2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom VI

Vehicle Overview
The Rolls-Royce Phantom VI is an ultraluxury V-12-powered sedan. This posh vehicle blends British heritage with German components and technology.

The Phantom is available in regular- and long-wheelbase body styles. The Phantom competes with the Bentley Arnage R and Maybach Type 57. The long-wheelbase model competes with the Maybach Type 62 and the Bentley Arnage RL.

New for 2009
The Phantom VI receives a mild refresh for 2009. There’s a redesigned front bumper and grille, new wheel designs and new illuminated door handles. New interior features include redesigned rear reading lamps and controls.

Exterior
Like so many Rolls-Royce sedans before it, the Phantom has a long hood with a short front overhang and long rear overhang. The traditionally styled front features an upright face with recessed, rectangular headlamps and prominently displayed fog lamps.

A new front bumper and smaller stainless steel grille give the Phantom a more streamlined, contemporary look.

The Phantom stretches 229.7 inches in length, while the extended body tacks on another 9.8 inches. Synchronized wheel centers keep the Rolls-Royce badges on all four wheels upright at all times.

• 21-inch alloy wheels
• Dual chrome exhaust
• Sunroof
• Electrically heated front windshield
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers
• Auto-leveling headlamps
• Rear suicide doors

Interior
The Phantom can comfortably seat five, or four if the optional rear bucket seats are chosen. To aid in safety, privacy and social interaction, backseat occupants sit well back in lounge-shaped seats alongside the C-pillars rather than next to the doors. Rear passengers can also enjoy handcrafted folding tables and an available video system.

There’s 103 cubic feet of passenger space, which isn’t great considering this car’s exterior size. There is a generous 16.2 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk.

• Leather-trimmed seats and dash
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Genuine wood trim
• 15-speaker audio system
• Navigation system
• Automatic climate control
• Heated front seats (heated rear seats optional)
• Refrigerated compartment in glove box

Under the Hood
The Phantom packs a rare automotive wonder, a V-12 engine, which is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Though it’s no lightweight, at more than 5,500 pounds, Rolls-Royce says the Phantom can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds.

• 453-horsepower, 6.8-liter V-12 with 531 pounds-feet of torque
• Six-speed automatic transmission
• Adaptive suspension
• Run-flat tires

Safety

• Side-impact airbags
• Side curtain airbags
• Active front head restraints
• Antilock brakes
• Electronic stability system
• Traction control
• Break-resistant glass