can be orderedwith an optional, full-length starlight headlining,incorporating 1600 tiny fibre optics to createthe ambience of a star-filled night sky. The newmodel is also available with a brushed steel bonnetand A-pillar surround previously seen on itsexperimental predecessor, the 101EX.Production of the new car will start at Goodwoodin the summer of 2008. Rolls-RoyceMotor Cars saw sales in 2007 increase by 25 percent, compared to 2006, with retails of 1010cars.May–June 2008 • The Lone Star Lady 11