Rolls-Royce confirms plans to build convertible

Rolls-Royce during a press conference at the Detroit auto show this week confirmed plans to build a convertible version of its Phantom sedan. "Looking slightly further ahead, we are now fully engaged in preparations for the arrival of the new convertible - in fact trial production at Goodwood is already underway." The new Rolls-Royce convertible will be smaller than the Phantom, but will share much of its technology and engineering. The structure will be of similar light-weight aluminum space frame construction and the car will share the same 6.75 litre V-12 engine as the Phantom. According to the company, production is slated to begin at Goodwood in 2007. "Reaction from potential customers has already been so strong that we are running out of build slots," the company said. Recently, spy photographers captured images of a prototype for the convertible. (Pictured right is the Rolls-Royce 100EX concept car).