- ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER


We've done a couple of double-takes at these shots taken by Jalopnik reader and tipster Sam as he traveled south on the 101 in California that appear to show the the drop-top Drophead Rolls. But, with the missing Rolls insignia and emblems it's looking a lot like the spy photos we saw of - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER. The new model will mimic the "Drophead" with its use of rear-hinged doors and a front fascia similar to the convertible. But the hardtop model, supposedly based off - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER and will feature the Phantom's big 6.75-liter V12 engine, but somehow will see its emphasis shift towards more powerful driving from the Drophead Coupé's focus on falling asleep cruising. The only problem with these shots is that roof line looks less taut than the last spy shots did. Could this be shots of the 2009 model year Drophead out for a stroll? We'll let you help us figure it out -- any thoughts?

Rolls-Royce might not sell millions of cars a year, but in its own way the company is a big success story. In 2007 Rolls shifted 1010 cars, up 25 percent compared to 2006, and way ahead of Maybach. The strong sales will increase further with the introduction of this, the Phantom Coupe.

The Coupe is set to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March, two years after we first saw the 101EX concept. The looks will be a little more restrained than on the concept, but from the A-pillars forward the Coupe will be near-identical to the Drophead Coupe. The Drophead was, incidentally, a contender for our Car of the Year award in 2007, so the coupe has a rather good starting point.

But it already has coupe in its title – what does the new model do differently?

Exclusivity is Rolls-Royce’s forte these days, and with production of the convertible selling out so far, this new fixed-head version gives wealthy buyers a whole new option. On the other hand, the Simon Cowells amongst us have a new model to complete our set. Expect the coupe to be a little more sporting than the Drophead, but to keep all those gorgeous Rolls features like umbrellas in the suicide doors.

The fixed head version loses the teak rear decking that defines the Drophead, but keeps the option of the brushed steel bonnet, as we can see in these pictures. Underneath it lies the 6.75 V12 from the rest of the Phantom range, providing a healthy 453bhp and 531lb ft, and a 0-60 time close to the Drophead’s 5.7 seconds.

The switch to a fixed roof should make the Coupe even more deftly quiet than the Drophead, and expect a larger rear screen, too. It’s just disguisded on this car. Prices should start just shy of £300,000.

Further down the line for Rolls is a baby Phantom, codenamed RR4 and due in 2010, though car has already scooped the car here, and may well be available as a hybird.


- ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER


M

^ Why do they even bother trying to disguise it ....seems pointless.

Yeah I was thinking that. Oh well we should see it for real at Geneva I'm guessing.

M

The duct tape around the rear window is because it's a British convertible

When are they ever going to replace those headlights with proper ones that suit it? They look like the prototype lights that never got updated...

^ What are you talikng about BarneyBoy? ....those LEDs are really distinctive I think.

The all black cab without steel bonnet is gorgeous.