Have you ever commissioned an artist to create something for your car? Rolls-Royce is now giving you the opportunity. The 8th generation Phantom has arrived, and it is the first car to have a blank canvas on the dash. The open area in front of the passenger can be emblazoned with anything your heart desires, and it is then sealed for life under coats of lacquer. This is just one of the reasons why the new Phantom needs to be part of your collection.
The previous generation ended with the 2017 model year. It is hard to believe it was in production for 14 years, so a new Phantom has been long overdue. As the flagship of the brand, the new car is the first Phantom to be fully designed by their parent company. BMW purchased Rolls-Royce cars in 1998, and development of the Phantom 7 was already underway.
Toyota 2JZ Powered Rolls-Royce Phantom
You can’t rush perfection, so Phantom VIII began as a clean sheet of paper. Managers gave engineers the green light for an all-new chassis. The new aluminum space frame is 30% stronger overall, and 100% stronger around the suspension and engine mounts. This allows the active air suspension to run a lower spring rate, which makes for a plush ride. This chassis is a benchmark for the world, so it will also be used on all future RR models.
Electric steering has finally arrived, with the same level of comfort as any hydraulic system. The biggest news is that it controls all four wheels. Rear steering will make the Nimitz-sized sedan easier to maneuver. Active sway bars are integrated with the air springs to completely eliminate body roll.
Under the hood is a new version of the 6.75 liter V12. It shares displacement with its predecessor, but this new monster is coupled to twin turbos. Forced induction allows it to offer 563 horsepower. Torque measures in at only 664 lb-ft, which is available at only 1,700 rpm. The 8-speed ZF automatic is similar to the same gearbox they offer to everyone else, but Rolls-Royce uses GPS to help you choose the correct gear. Using an onboard map, if the car knows twisty roads are imminent, a lower gear is selected to produce a spirited ride.
Phantom VIII is also as silent as a library. It arrives with 286 lbs of sound insulation, and without the hokey active noise cancellation found on lesser brands. The heavy-duty tires needed to support such weight are also filled with foam to soak up the road noise. By any measure, it is the quietest car on the road. Another interior innovation is an all-new interface. Instead of a re-skinned iDrive system, Rolls-Royce has an intuitive menu designed to keep your eyes on the road.
We have a few hundred more reasons why the new Phantom is worthy of your consideration, but the quality and attention to detail speaks for itself. Click on the link below to find our dealer near you and stay with us for all your Rolls Royce news.
