In the ultra-luxury sphere, lifespans are longer than they are among the serf class. And so it is that the current Rolls-Royce Phantom is 13 years old, an eternity in car-years. But even a Rolls can’t roll on forever, and the company has announced that this-generation Phantom (the seventh, according to its maker) will be wafting into the sunset later this year. The sedan—excuse us, limousine—will be replaced by a new Phantom VIII, but the the Coupe and Drophead Coupe (convertible) are never to return.
In order to give them a proper send-off, Rolls is doing a run of 50 “Zenith” special editions. Details of the Zenith models are few; Rolls-Royce mentions a Tailgate Hosting Area, unique gauges, and laser-etched armrests. Additionally, the released sketch indicates an engraved Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament, a two-tone interior treatment, a metal-and-leather hard tonneau for the convertible, “crystal paint,” and what appear to be disc-style wheels.
The Phantom was the first new Rolls-Royce developed under BMW ownership, and it made its debut on January 1, 2003. The extended-wheelbase model followed for 2005, while the Drophead arrived in 2007, and the hardtop Coupe for 2008. An updated Series II Phantom launched in 2012.
Rolls must feel that the Wraith coupe and newly introduced Dawn convertible, both based on the smaller Ghost sedan, can cover the market for ultra-luxe two-doors. The company also is working on an SUV, because, well, everyone must. Rolls has not indicated when the next Phantom will arrive, but we’d expect a debut sometime early next year.
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