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.

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.

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

Recalls: Rolls-Royce 3C68 Phantom Coupe

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Rolls-Royce 3C68 Phantom Coupe

• In April 2012, a recall was issued for Rolls-Royce Series I Phantom Coupe vehicles that were available for prior to 30 November 2009. In these vehicles, engine oil from the brake vacuum pump could enter the brake vacuum line and result in a reduction in power braking assistance (PRA 2012/13108).

Problems and faults: Rolls-Royce 3C68 Phantom Coupe

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

Problems and faults: Rolls-Royce 3C68 Phantom Coupe

No troubleshooting information is currently available for the Rolls-Royce 3C68 Phantom Coupe.

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… Read full Rolls-Royce 3C68 Phantom Coupe review

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Images: Rolls-Royce 3C68.II Phantom Coupe (2012-16)

Released in August 2012, the Rolls-Royce 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. The Rolls-Royce 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.

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Rolls-Royce: Phantom Coupe at night

Please note these videos are applicable to vehicles as they are supplied to their respective markets. As such, the features, prices and performance of the vehicles in these videos may differ from those which are supplied in Australia.

Autocar: Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe