2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe

The Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe is the latest addition to the automaker's growing line of vehicles. The new car follows in the footsteps of the new Drophead Coupe, which is a convertible version of the Phantom. The two are closely related, with obvious clues from the 100EX concept car.

The large driver-oriented grand tourer is powered by the company's 6.75-liter V12 that produces 453 horsepower, 531 pound-feet of torque -- with nearly 400 lb-ft, or 75 percent, available at just 1,000 rpm -- and has segment-leading fuel economy thanks to modern technology such as direct injection and variable valve and camshaft control. A 25 percent increase in fuel capacity, compared to the Drophead Coupe, adds significant driving range. Electronic driving aids are integrated into the car's anti-lock braking and traction control system to ensure the behemoth is never out of shape.

At the core of the Phantom Coupe is an aluminum chassis. The lightweight unibody structure is hand made, requiring over 430 feet of welding.

The Phantom Coupe features rear-hinged coach doors which add considerably to the ease of access to the rear seats as well as to the overall aesthetics. According to the automaker, they also aid the overall stiffness of the body as the rear hinged doors allow for an uninterrupted A-pillar helping to make this the most torsionally rigid Rolls-Royce ever. A brushed steel finish of A-pillar and hood, as seen first on 100EX Concept, is also available for the Coupe.

The Drophead's Picnic Boot, a split opening tailgate trunk, is likewise retained. A choice of three 21-inch wheel styles is available at no additional cost.

"Rolls-Royce has always been about pace, performance and style," Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Chief Designer, Ian Cameron, said. "The dynamic drive of the Phantom has always come as a surprise to customers and the Coupé takes it one step further."