The BMW takeover was a strange corporate chess match. In 1998, Volkswagen outbid BMW for the Crewe factory and the Bentley name, but BMW executed a tactical sidestep, buying the rights to the Rolls-Royce brand separately from the aerospace parent company. This forced a five-year transition where VW were contracted to build Rolls-Royce cars under licence, until the brands parted ways in 2003.
By this time, had purpose-built a new facility in Goodwood, Sussex to receive the engine and body-in-white from Germany for final assembly, painting, trimming and testing. BMW’s stewardship of Rolls-Royce BMW’s stewardship of Rolls-Royce could be called a masterclass in blending stereotypically strong German engineering meets British heritage, craftsmanship, and ‘waftability’.
Rolls-Royce Phantom
Finally, Goodwood and Dingolfing were ready. The N73, bored to match RR traditions (in mm and Nm torque), was paired with a hand-welded aluminium spaceframe. An imposing (if brutalist) statement, and world-leading comfort.
Years
2003-16
Engine
6749cc V12 BMW N73
Body Style
Saloon, coupé, DHC
Production
10,000+
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Rolls-Royce Ghost
BMW were focused on establishing their flagship and testing the market. In 2006, they decided to invest in in a modified 7-series platform with bespoke components, and a focus on soundproofing and all round air suspension.
Years
2010-20
Engine
6592cc V12
Body Style
Saloon
Production
7000+
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Photo: Wikipedia
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Rolls-Royce Dawn
On the Ghost platform, but replacing the Phantom DHC, the Dawn is the last open top combustion car made by Rolls-Royce.
Years
2015-23
Engine
6592cc V12
Body Style
Saloon
Production
1500+
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Rolls-Royce Wraith
The coupé version of the Ghost, and the fastest and most powerful Roll-Royce ever made. Introduced “Satellite Aided Transmission” technology, using GPS data to select the most appropriate gear for road ahead – and add waftability.
Years
2013-22
Engine
6592cc V12 twin-turbo
Body Style
Coupé
Production
2500+
Power: Weight
623 bhp
Dimensions
.
Photo: Wikipedia
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Rolls-Royce Phantom VIII
New generation ‘Architecture of Luxury’ (should that be Ultra-Luxury?) starting again at the top. The spaceframe is laser welded, and glued, with final sub-sections hand-finished. Quietest car ever made and literally an art gallery.
Years
2017 on
Engine
6750cc V12
Body Style
Saloon
Production
3000+
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Photo: Wikipedia
Rolls-Royce Cullinan
Tall car on the new platform, named after the Cullinan Diamond, the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever discovered. Very popular.
Years
2018 on
Engine
6750cc V12
Body Style
Saloon
Production
10,000+
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Rolls-Royce Ghost II
Now on the shared AoL platform, arguably more authentically a Rolls-Royce, albeit it with continuity of styling, again by Thurner. New suspension with the new platform, and lots of attention to the interior.
Years
2020 on
Engine
6750cc V12
Body Style
Saloon
Production
Inc above
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Photo: Wikipedia
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Rolls-Royce Spectre
Full-sized electric grand tourer, on the shared AoL platform, to replace the Wraith.
Production
.
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Photo: Wikipedia
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