2009 Rolls-Royce: What's New for 2009

After last year's introduction of the Phantom Drophead Coupe, Rolls-Royce follows up with the launch of a proper coupe, the 2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe. Changes are minor on the existing Phantom sedan and convertible.

2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom: Rolls-Royce designers have changed the standard trim on the glovebox and the rotary control knob housing. Five new exterior colors are added to the factory palette, but why bother with the factory paint when Rolls will mix up any color you desire?

2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe: Unveiled in production form at the 2008 Geneva Auto Show, the 2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe goes on sale in the U.S. in October 2008.

Not surprisingly, the Phantom Coupe is identical in dimensions to the Drophead Coupe, and it's available with the same arresting brushed steel hood. Motivation comes from the familiar 6.7-liter V12 rated at 453 horsepower at 5,350 rpm and 531 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. A six-speed automatic transmission drives the rear wheels, and the 0-60-mph claim is 5.6 seconds (this is a heavy car, remember). Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.

One interesting feature in the cabin is the availability of something Rolls-Royce calls a "starlight" headliner. We call it the planetarium option, as hand-assembled fiber optics in the headliner give the impression of a star-filled sky. The lighting can be adjusted in intensity from a soft glow to a full reading light.

2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe: Yet another variety of wood veneer is available for paneling the cabin, and there are some floor mat options as well. You can also integrate your iPod into the 2009 Phantom Drophead Coupe. In addition, 21-inch wheels are standard this year, and the Michelin PAX run-flat tire system is no longer available.