- 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 1S68.I Phantom (2003-12)
Overview
Released in September 2003, the Rolls-Royce 1S68 Series I (1S68.I) Phantom was a large, prestige sedan. Manufactured in Goodwood, England, the rear-wheel drive 1S68 Phantom was powered by a 6.75-litre petrol V12 engine that was mated to a six-speed ZF automatic transmission.
N73B67 V12 engine
The 6.75-litre N73B67 V12 engine had an aluminium-silicon alloy (‘Alusil’) crankcase with an open-deck design, a forged steel crankshaft, cracked forged steel connecting roads, iron-coated cast aluminium alloy pistons, aluminium alloy cylinder heads, double overhead camshafts per cylinder bank (chain-driven), four valves per cylinder, variable intake and exhaust valve timing (double VANOS), variable intake valve lift (‘Valvetronic’), direct fuel injection and a compression ratio of 11.0:1. Although peak torque was 720 Nm at 3500 rpm, 560 Nm was available from 1000 rpm.
| Wheelbase | Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 2003-12 | 6.75-litre N73B67 petrol V12 |
6sp auto | 338 kW at 5350 rpm | 720 Nm at 3500 rpm |
| Extended (‘EWB’) | 2006-12 |
Dimensions
With its aluminium space frame chassis and rear-hinged doors, the standard Rolls-Royce Phantom was 5834 mm long, 1990 mm wide, 1632 mm tall and had a 3570 mm long wheelbase. In 2006, however, the Phantom range was expanded with the introduction of an extended wheelbase model which had a 250 mm longer wheelbase (at 3820 mm) and overall length (6084 mm).
Suspension
The Rolls-Royce Phantom 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 Rolls-Royce 1S68.I Phantom included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, active front seat head restraints and seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters for all seats.
Features
Standard features for the Rolls-Royce Phantom included 20-inch alloy wheels, a fifteen speaker sound system with six-disc CD player, dual zone climate control air conditioning, leather upholstery, satellite navigation, TV tuner, power adjustable front seats, heated seats, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, voice recognition, car phone, rear camera, cooled glovebox, bi-xenon headlights with washers, front fog lights, front and rear parking sensors, cooled glovebox, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, power folding mirrors with automatic dipping when reversing, powered park brake, 12 volt power outlets, a power adjustable steering column, memory settings (driver’s seat), courtesy lamps, tinted windows, tyre pressure monitoring, a trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser.
2009 model year update
In late 2008, the Phantom was updated for the 2009 model year. Inside, the 2009 Phantom introduced a rear RCA component input for audio and visual connectivity to the 12-inch monitors mounted within the picnic tables, front and rear door cappings with integrated grab handles and bi-directional double reading lights in the C-pillar. Other changes included the repositioning of the rear climate control, volume control and power window switches within a wood veneer panel in the door. Visually, the 2009 Phantom could be identified by its 21-inch cast aluminium wheels, streamlined front bumper, shallower grille and LED door handle illumination.
Related links
Review: Rolls-Royce 1S68.II Phantom (2012-17)
Overview
Released in August 2012, the Rolls-Royce 1S68 Series II (1S68.II) Phantom 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 1S68.II Phantom could be identified by its re-styled bumpers, rectangular light apertures that framed full-LED light clusters, new front wing R-R badges and stainless steel rear bumper highlights. The new headlights also featured direction and adaptive functions.
| Wheelbase | Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 2012-17 | 6.75-litre N73B67 petrol V12 |
8sp auto | 338 kW at 5350 rpm | 720 Nm at 3500 rpm |
| Extended (‘EWB’) | 2012-17 |
Features
Inside, the Rolls-Royce 1S68.II Phantom 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 Rolls-Royce 1S68.II Phantom 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 to present 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 and Bentley: Rolls-Royce 1S68 Phantom
- Rolls-Royce Motor Cars: Rolls-Royce Phantom
- Wikipedia.org: Rolls-Royce 1S68 Phantom
