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(from Rolls-Royce Press Release) Rolls-Royce presents one-off bespoke Drophead Coupé at Masterpiece London 2011

Rolls-Royce Motors Cars proudly presents a very special Phantom Drophead Coupé, hand-built by craftspeople at the home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, England. The highly bespoke model was designed to capture the essence of a perfect weekend get-away, offering drivers and their passengers the ultimate luxurious and relaxing experience in roof-down motoring.

As well as bespoke luggage, the Masterpiece London 2011 Drophead Coupé features a one-off Asprey jewellery box, housed discretely in the glove compartment. Designed for rings, cufflinks and earrings, it presents stylish and secure storage for these essential valuables before drivers and their passengers sink back into sumptuous leather seats, set the roof down and head out of town.

The model was created for Masterpiece London 2011 and hosts a suite of additional bespoke design details, including teak decking, engraved tread plates and Spirit of Ecstasy with inscription that marks the centenary of the world’s most famous bonnet icon.

The Masterpiece London 2011 Drophead Coupé is also the first Rolls-Royce to be presented in Mazarine Blue, a bespoke finish that joins a palette of 44,000 shades already available to clients ordering Phantom models. This eye-catching colour takes inspiration from the Mazarine Blue butterfly, a whimsical creature at home in continental Europe, which can still occasionally be seen wafting by in the South of England.

The luxurious natural-grain leather interior comes in Seashell with Navy Blue contrast for floor and door panels with embroidered R-R logos finished in headrests. With roof down, the car reveals its yacht-inspired teak decking, with mother-of-pearl inlays throughout cross-banded Santos Palissander wood veneers. White instrument dials, rotary controllers and clock finished in mother-of-pearl complete the design.

“We are delighted to present this outstanding Rolls-Royce at Masterpiece London 2011,” said Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “Craftsmanship and attention to detail shine through in features developed at Goodwood and in partnership with Asprey. It’s a model that demonstrates the breadth of our bespoke offering, where the only limit to what we can deliver is a client’s imagination.”

Asprey Jewellery Case

The Asprey jewellery case, which fits neatly into the passenger glove compartment, took two working days to finish, using a hide of softest grade-one suede cut into 15 separate pieces.

Its central earring holder is detachable and can be interchanged for use with clip earrings or stud styles. There are also two additional sections for elegant cufflinks, and a separate compartment for the owner’s most precious rings. An embossed silver foil Asprey stamp finishes this stunning one-off feature.

Bespoke Luggage

Designed in Goodwood, the bespoke luggage set can be found nestled neatly in the picnic boot of the Masterpiece London 2011 Drophead Coupé. The leather used to craft this bespoke set of four cases is of the highest quality and employs a traditional approach in its creation.

Hides were carefully selected for the firmness and grain structure then tanned in pits, a slow artisanal way of producing hard-wearing yet supple leather – and a process that takes four months to complete. The result is beautiful; a substantial material, in deep Navy Blue, that is also resistant to hard wear. Moreover the leather has a distinctive and intense aroma of vegetable tannins that come from the mix of bark, wood and berries used to stabilise and pigment the hides.

Masterpiece London 2011

Masterpiece London 2011 is held in the South Grounds of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, this unique Rolls-Royce is available for preview from Friday 29 June 2011. The fair runs from Saturday 30 June – Friday 5 July 2011. For further details please visit www.masterpiecefair.com

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• World debut for Ghost Extended Wheelbase
• Specially commissioned China Edition bespoke Ghost and Spirit of Ecstasy Centenary Collection cars presented
• First quarter global sales more than doublecompared to the same period in 2010
• China expansion plans announced

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars unveiled its new Ghost Extended Wheelbase model for the first time at the 14th Auto Shanghai Motor Show on Tuesday, 19 April 2011.

First world debut for a Rolls-Royce car in Asia Pacific

The ultra-luxury saloon, the sixth new model from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, caters for customers who require increased space and comfort without sacrificing Ghost’s unique balance of dynamism and poise.

The award-winning, four-seater Ghost has seen outstanding demand since its worldwide launch in 2009. Designed as a vision of simplicity, it is a Rolls-Royce that drives and rides in peerless fashion. Ghost Extended Wheelbase takes this principle further, designed as a car to drive or in which to be chauffeured. It will be built to order and is available in only limited numbers for 2011 until full production begins in 2012.

Ghost’s ample interior space is further enhanced in the Extended Wheelbase variant by the addition of 170mm to the car’s wheelbase, but with no detriment to the model’s balanced proportions and stunning contemporary design. Legroom is significantly enhanced with knee-room more than doubled compared to the standard Ghost.

Increased cabin space in the rear passenger compartment and a panoramic sunroof sets new standards for interior ambience and light. Effortless entry and exit for passengers further reinforces Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ pinnacle position in the ultra-luxury segment.

Powered by the acclaimed Rolls-Royce Ghost 6.6 litre twin turbo charged V12 engine which produces an effortless 563hp and 780Nm of torque at just 1,500rpm, Ghost Extended Wheelbase accelerates from 0-100km/h in just five seconds. An intelligent, four corner air suspension maintains a perfect balance between ride and handling.

On the unveiling of the new car, CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös said, “This latest Rolls-Royce is a model of outstanding design and unrivalled luxury. Ghost Extended Wheelbase delivers all the poise and dynamism enjoyed by discerning Ghost owners, with the indulgent experience of an extended wheelbase car. It is the very best of both worlds.

“This is the first time we have undertaken a world launch of a Rolls-Royce car in China, underscoring the strategic significance of this market and the Asia Pacific region. We expect to build on last year’s record growth, with further strong demand for Rolls-Royce models and a positive economic forecast throughout the region,” he added.

Bespoke models showcased

A highly bespoke China Edition Ghost is displayed for the first time, showcasing the company’s unique bespoke capabilities for the Chinese market. Featuring a stunning consort red interior, gold twin-coachlines, gold-plated Spirit of Ecstasy and stainless steel pinstripes, the modelis available to order in limited quantities by discerning Chinese customers. Three exclusive paint colours (Deep Garnet, Black Ember and Infinity), silver and gold packages (e.g. specially plated Spirit of Ecstasy, coachlines, Rolls-Royce inlays) and a number of other features have been developed for the China market.

Also presented for the first time in the Asia Pacific region are two highly-bespoke Spirit of Ecstasy Centenary Collection models featuring a host of design details that celebrate 100 years of the world’s most famous hood figurine. Specially commissioned for Auto Shanghai 2011, Phantom Extended Wheelbase Saloon is exhibited with a Rhapsody Black exterior and a sumptuous mix of Ardent Red and Seashell interior with Piano Black veneer. Also on the stand is a Phantom Drophead Coupé in Maiden Blue exterior, Navy Blue and seashellinterior with Straight Grained Oak and Ebony.

Customers from China and the rest of the Asia Pacific region represent the largest proportion of buyers worldwide for Centenary Collection cars, of which only 100 limited edition models are being built. Demand for bespoke Phantom models is also among the highest in the world. Through the Rolls-Royce Bespoke programme, customers can tailor individual features to one-off accessories for their cars, all designed and developed in-house at the Rolls-Royce Headquarters and Manufacturing Plant at Goodwood in England.

Robust first quarter sales worldwide

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars retailed a record number of cars globally in the first quarter of this year, more than doubling sales compared to the same period last year (+160%), with China again experiencing strong demand for cars. The company is on course for expansion in China, after record sales last year which saw dealerships in Beijing and Shanghai topping global sales.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has also announced it is in the process of establishing new dealers in Chongqing, Tianjin and Wuhan by the end of this year. Currently, Rolls-Royce has showrooms in Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Hong Kong, Ningbo, Shanghai and Shenzhen. The expansion plan will increase Rolls-Royce showrooms in China from 8 to 11, the most in a single market and second only to the United States.

Further expansion is expected to be announced in the rest of the Asia Pacific region throughout the year. Currently, the company’s presence spans 18 showrooms in the region and 81 worldwide.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars at Auto Shanghai 2011

The exhibition stand of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is at Hall N5 – Stand N513

Largest markets in the world for Rolls-Royce in 2010:

1. US
2. China
3. UK
4. UAE
5. Japan

Historical context:

It has taken Rolls-Royce Motor Cars just seven years to achieve record sales of 2,711 cars in 2010 since Phantom was first launched in 2003. It took Rolls-Royce Motors, the previous company, more than 70 years to achieve the same figure in a single year.

Model introductions: Phantom (2003); Phantom Extended Wheelbase (2005); Phantom Drophead Coupé (2007); Phantom Coupé (2008); Ghost (2009).

Ghost Extended Wheelbase:

China pricing: from 5.118 million RMB (including taxes)*

*Pricing dependent on customer specification – each Rolls-Royce is unique

**Global pricing varies from region to region depending on equipment package and local taxes

Options include Black stained Ash wood with stainless steel pinstripes, contrast stitching, coolbox including champagne flutes, rear privacy telephone, Rolls-Royce logos to headrest

Key specifications:

No. of doors/seats: 4/5
Vehicle length: 5569mm
Vehicle width: 1948mm
Vehicle height: 1550mm
Wheelbase: 3465mm
Engine: 6.6 litre twin turbocharged V12
Gearbox: 8-speed ZF
Power: 563 bhp/ 420kW
Torque: 575 lb/ft / 780Nm@1500rpm

Mansory has done it again. This time to a Limited Edition Rolls-Royce White Ghost. Subtle modifications are made to increase the car’s beauty and add a little sportiness to the more luxurious car. Mansory boosts the horsepower up to 629 and torque up to 634 — Very impressive numbers for a tank like this. You can enjoy a 4.5 second zero to 62 miles per hour and a top speed of 180 mph. This upgrade will run you $152,407 on top of the price of the standard Ghost. Kourosh Mansory, the company’s founder, has again proved his design skills to build a very luxurious and well built automobile.

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Three of a kind –
MANSORY upgrades the “little” Rolls-Royce to the strictly limited White Ghost Limited

Based on the Rolls-Royce Ghost concept, the vehicle-customizer Kourosh Mansory presents one of the three limited luxury-car specimens. Subtle modifications designed to increase the car’s elegance and add a touch of sportiness are priority. The latter especially, is achieved by adapting the engine-electronic in an impressive manner, which results in increased overall performance. A unique overall concept with exclusive features emerges.

Sophisticated elegance characterises the White Ghost’s Limited image. The name ties into the theme here: MANSORY wraps the Rolls-Royce’s silhouette in a subtle white hue. It accents the car’s body style as well as its understated upgrades in an optimal and stylish manner. The new front-end featuring additional LED daytime running lights and vertical air outlets on the sides, directly beneath the serial cooling grill are distinct eye-catchers. This is in perfect harmony with MANSORY’s side skirts, the rear view mirrors on each side, the rear spoiler as well as the rear apron with implied diffuser and dual sport-exhaust-system.

The sportiness implied by the exterior-kit is also emphasised under its long hood. The optimised engine map as well as the dual sports exhaust system enhances the Rolls-Royce’s performance significantly. Instead of the standard 570 PS (420 kW) MANSORY’s upgraded White Ghost Limited series now features a powerful 638 PS (469 kW) at 5700 revolutions per minute (RPM). The engineers in the Bavarian city of Brand near Bayreuth enhanced the maximum torque from 780 to an amazing 860 Newton metre. This enables the engine to accelerate the 2360 kilogram vehicle from 0 to 100 km/h in only 4,5 seconds and therewith saves 0,4 seconds in comparison to the serial version. Thanks to the revoked speed limit, acceleration is no longer limited to 250, but rather to 290 km/h.

Upon improved performance the wheel dimensions have also grown. MANSORY created a new design especially for the White Ghost Limited. Its innovative configuration harmonises perfectly with the design of White Ghost Limited. The massive compact wheels with a diamond-polished surface measure an impressive 22 inches. The 9 inch front axle wheels are equipped with 265/35 Dunlop SP SportMaxx high-performance tyres, while the rear axle features 10.5 inch wheels with a tyre size of 295/30.

In cohesion with the exquisite exterior upgrades, the interior is an oasis of luxury. Large parts of the interior are covered in high grade leather with a cross-stitched pattern and enhanced by a headliner and dash board made of Alcantara. The sports steering wheel together with the light colours bamboo inserts creates an unsurpassed exclusive atmosphere. The illuminated entries and implemented ambiance lighting effects are another addition: Seats, door panels and dash board feature LED’s which provide pleasant lighting throughout the entire interior.

The company’s founder Kourosh Mansory has again excelled in upgrading a vehicle of the upper luxury class to unsurpassed heights. Featuring the new upgrades, the Rolls-Royce Ghost represents itself in a new character. Technology and luxury are in perfect synergy and proudly demonstrate the distinguishable design.

The cost for the White Ghost Limited upgrade starts at 119.800 Euro plus basic edition. Additional information regarding the exclusive Rolls-Royce Ghost program is available on the website www.mansory.com

Looks like the VW Phaeton won’t be the only stupid move the Germans make in luxury.  The premium-class Maybach marque has failed to make the desired splash on the global luxury scene.  The Maybach marque originated in Germany after World War I, but was retired at the start of World War II.  Daimler-Chrysler opted to bring back the nameplate to tackle VW’s Bentley and BMW’s Rolls divisions.  Well that hasn’t worked out so well; inspite of new alterations and an upcoming grand “Zeppelin” trim download house of wax download spy game divx , Maybach has become more stale than bread at a dollar store.  Unless Maybach can make a big push into Asian markets, the brand will be dropped early in the new decade.

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Little is known about Bentley upcoming showpiece, aside from its replacing the marque’s most luxurious sedan: the Arnage.  Bentley isn’t sparing audiences’ curiosity, with this teaser trailer fueling high interest in the realm of aristocratic motoring.