rolls-royce

The Rolls-Royce Phantom gets stretched

Given the wild proliferation of stretch limos on the road today, we've always appreciated Rolls-Royce's restraint in preserving its traditional form. So it was with some trepidation that we learned of its newly extended version of the classic Phantom.

But thankfully, RR hasn't lost its senses in designing its stretched model, which has an extended-wheelbase that's 25 centimeters longer (just under 10 inches). The extension supposedly provides more leg room for the rear seats, though fellow Craver (and auto guru) Kevin Massy observes that the interior doesn't seem significantly more spacious than the original model, … Read more

BMW Group to build four new models by 2012

At its management board meeting powwow in Munich yesterday, BMW shed some light on its plans for future models, revealing that it plans to launch four new models by 2012. According to Dr. Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management at BMW, the new models include:

The BMW X1, a mini SUV, which will presumably be based on the same platform as the 1-Series coupe that is scheduled to go on sale in the U.S. next year. A four-door Gran Turismo sedan, based on the BMW CS concept from this year's Shanghai auto show. A coupe version … Read more

Crave got a sweet ride

What costs $375,000, draws points and stares wherever it goes, and has carpet made of 100 percent pure panda*? It's the 2007 Rolls-Royce Phantom, and it's our ride for this week's Crave!

We run the gamut today from D.I.Y to totally pimped-out (plasma-screen stairway, anyone?). Donald has also posted his slide show and more info about the Little Professor MP3 player.

Thanks to Wayne Cunningham again for being our chauffeur for the afternoon! I knew that parallel park-off champion title would be good for something!

*Not actually panda at all, but it sure felt … Read more

Photo roundup: A day out in the Rolls, Nissan Altima Hybrid, and Samsung NV7 OPS

We're milking all we can out of having the swanky 2007 Rolls-Royce Phantom in our hands. Today we have some photos of what a typical day might look like if Car Tech editors owned this car. Trips to museums, reading The Wall Street Journal as they're chauffeured around, and even a ride to work? Hey! No one told me they were giving out rides. It sure beats the stinky ol' bus!

We also have pictures of the 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid, perhaps a more affordable choice for the rest of us. And take a look at the Samsung … Read more

Slide show roundup: Rolls-Royce Phantom, 10 pretty cars, and YouTube on Apple TV

So, someone over at Rolls-Royce trusted our Car Tech guys enough to lend them a 2007 Rolls-Royce Phantom to review. Wow--fancy! It even has a hood ornament that retracts into the hood when the doors are locked. Now no one will steal the "Spirit of Ecstasy" and make a necklace. Is car bling still cool? Is the word "bling" even cool?

Anyway, we also have some pictures of the 10 most attractive cars that CNET has reviewed. Plus, there are photos of the Sprint Mogul by HTC and a look at YouTube videos on Apple TV. … Read more

Rollin' in a Rolls

At CNET Car Tech, we got to spend three days with a 2007 Rolls-Royce Phantom, and found out that evaluating a $375,000 car isn't easy. There is an indefinable refinement to the Phantom in its hand-built interior. The attention from bystanders as you roll down the street lets you know you are behind the wheel of something special. There is a care and attention to detail in the construction of a Rolls-Royce that other cars, stamped out in factories, don't receive.

The profile of the Phantom employs a few optical illusions that took us some time to … Read more

Just another bulletproof Rolls Royce

It may have been awhile since we've seen a wave of highway shootings (thankfully), but some people apparently can never have too many bulletproof cars--especially if one of them is a Rolls Royce. The legendary automobile house has released the "Armored Phantom" in partnership with an "unspecified security company," Sybarites says rather cryptically, adding to the uber-vehicle's 007 appeal.

"The Phantom features VR7-level security which includes thickened glass, heavy-duty steel body panels and run-flat tires," it adds, though the weight of the additional security means that it won't be as … Read more

Rolls-Royce builds the most beautiful car

Opinions differ wildly when it comes to automotive design, but no one could deny the sheer beauty of Rolls-Royce's new Phantom Drophead Coupe. The second car in Rolls-Royce's rejuvenated model lineup, the Drophead takes the elegance of the Phantom and adds exterior elements that make it more sporty and downright lovely. The most obvious elements are the brushed steel hood, which creates a nice two-tone effect with the body, and the teak cover for the convertible top, reminiscent of a Chris-Craft powerboat.

Ostensibly a convertible version of the Phantom, the Drophead Coupe shares very little with its hardtop … Read more

Which nation has the priciest Rolls?

Not the United States (you knew it wouldn't be that easy), and not Rolls-Royce's native England. In fact, it's not a Western country at all. It's China.

An anonymous Beijing property developer has purchased a $2.2 million "super-limo" that includes an LCD media system and other state-of-the-art technologies, according to the BBC, as well as two rows of rear seats that face each other. (We're not sure why either, but that's what they said.)

The record was reported along with a contract to sell 14 Rolls-Royce Phantoms to Hong Kong's … Read more