Section: Rolls-Royce
Written By: Seyth Miersma
March 10th, 2008 10:30 AM
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Its only been days since the public launch of the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe at the Geneva Motor Show, and already the company has managed to rack up over 200 sales for the new model. What’s more, Rolls is drawing in customers from all new places, an excellent sign in the early going.
Rolls-Royce CEO Ian Robertson said, “Two-thirds [of the names] in our early order bank are from non Rolls-Royce owners,” highlighting that statistic as a sign of the brand’s broadening appeal.
At over 200 orders, the first year’s production of the two-door Roller is already a complete sellout. The success follows on the heels of what has been a blindingly bright first year for the Rolls-Royce Drophead, which has sold over 250 examples, and is booked well through 2009. In total, 2007 was a record year for the luxury automaker; it managed its best ever sales figure of 1010 cars worldwide.
+ Automotive News: Rolls Coupe attracts new buyers (subscription may be required)
If you’ve got an idea for Question of the Day, a funny photo for Caption It, or just want to share a news tip, let us know at windingroadtips@gmail.com
Written By: Matt Davis
February 16th, 2008 10:37 PM
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At the 2006 Geneva Motor Show, Rolls-Royce undraped a sleek number called 101EX that previewed a production coupe which we were all so convinced would be called Corniche. We were right about the car reaching production – it starts in Chichester UK in June of this year – but the car carries the name of Phantom Coupe.
This pre-production prototype seen here was shown prior to the March 4th Geneva debut at a press event this past week in Monterey, California, and WINDING ROAD was fortunately present. Rolls president Ian Robertson and design boss Ian Cameron were both on hand to give us some details beyond the white paper.
(Click on the thumbnails below to launch a high resolution gallery of 2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe gallery or on the jump to read more.)
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Written By: Seyth Miersma
February 13th, 2008 4:30 PM
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Rolls-Royce executives confirmed the details of the company’s new smaller car on Monday, saying that project RR4 can be expected for 2010.
The “Baby” Roller should only be considered small by very relative, Rolls-Royce-sized, standards. Though the donor chassis for the new car hasn’t been officially specified yet, chances are that it will come from the quite large BMW 7-series. The RR4 is expected to fall into the $250,000-$280,000 price range, and will discretely use some BMW components, though it won’t share a Bimmer engine.
Rolls-Royce has said that the new car will be built at its Goodwood facility, and it is known via spy photos that they’re already a few early working prototypes of the car on the loose.
+ Edmunds Inside Line: Rolls-Royce Confirms Details of RR4 Baby Rolls
If you’ve got an idea for Question of the Day, a funny photo for Caption It, or just want to share a news tip, let us know at windingroadtips@gmail.com
Written By: Dustin P. Walsh
February 5th, 2008 11:23 AM
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For the world’s elite the Rolls-Royce has been a staple in luxury and status. Now, if the $350,000 Phantom isn’t big enough for you and your posse, RR’s official coachbuilders, Mutec, have introduced the Phantom Limo.
The luxury limo is 22 feet, 9 inches in length, nearly four extra feet of room from the traditional Phantom. This has been achieved by inserting extra panels in its midsection, increasing the wheel base.
The stretched Phantom features four individual seats that face each other – each with its own air-conditioning controls and cooled cup holder. It also maintains the RR patented suicide doors.
+ AutoExpress: Stretched Rolls-Royce Phantom
If you’ve got an idea for Question of the Day, a funny photo for Caption It, or just want to share a news tip, let us know at windingroadtips@gmail.com
Written By: Seyth Miersma
January 17th, 2008 12:40 PM
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Though Rolls-Royce didn’t have any new vehicles to place on its stand at the Detroit Auto Show this year, company Chairman and Chief Executive Ian Robertson did have some exciting news.
Anderson confirmed that the company will be expanding its lineup with a new model series code-named “RR4,” and there will be a wholly new engine to power it.
(Click through the jump to read on about the goings on at RR.)
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Written By: Steven J. Ewing
January 16th, 2008 9:50 AM
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The 2008 North American International Auto Show is full of new cars, some of which can only be afforded by people with extra large wallets. Automakers like Rolls-Royce, Lamborghini, and Ferrari ensure that their top-dollar automobiles are displayed under only the best of lighting and in the plushest surroundings. In many cases, special permission has to be granted in order for journalists to get up close and personal with these top-shelf vehicles.
Click the images below to open a high-resolution gallery of the premium automobiles that were on display at this year’s Detroit show.
Written By: Evan McCausland
December 27th, 2007 3:30 PM
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It’s a guess, but we’ll bet if you’re seriously interested in purchasing one of Rolls’ new Phantom Drophead Coupes, you’re also dismayed at the two-year-long waiting list to get one. If you’re willing to drop an extra $250,000 (on top of the $407,000 MSRP base price) and forgo the opportunity to personalize the car, this Drophead currently listed on eBay may be right for you.
(Click through for more on this eBay-bound Rolls)
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Written By: Seyth Miersma
December 4th, 2007 3:00 PM
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As we reported earlier, the world’s oldest surviving Rolls-Royce went under the gavel yesterday, and came away from auction as the most expensive veteran class car sale of all time.
(Click through the jump to read on about the sale of the 1904 Rolls-Royce.)
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Written By: Seyth Miersma
October 19th, 2007 10:37 AM
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Just days after we reported on the sale at auction of the 1911 Oldsmobile Limited touring car, an even older, dearer antique motor is ready to go under the gavel.
The world’s oldest surviving Rolls-Royce, in a freshly restored state of repair, will go up for auction at Bonhams in London on December 3rd of this year.
(Click through the jump to read more about this historic Rolls-Royce.)
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Written By: Seyth Miersma
September 27th, 2007 11:45 AM
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Amid a morning of rumors concerning the company’s plans for the near future, BMW chief Norbert Reithofer delivered a speech to the supervisory board outlining company goals for the next five to ten years.
Reithofer confirmed plans for several vehicles that will help the company reach its target of selling two million vehicles per year by 2020. The X1 crossover will join the recently-announced X6 as an addition to BMW’s successful SUV/CUV range, as well as a Mini-based SUV.
The BMW Gran Turismo, a four-door coupe, is being developed based on the CS concept shown at the Shanghai Auto Show. A third variant of the Rolls-Royce Phantom will be developed, as well as a new, sub-Phantom Roller.
Reithofer also mentions exploring a new segment with what he calls a Progressive Activity Sedan, or PAS. Of this, the BMW CEO only tells us to expect the unexpected, calling the concept “its own interpretation of the sedan,” and not a “space functional concept.” Oh Norbert, how you tease.
As far as the rumor of BMW’s acquisition of a fourth brand? Well the short answer is “not yet.” Reithofer doesn’t rule the possibility out, but does say that none of the brands that they have studied met the company’s criteria.
(Click on the jump to read Dr. Reithofer’s speech to the board.)
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Written By: Chris Paukert
July 30th, 2007 2:46 PM
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The Spirit of Ecstasy looks to be in good form, as Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is on track to eclipse 1000 units next year. According to a new article in Ward’s, Rolls is “operationally profitable” now, and should be in even finer fettle once the new Phantom Drophead Coupe weighs in on the bottom line.
The nautical-by-nature convertible will likely account for around 100 units this year, with around double that number scheduled for assembly next year.
Ward’s also took the time to note some interesting things about the prototypical RR buyer. Most apparently have at least three homes, with around 30 percent having use of a corporate jet. Better still, in excess of 40 percent have their own yachts, and one even owns a nuclear power plant. Excellent.
+ Ward’s Auto: Drophead Coupe to Drive Rolls to Record Sales
+ WINDING ROAD: 2008 Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe Road Test
Written By: Chris Paukert
June 27th, 2007 8:48 AM
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Rolls-Royce North America is getting a new president. Paul Ferraiolo, previously the luxury marque’s head of global marketing, will take the reins from Peter Miles, who is moving to become vice-president of BMW North America’s central region.
Ferraiolo has been with Rolls since 2004, after having been a product planner at Land Rover North America. He has been in the auto industry for some 27 years.
+ The Star Ledger: Garden State Business Briefs (P2)
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