2005 Rolls Royce Phantom Preview

Imelda Marcos is no doubt paying attention, as the Flying Lady's footwear can be upgraded to 21-inch alloy wheels, featuring a design which first appeared on the 100 EX

Three new exterior colors are available; Silver Mono, Platinum Mono, and the stunning Arctic White. (Photo: Rolls Royce)

Concept (see concept archives), wrapped in runflat WR-rated Goodyear 255/50 rubber up front and wider 285/45 performance tires in back. This wheel and tire package will set a Phantom buyer back $3,000. Chromed wheel centers are an additional $600. The new wheel and tire package is a bit intriguing as the Phantom's standard-equipment wheels measure larger at 22 inches, plus feature a mechanism to ensure that the Rolls Royce badging at center will always remain upright when the car comes to a stop.

Three new exterior colors are now available as a brochure option as opposed to custom-order for 2005, including Silver Mono, Platinum Mono, and Arctic White. To complement the exterior, Rolls Royce has added six new interior color schemes, which include Seashell Mono, Tan Mono, Light Grey Mono, Blue Grey Mono, Seashell and Black. These colors apply to the seating

Pricing has been increased an average of 1.8 percent, with Canada's increasing only by half that amount. (Photo: Rolls Royce)

surfaces, roof liner, door panels, dashboards and carpets, ensuring perfect color coordination.

The 2005 Phantom carries forward its current BMW-sourced powertrain, which is a 453 horsepower 6.7-liter, 48-valve, DOHC V12 delivering 551 lb-ft of torque, allowing 5.8 second sprints to 60 mph and a top speed limited to 150 mph.

Despite its sophisticated 6-speed transmission regular Phantoms aren't exactly environmentally friendly, gulping gasoline at a gluttonous rate. Driving in the city will yield 10 mpg while cruising on the highway is much more efficient at 21 mpg. Truly, at the Phantom's lofty price cost doesn't really enter the fuel economy equation, only environmental concerns.