Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cars
  3. News

End of the line for Rolls' Phantom Coupe and Drophead Coupe

Stephen Edelstein
By

Rolls-Royce Phantom Zenith Collection
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Rolls-Royce is busy preparing some important new models, including its first-ever SUV and a new version of its flagship Phantom. But unlike the current model, the upcoming eighth-generation Phantom will only be offered as a four-door sedan, the carmaker says.

So like ocean liners coming into port after one last Transatlantic trip, the Phantom Drophead Coupe convertible and Coupe are about to be mothballed. The last examples of each model will be built in November, and they will not be replaced when the new Phantom appears. Rolls is planning a special Zenith limited edition to send these models off.

Recommended Videos

Only 50 Phantom Zenith coupes and convertibles will be made. Rolls promises the “sum of all the best features” of the Phantom Coupe and Drophead Coupe, and will include model-specific touches like a “Tailgate Hosting Area,” special instruments, and a new version of Rolls’ “Spirit of Ecstasy” hood ornament. Inside are laser-etched armrests depicting Villa d’Este and Geneva, where Rolls originally unveiled the 100EX and 101EX concepts that became the Drophead Coupe and Coupe, respectively.

Related

Unless rival Bentley decides to go ahead with its long-rumored Mulsanne convertible, the departure of the Rolls Phantom coupe and convertible marks the end of ultra-high-end British luxury two-doors. Cars this size that can just barely seat four people never really made much sense, but that was beside the point. Rolls will continue to make the Wraith coupe and Dawn convertible, both of which are based on the smaller Ghost sedan.

Whether in coupe, convertible, or sedan form, the current-generation Phantom has had an impressive career. It was the first Rolls model to be built under the aegis of BMW, which used its technical and financial resources to restore the iconic British brand to relevance. The sedan appear in 2003, and has been seen wherever rich people congregate ever since. The convertible arrived in 2007, followed by the coupe in 2008.

Considering the design is over a decade old now, it’s about time Rolls brought out a new Phantom. However, that car’s arrival may be overshadowed by the launch of Rolls’ first SUV. Called the Cullinan, it’s currently under development, but there is no set date for its launch.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Stephen Edelstein
Stephen Edelstein
Contributing Editor
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…
Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more
Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs
Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?
The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.

Read more