The First Saloon from the New Rolls-Royce

In 2003,BMWcame under the ownership ofRolls-Royceand its first model from the new Goodwood factory in the UK was the "Phantom." The name, a tradition representing the company's top-tier model since the 1930s, combined with a front grille inspired by the Parthenon and the iconic "Spirit of Ecstasy" ornament, created a luxurious saloon with an imposing form that was unmistakably a Rolls-Royce to all eyes.

Viewed from the side, the wide C-pillars and coach doors are distinctive. Open the doors, and you'll notice the flat floor that makes ingress, egress, and movement within the cabin effortless. The space, crafted from fine leather seats and cashmere trim, is enveloped in an exceptionally elegant atmosphere, possessing the power to transform time spent in the rear seats into an ultimate experience.

Meanwhile, the driver's seat, positioned slightly higher, offers an excellent view, making it another kind of premium seat. While the Phantom embodies Rolls-Royce's distinctive design and packaging, its substance is at the forefront of modern engineering.

The body utilizes an aluminum spaceframe structure. Powering this large body with strength is a specially designed 6.75-liter V12 engine. This power unit, boasting a maximum torque of 720Nm, delivers 75% of its torque at a mere 1000rpm – a flexibility befitting a luxury car.

The Phantom solidifies its presence with the latest technology while respecting tradition. In 2005, the long-wheelbase EWB (Extended Wheelbase) version was added, further enhancing its commanding presence.

Rolls-Royce Phantom/Phantom EWB

Body: Length 5835 (6085) × Width 1990 × Height 1655mm
Engine: 6.75-liter V12
Max. Output: 338kW [460ps]/5350rpm
Max. Torque: 720Nm [73.5kgm]/3500rpm
Drivetrain: FR
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Price: ¥45,780,000, ¥53,235,000 (EWB)
(As of May 26, 2008)

BRAND HISTORY
Henry Royce and Charles Rolls first met in 1904. Royce Ltd., which was involved in motors and other businesses in the UK, had built a prototype automobile. Rolls, having heard of it, visited to test drive the car. Impressed by its quality, Rolls offered to sell the cars Royce was building, marking the start of Rolls-Royce.

The company cemented its reputation as a luxury car brand with the "40/50HP Series," which began production in 1906. This model, equipped with a six-cylinder engine, later became known as the "Silver Ghost." Its engine's smoothness and quietness, the car's high reliability, and the fine craftsmanship using quality materials earned it significant support from the upper class. It was also during this era that the "Spirit of Ecstasy," Rolls-Royce's mascot, was born.

The company continued its progress, introducing the "Phantom" in 1929 and acquiring the British firm Bentley in 1931. Although there was a period during World War II dedicated to aircraft engines, automobile production resumed in 1947. The company produced legendary cars such as the Phantom series, "Silver Cloud," and "Silver Shadow." However, in 1971, the company went bankrupt due to the struggles of its aircraft engine division. The aircraft engine division was spun off, and the remaining automotive division was temporarily placed under government control. In 1980, it came under the umbrella of Vickers plc.

Further turmoil ensued in the late 1990s with a bidding war between Volkswagen (VW) and BMW. In the end, the factory and the Bentley brand went to VW, while BMW acquired only the Rolls-Royce name. Then, in 2003, with the Phantom, developed under the new structure, Rolls-Royce embarked on a new chapter in its history.