- Refined, effortless 6.75-litre V8 engine
- The finest interior materials and craftsmanship
- Supremely comfortable ride
- Out-dated three-speed automatic transmission prior to 1991
- Sheer mass and soft suspension tune make for boat-like handling
- High running and maintenance costs
Overview
Released in late 1989, the Rolls-Royce Mk.II Silver Spirit was a prestige saloon. Manufactured in Crewe, England, the rear-wheel drive Mk.II Silver Spirit was powered by a 6.75-litre V8 petrol engine that was initially mated to a three-speed automatic transmission, with a four-speed offered from 1992.
Compared to its Mk.I predecessor, the Mk.II Silver Spirit could be identified by its aluminium alloy wheels (a first for Rolls-Royce motor vehicles) and redesigned dashboard with additional ventilation outlets. Whereas the Mk.I Silver Spirit vehicles had serial numbers that started at 20000, the Mk.II Silver Spirit vehicles started at 30000.
V8 engine
The 6.75-litre V8 petrol engine had an aluminium-silicon alloy cylinder block, aluminium alloy cylinder heads, two valves per cylinder and Bosch K Motronic fuel injection and ignition control. Supplied by General Motors, the three-speed TMH400 automatic transmission was used due to its high torque capacity. From 1992, however, General Motors’ electronically-controlled 4L80E four-speed automatic transmission was used.
Dimensions
The Silver Spirit was 5268 mm long, 1887 mm wide, 1485 mm tall and had a 3061 mm long wheelbase; kerb weight was 2350 kg.
Suspension
The Silver Spirit had independent front suspension with lower wishbones and independent rear suspension with semi-trailing arms and a self-levelling function. For the Mk.II Silver Spirit, the suspension also featured an Automatic Ride Control (ARC) system which used electronically-controlled dampers. The ARC system used vertical and longitudinal accelerometers to measure body movement – interpreted by a micro-processor – and automatically engaged one of three damper settings: comfort, normal or firm. Firm mode was always employed when the car was stationary.
| Engine | Trans. | Years | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mk.II Silver Spirit | 6.75-litre petrol V8 | 3sp auto | 1989-91 | 166 kW at 4200 rpm (est.) | N/A |
| 4sp auto | 1992-93 |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Silver Spirit included a driver’s airbag and ABS.
Features
Standard features for the Silver Spirit included 15-inch alloy wheels, a ten speaker sound system with a radio, cassette player and CD player, climate control air conditioning, leather upholstery, power adjustable and heated front seats, cruise control, central locking, power windows and power mirrors.
Related links
- Rolls-Royce and Bentley: Rolls-Royce Mk.II Silver Spirit
- Wikipedia.org: Rolls-Royce Mk.II Silver Spirit
