- Refined, effortless 6.75-litre V12 engine
- Supremely comfortable, cosseting ride
- Outstanding interior materials and craftsmanship
- Quiet, well-insulated cabin
- Direct, precise steering
- Weight blunts agility
- Some body roll when cornering
- High running, servicing and depreciation costs
Review: Rolls-Royce 3C68.I Phantom Coupe (2008-12)
Overview
Released in October 2008, the Rolls-Royce 3C68 Series I (3C68.I) Phantom Coupe was a prestige coupe. Manufactured in Goodwood, England, the rear-wheel drive 3C68 Phantom Coupe was powered by a 6.75-litre petrol V12 engine that was mated to a six-speed ZF automatic transmission.
V12 engine
The 6.75-litre V12 engine featured direct fuel injection, double overhead camshafts (per cylinder bank), fully variable valve-lift control and variable valve timing, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 11.0:1. Although peak torque was 720 Nm at 3500 rpm, 560 Nm was available from 1000 rpm.
Dimensions
Like the 1S68 Phantom on which it was based, the Phantom Coupe had an aluminium space frame chassis and rear-hinged doors. Compared to the Phantom, however, the Phantom Coupe was 225 mm shorter (at 5609 mm), 3 mm narrower (1987 mm), 34 mm lower (1598 mm) and had a 250 mm shorter wheelbase (3320 mm).
Suspension
The Phantom Coupe had double wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension, both featuring self-levelling air springs and electronic damper control.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phantom Coupe | 6.75-litre petrol V12 | 6sp auto | 338 kW at 5350 rpm | 720 Nm at 3500 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Phantom Coupe included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control with corner braking control, rollover stability control, traction control, active front seat head restraints and seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters for the front and outer rear seats.
Features
Standard Phantom Coupe features included 21-inch alloy wheels, a fifteen speaker sound system with six-disc CD player, four-zone climate control air conditioning, leather upholstery, power adjustable front seats, heated seats, satellite navigation, TV tuner, cooled glovebox, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, voice recognition, car phone, bi-xenon headlights with washers, front fog lights, front and rear cameras, front and rear parking sensors, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, power folding mirrors with automatic dipping on reverse, powered park brake, a power adjustable steering wheel, memory settings (steering wheel, front seats, mirrors), courtesy lights, 12 volt power outlets, tinted windows, tyre pressure monitoring, a trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser.
Related links
- Brochure: Rolls-Royce 3C68 Phantom Coupe (February 2008)
- Brochure: Rolls-Royce Phantom, Phantom Coupe and Phantom Drophead Coupe (April 2010)
- Rolls-Royce and Bentley: Rolls-Royce 3C68 Phantom Coupe
Review: Rolls-Royce 3C68.II Phantom Coupe (2012-16)
Overview
Released in August 2012, the 3C68 Series II (3C68.II) Phantom Coupe introduced an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. Furthermore, the Phantom’s aluminium spaceframe was reinforced with the addition of brace bars which also enabled the introduction of an optional dynamic package.
Visually, the 3C68.II Phantom Coupe could be identified by its re-styled bumpers, single-piece grille surround, rectangular light apertures that framed full-LED light clusters and new front wing R-R badges. The new headlights also featured direction and adaptive functions.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phantom Coupe | 6.75-litre petrol V12 | 8sp auto | 338 kW at 5350 rpm | 720 Nm at 3500 rpm |
Features
Inside, the 3C68.II Phantom Coupe featured a new 8.8-inch centre display (previously 6.5-inches), new chrome controllers within the centre console and rear centre arm rest. Furthermore, the lower glove box contained AV connectors and a six-DVD changer, while the centre recess will also housed a 12 volt power socket and USB and auxiliary inputs. The satellite navigation system was also updated with 3D maps, guided tours, points of interest and composite route planning.
The 3C68.II Phantom Coupe was also fitted with five cameras – two in the front bumper, two on the underside of each door mirror and one in the boot lid – which could combine-16 a ‘fish eye’ view at blind junctions, ground images with obstacle recognition and reverse parking guidelines.
Related links
- Rolls-Royce Press Club: Phantom Series II – Press Kit (March 2013)
- Rolls-Royce Motor Cars: Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe
- Wikipedia.org: Rolls-Royce 3C68 Phantom Coupe
