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.jpg "2006 Rolls-Royce Phantom Extended Wheelbase")
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Introduction
Mercedes-Benz builds fine cars, as do Jaguar and Lexus. But when one considers the ultimate in luxury automobiles, there's no beating Rolls-Royce. This historic British marquee currently sells the $328,000 Phantom, an exquisitely crafted sedan that is reserved for the social elite, with the busiest dealership being in, not surprisingly, Beverly Hills. Making its debut at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit is an all-new version, the 2006 Rolls-Royce Extended Wheelbase Phantom. Like the regular length model, the Extended Wheelbase Phantom draws power from a 6.75-liter V12 that generates 453 horsepower at 5,350 rpm and a brutal 531 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,500 rpm. A six-speed transmission delivers motivation to the rear wheels, and helps to propel this Rolls to 60 mph in just under six seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 149 mph. Not bad for a car that weighs in at about 5,700 pounds, or roughly 160 pounds more than the traditional Phantom. With that extra weight comes ten inches of extra length, all of added rear of the B-pillar. Subsequently, rear legroom has increased from 37.3 inches to nearly 57 inches, so you won't even have to remove your stilts before getting in. Entering and exiting the rear seat is aided by doors that have been stretched by about ten inches and open 80 degrees. Finally, the Extended Wheelbase Phantom gets a new, longer roof panel. News of a bigger Phantom was just part of Rolls-Royce press conference in Detroit. Chairman and CEO, Ian Robertson, reported that a new convertible based on the 100EX concept car is slated for production. It will be smaller than the Phantom, yet will draw power from the familiar V12 engine.
By Staff
Photo Credit: Rolls-Royce
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