Fast and luxurious is this coupé

Two years ago Rolls-Royce Motor Cars unveiled 101EX, an experimental car meant to explore a new design direction for a modern coupé.

However, the worldwide reaction to the 101EX was so encouraging that the company decided to produce the car.

The result is the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupé that was recently launched in the Middle East.

Frank Tiemann, Corporate Communications Manager, Europe and Middle East, told Emirates Business: "The Phantom Coupé is the latest addition to the Phantom family, consisting of Phantom, Phantom Extended Wheelbase and the convertible Phantom Drophead Coupé. It's not a limited edition but we have to ask our customers for their patience as the waiting list leads well into 2009."

Even though the Dh2.5 million coupé is the most driver-orientated model in the Phantom line and is very contemporary in appearance, it still incorporates timeless Rolls-Royce design cues.

For example the long bonnet, large-diameter wheels, short front and long rear overhangs and the classic dynamic, rising profile are all there.

Also in true Rolls-Royce tradition, the cabin's interiors are all supple leather, rich wood grains and cool chrome.

As it is a driver's car and has been designed to cover great distances with the minimum of fuss, it has a 6.75-litre V12, engine under its long bonnet, producing a phenomenal 453 bhp and 720 Nm of torque.

Tiemann said: "The Coupé is engineered with the driver in mind. The governed top speed of the Phantom Coupé is 250 kmph and it can accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in 5.8 seconds.

"However, driving this coupé is more about arriving in an utmost relaxed condition even after long distances than to drive as fast as possible.

"Our aim is to offer effortless power, the feeling of riding a magic carpet. This applies to the entire Phantom family with different interpretations. Sir Henry Royce spoke about the certain "fizz" for his cars, and we are convinced that the new Coupé offers that fizz."

However, there have been some significant design changes. The front coach-doors are rear-hinged. Not only does it enable all passengers to enter and exit more gracefully, these doors also offer safety benefits as the rear hinging allows an uninterrupted A-pillar, which adds significantly to the car's overall torsional rigidity. For ease of operation, the doors can be closed at the simple touch of a button.

There is also an optional camera, nestled below the front numberplate, that transmits a split-screen view of the road ahead when pulling out of a side road or parking.

At the rear, another camera is fitted beneath the chrome boot-lid handle, to aid reversing manoeuvres. Another wonderful yet optional feature is the full-length starlight headlining, which incorporates hundreds of tiny fibre optics to give the impression of a star-filled night sky.

Tiemann said: "As a more romantic aspect the interior can be illuminated by an optional starlight headliner, more than 1,600 hand placed fibre-optics give the impression of a star-filled night sky."

The Phantom Coupé has 21-inch tyres with run-flat capability that in the unfortunate event of a flat tyre, can run for at least 160km at speeds of up to 80kmph before the tyre has to be replaced. As well as being convenient, this run-flat technology negates the need for spare wheels and a jack, freeing up space in the luggage compartment.

At the rear is a spacious picnic boot. A split tail compartment that opens in two parts, gives easy access to 395 litres of space. The lower tailgate also provides a comfortable seating platform for two adults when lowered.

Tiemann said: "In comparison to the four-door Phantom and the Drophead Coupé there are some subtle but impactful differences, e.g. the stiffer suspension, different gear shift ratios and steering transmission provide a more direct feedback from the street."

The Phantom Coupé's lightweight and rigid structure, the most torsionally stiff in the Phantom line, provides the foundation for its excellent dynamic abilities and safety.

The safety of the space frame is enhanced by other safety systems controlled by the Intelligent Safety and Information System. This takes readings from sensors located throughout the car and, in the event of an impact, makes up to 4000 calculations a second to establish its severity, deploying safety systems as necessary. These include intelligent braking and restraint systems, such as Dynamic Stability Control and Dynamic Traction Control, seatbelt pre-tensioners and any of the six airbags.

The objective of the Phantom Coupé engineering team was to create a driving experience that was entirely true to Rolls-Royce, yet noticeably more dynamic.

A sport button on the steering wheel activates a new gearbox programme where each gear is held for longer, increasing the rate of acceleration. Kick-down is also faster and accelerator pedal response enhanced.

Tiemann said: "Rolls-Royce is all about exclusivity and individuality, every Phantom in the Middle East region has a set of bespoke features. The Rolls-Royce bespoke programme allows customers to create unique features and specifications for their cars. For example, customers can choose from more than 44,000 different colours for the exterior and you have an unlimited choice for the interior. For everything else your imagination is the limit."

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