Rolls-Royce Phantom **SOLD** -Video Test Drive with Chris Moran.

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An in-depth review of a gorgeous 2005 Rolls-Royce Phantom with Chris Moran. Presented by D&M Motorsports.
Now, before you begin to try to poke holes in my enthusiasm, let me say that I've driven Aston Martins, Bentleys and Maybachs and never had this reaction. The Phantom has a feeling of intelligence and artistry that goes beyond filthy lucre. This wasn't just a case of throwing money at a project and forcing it to succeed. This Rolls-Royce, built by new owner BMW in a state-of-the-art factory in southern England, was designed and created with respect and, yes, even love. It is truly a car that is greater by far than the sum of its parts.

What makes me say this? Two things.

After having the car for five days, and driving it (very carefully) around Los Angeles, I enjoyed watching people react to it. This has happened many times before with other cars. But the Rolls was different. While you can always count on "car guys" to spot a new model, most others are blind to cars in general. But everyone notices the Rolls. Once they've taken in the imposing chrome grille and the hood that seems to stretch from here to infinity, they look to see who is driving it. The expectant looks on their faces seem to say, "Is it a king? An Arabian prince? It must be somebody."

Unique driving experience
Let me reach deep to try to describe the driving experience, for it surely is an experience — even an event. With 453 thoroughbred horses under the hood, delivered via an ultrasmooth 6.8-liter, 48-valve V12 engine, you have power, torque and speed. And you have all these things any time you want them. Some 90 percent of the torque is delivered at 1,000 rpm, just where you want it (max torque is 531 pound-feet at 3,500 rpm).

OK, you say, there are a lot of monster power plants around these days. But here is the difference: as you tap the near nuclear reserves of power, you get no corresponding growl from the engine and never, never anything that sounds like the engine is actually working hard. The car is eerily quiet both inside and out. The effect is to disconnect our expectations. It's like Marlon Brando as the Godfather gently stroking a cat as he discusses how he will seize control of New York. That's power in reserve, baby.
But does it handle?
BMW, being what it is, seems interested in convincing us that the Phantom is not just some luxury yacht that wallows its way to the country club and back. The media relations people set up a slalom course on an airport runway and invited auto journalists to take it through the cones. It felt predictable, stable and safe even as it leaned heavily in sharp turns. During an avoidance maneuver situation, the stability control kicked in to keep it from spinning out and allowed this 5,577-pound car to avoid the obstacle thrown in its path.

Braking was also impressive, with the four-wheel ventilated discs hauling the speed down from 60 to zero in 123 feet. The stiffness of the all-aluminum frame, keeping body flex to a minimum, provided a sense of safety and placement that makes you feel like you are traveling in a bank vault.

The commanding presence of the Rolls is likely to please and amaze you every time you walk up to the Phantom. There are critics of the imposing, blockish chrome grille but there are likely no detractors of the tapered hood (sorry, bonnet) with the thin chrome strips giving it definition. From the driver's point of view it is a lesson in perspective seeming to touch the horizon. The profile might be its best angle, though, showing off the characteristically wide C-pillar provided to give the rear-seat occupant privacy.

Handcrafted interior
Open the heavy, coach-style doors (a.k.a. "suicide doors") and step inside the Phantom for a surprise. Press the button in the C-pillar and the door slowly closes. Your first impression may be disappointment with the lack of gadgetry and gimmickry. Yes, there are folding trays in the seatbacks, and even reversible footrests for added comfort. But unlike the Maybach, there are no magnetic goblets or power privacy curtains.

Видео Rolls-Royce Phantom **SOLD** -Video Test Drive with Chris Moran. канала Chris Drives Cars