It seems that Auto Express recently sat down with an anonymous spokesperson who told them that Rolls-Royce is in fact working an all electric version of this iconic Phantom. There aren’t many details regarding the fabled car but reports suggest that it will feature a very large lithium-ion battery (similar to the ones found in the BMW’s Mini E) along with a range extender (as found in the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept).

Now before you get too excited and started whipping out your Black AmEx, make note that this is just a rumor which means we won’t put my stock in it until we hear official word from Rolls-Royce or anyone involved.

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Pictured above is the fender of Rolls-Royce’s forthcoming Phantom Hybrid. But wait, Rolls-Royce hasn’t said anything about a Phantom Hybrid, have they? Nope, that’s because what you see above probably isn’t a Phantom Hybrid.

Does the hybrid badge in the picture look familiar? It should, because its the same exact badge GM currently slaps on their hybrid vehicles. According to Autoblog the driver apparantly calims the car was given to a VIP by Rolls-Royce for testing.

Is that the truth? Probably not, it seems a lot more likely that the driver just felt like playing a joke on the unsuspecting public, pryed the hybrid logo (or pruchased) off an existing automobile and had it put onto their Phantom. Then again, I could be wrong, but until Rolls-Royce says anything of a hybrid, this should be viewed as nothing more than a joke.

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2009 Phantom Interior

The 2009 Rolls Royce Phantom seems to be caught in an odd moment in time.  On one hand it honors traditional grilles and the winged hood ornament yet the Phantom also tries to work in modern geometric shapes on its front end and dashboard. The classic details end up being more plausible than the hipper bits, especially inside. Quality and comforts are plenty inside the 2009 Phantom. The front seats offer up regal perches and sit high enough to offer an ideal view of the iconic hood ornament.

The rear seats are even more impressive, with more than ample leg room.  Finish details are everywhere you turn: leather and cashmere surfaces, sheets of beautiful veneer applied everywhere but the windows and the chrome poured over buttons to give them a cool massiveness.  Extra touches include sunroof, automatic climate control, andLexicon audio system as well as the customary satellite radio, Bluetooth and DVD screens.

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A limousine might be the last thing you need right now but if you are looking for one you might be interested in the new updated Phantom from Rolls Royce. The sedan has received a minor update, but still an update, for 2009. The Phantom will get a new bumper with a stainless steel grille, LED lights in the door handles and new sets of aluminum wheels. Once inside you will discover redesigned interior door panels and an updated entertainment system. Nothing out of the ordinary then but I bet the upgraded Phantom still costs more than we’d like to pay for a car nowadays.

via Press

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With the current (poor) state of the economy on the USA, where is the best place to sell an expensive Rolls-Royce? In Asia, more specifically in China, Japan, and India.

How can we be sure those are the best spots?

1. Because sales went up by 50% in Asia, when compared to last year.
2. Instead of 4 showrooms in Asia Pacific, there are now 17.
3. From all the 1,010 cars sold worldwide by Rolls-Royce during 2007, about 200 were bought in Asia.

By the way, the preferred model is the Phantom that costs close to $985,000. Taking in consideration that 85% of car is pure luxury, it doesn’t look that expensive, or does it?

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