THE new Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe will cost slightly less than the $1.8 million convertible version when it arrives here in September.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars this week announced that it will unveil the coupe at next month's Geneva Motor Show. The Coupe is the third model in the Phantom line-up, after the limousine and the convertible, called the Drophead Coupe.
Production of the new fixed-head coupe will start at the Goodwood factory in England this summer, and Singapore buyers can expect delivery of their cars by the end of the year.
Karsono Kwee, executive chairman of the Eurokars Group, which represents Rolls-Royce in Singapore, is optimistic that the coupe will appeal to existing Phantom owners as well as new customers.
This is because those who have been eyeing a smaller Rolls-Royce would probably have already bought the Drophead Coupe convertible. But this is a conservative number, he says. 'We know there are some people who are waiting for this car and are looking forward to its launch in September this year.'
Last year, seven Rolls-Royce cars were registered in Singapore. The forecast for this year is 12 units, including five units of the recently launched Drophead Coupe.
Luxury on wheels: The coupe has a 6.75-litre V12 engine producing 453 hp and its 25 per cent higher fuel capacity allows an extended driving range
The BMW Group, which owns Rolls-Royce, sold a record 1,010 units of the ultra-luxury car in 2007, a 25 per cent increase from the previous year. As with the first two models, the coupe will have the same aluminium chassis and 6.75-litre V12 engine producing 453 hp. But its 25 per cent higher fuel capacity compared with the Drophead Coupe allows an extended driving range.
The coupe, described as the most driver-orientated model in the Phantom line-up, will also feature the by now familiar rear-hinged coach doors for easier access to the rear lounge seats. And like the convertible, there will be a brushed stainless steel bonnet and a picnic boot.
Mr Kwee says that the coupe and the convertible versions appeal to two very different segments because of their styling and their appeal.
'Some customers like to drive the car themselves but feel that the Phantom limousine is too big, so the Coupe will be perfect for them,' he explains.
This article was first published in The Business Times on Feb 23 2008.
