Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II gets 2012 upgrade

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is presenting the Phantom Series II range at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. Changes are minimal, of course.

The Rolls-Royce Phantom Saloon, Phantom Drophead Coupé and Phantom Coupé have been updated with more modern technologies, as well as enhancements to the drive-train and the in-car gadgetry. They say the changes “enhance its effortlessness in-use, waftability and the famous Rolls-Royce magic carpet ride.”

The new Phantom’s new front-end has re-styled bumpers and rectangular light apertures, with fully-LED headlamps as standard. Curve-light functionality uses electronically-controlled reflectors to focus headlamp beams in the direction of travel. Adaptive headlights change the cone of light projected onto a road in response to different driving speeds.

New driver-assistance technologies and a modern user interface with re-designed multimedia controller have been introduced for Phantom Series II. The new navigation system, for example, has been fully updated with functions that include 3D maps with landscape topography, guided tours and enhanced points of interest, as well as composite route planning. Information, maps and video content are presented on a larger 8.8-inch display, a feature underlined by eight programmable bookmarks in chrome presenting access to key functions. Front, rear and top-view camera systems now help when manoeuvring in tight spaces.

Improvements in a drivetrain include a new 8-speed automatic gearbox and rear differential, mated to a V12 direct-injection engine which now has 10% lower fuel consumption and lesser emissions. Further details will be revealed later.

The Rolls-Royce Phantom Series I was first launched on January 2003, following a five-year development phase, under BMW’s ownership. The company also built its headquarters and production site on the historic Goodwood estate, in the heart of the English countryside. In 2005, Rolls-Royce launched a Phantom Extended Wheelbase Saloon. This was followed by the launch of the open-top Phantom Drophead Coupé in 2007 and the Phantom Coupé in 2008. The Series II would be the model’s first significant update.

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