Rolls-Royce event shows off Phantom line

Towbin Motorcars recently hosted a Rolls-Royce "Drive of Distinction" event, where guests were invited to explore all vehicles in the Phantom line: the Phantom, Phantom Drophead Coupé, Phantom Coupé and Phantom Extended Wheelbase.

"The 'Drive of Distinction' tour provides a never-to-be-repeated opportunity to drive every vehicle in the Phantom line and experience firsthand the unique quality of each," Paul Ferraiolo, president of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars North America, stated. "Participants in this event will be the first to drive the updated 2009 Phantom."

Changes to the updated 2009 Phantom and Phantom Extended Wheelbase include a streamlined front bumper that has been designed and integrated with a shallower grille, finished in stainless steel, as well as LED door handle illumination, 21-inch cast aluminum wheels as standard, a redesigned interior, new seating options and a new RCA component input that provides auxiliary audio and visual connectivity to the 12-inch monitors mounted within the rear picnic tables.

Among the event's prestigious guests were Terry Goodkind, No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of "The Law of Nine" among other titles, and his wife, Jeri. The Goodkinds have owned two Phantoms and came to the event to test the Phantom Coupé, which they first took interest in when it was a preproduction prototype.

"It's a very romantic car that harkens back to Hollywood in the '30s," said Terry Goodkind of the Coupé. "It's a car designed to express those aspirations in automobiles that you don't see anymore today -- toward elegance, sportiness, class, style, design -- all those kinds of things."

Of the Phantom lineup, the Coupé is considered the sportiest model.

"The Coupé is much more oriented toward driver enjoyment than passenger enjoyment," Terry Goodkind said after test driving the car. "It steers a little quicker, it's a little more sure-footed on the road, yet it's a little more responsive, but still within that envelope of extreme elegance, comfort and quiet."

The Phantom Coupé is the most driver-orientated model in the Phantom line, featuring a number of subtle, but significant, modifications. Noticeably more dynamic, while still offering incredible levels of comfort, the Coupé marries cutting-edge technology with a beautifully proportioned, muscular body that exudes power and style, said Dan Towbin, chairman of Towbin Automotive Group. Contemporary in appearance, it nonetheless incorporates timeless Rolls-Royce design cues such as the long bonnet, large-diameter wheels, short front and long rear overhangs and the classic dynamic, rising profile.

For more information about the Rolls-Royce Phantom, contact Towbin Motorcars at 866-291-8250.