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 Classic
Beauty
The Rolls-Royce Phantom
is truly a car apart.
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When
the BMW Group bought Rolls-Royce some feared the end of the
legendary marque. However, the design team for the next generation
of one of the world’s most famous automobiles was determined
to seamlessly incorporate the legacy and style of Rolls-Royce
into the technology and power of BMW.
The result is simply stunning. The 2004 Phantom is a classic
Rolls-Royce from the massive tires to the long, elegant hood
graced by the Spirit of Ecstasy to the decidedly luxurious
appointments of the cabin. It is a car designed for complete
pleasure and comfort.
While a Rolls may be perceived as a car in which to be chauffeured,
the Phantom is a “driver’s car.” With its
powerful engine the Phantom can accelerate from zero to 60
mph in 5.7 seconds, yet it more than lives up to the Rolls-Royce
hallmark of supremely quiet engines. The sheer mass of the
vehicle is offset by its lightweight aluminum-and-composite
construction.
The innovative technology is concealed within the exquisite
craftsmanship of the interior. The headliner is made of cashmere
and the upholstery is made of the highest quality leather.
Elegant appointments include beautifully chromed switches,
classic “organ stop” push/pull flow controls,
book-matched woodwork and tasteful accents of aluminum and
chrome. Yet the classically designed shift, push-button starter
and ignition key are all electronic, and an analog clock panel
conceals a display screen for the GPS navigation system. One
can control every system in the Phantom with voice commands
or manually.
Rear passengers luxuriate in lounge seating that seems to
have been designed for intimate conversation, ensured by the
oversize rear pillars that guarantee privacy from prying eyes.
Rich lambswool floor rugs ward off chilling drafts, as do
the six separate temperature zones and four individual fan
controls within the cabin. In case of inclement weather, umbrellas
are secreted inside each rear door. All in all, the new Phantom
is truly a Rolls-Royce for the twenty-first century.
Specifications:
Engine: 6.75-liter, double overhead cam, 48-valve V12 with
direct injection that delivers 453 hp. Performance: Accelerates
from zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds; top speed is 130 mph.
Transmission: Six-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive. Systems:
GPS navigation, Lexicon Logic7 450-watt, 15-speaker sound
system, built-in mobile phone system |
ELIZABETH
HILTS
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