Rolls Royce Phantom

Like so many of the world’s famous automotive manufacturers the story of how Rolls-Royce came to be is incredibly interesting. As history shows, this well-known British car company started out over a business lunch. Henry Edmunds invited Sir Henry Royce, who possessed a passion for engineering, and Charles Rolls, with an engineering education and a passion for car racing. When the two met, they formed a partnership made in automotive heaven. The two men made this official in December 1904.

Before Charles Rolls’ unfortunate death in 1910, Rolls-Royce became well known for creating high-quality two-, four-, and six-cylinder automobiles that offered far better quality and workmanship than their competitors. Rolls-Royce released the first famous Silver Ghost in 1907. This car famously completed more than a 14,000 mile run stopping only for fuel. For its time, it represents the epitome of automotive perfection.

The Rolls-Royce company continues to offer the world fine examples of excellent car workmanship in all of its lines. The Phantom stands as one of the company’s models designed to meet the needs and desires of Rolls-Royce enthusiasts.

It’s impossible to speak about a Rolls-Royce of any kind and not think of exceptional British design and style. This company has been offering amazing cars for the past 100 years, and the Phantom line marks no exception. The Phantom, especially in the most recent generation, earns acknowledgment as the classic British luxury car with an updated look and features. In the past, critics accused the carmaker of sticking with the past a bit too much and not updating technology in its cars. The Phantom silences this criticism.

In the 2011 model year, Rolls-Royce chose to once again offer its new version of the classic Phantom car. The carmaker offers no changes to the Phantom except for the 100 limited edition cars that feature specialized trim to celebrate the centennial of the ""Spirit of Ecstasy"" hood ornament. Even with no changes to the car, the Phantom gets plenty of attention from interested luxury car buyers.

The Rolls-Royce Phantom doesn’t offer specific trim levels. Consumers have the choice of a long list of options allowing the car to be customized in almost limitless ways. Two distinctive body styles for the car include the base model or the extended wheelbase model.

The 2011 Phantom comes equipped with a 6.7-liter V-12 engine. The motor produces 453 hp and 531 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission couples with this motor, and the automaker offers no additional transmission options. All of these cars come standard with rear drive, as well.

Naturally, there still exist very old Phantom cars from the company’s first go around with this model. Interested car buyers more often find Phantoms from the current generation. While displaying the classic lines and smooth ride of Rolls-Royce vehicles, the 2004 Phantom does come under the gun for some drawbacks. In the beginning of the generation, Rolls-Royce missed the mark on providing sufficient high-tech options many other carmakers offered. Some reviewers also note difficulty seeing and using the car’s controls. Rolls-Royce soon corrected these minor issues.

By 2005, Rolls-Royce added a power trunk lid and a power sunroof. The following year saw even more options with the addition of exterior video cameras designed to improve the driver’s vision during parking.

All Phantom models offer a comfortable and spacious interior cabin that provides plenty of head and leg room for the driver and passengers. The car has also been praised for its unbelievable driving style, especially for such a large vehicle. And of course, the elegant design of the Phantom’s body style remains something to see. Rolls-Royce gives this car all the style and class of the past, while updating it for a new generation.