Admittedly and regardless if it fits your taste or not, the BMW Group has done a superb in renovating the Rolls Royce brand, which delivered 3,538 cars in 2011, up 31 per cent on the previous year’s 2,711 units, and a new sales record in the firm’s 107-year history surpassing the 3,347 cars it sold in 1978.
The rebirth of the Rolls Royce under the control of the Bavarian firm started with the extravagant Phantom that was introduced in 2003. Even though nine years is a long time in a vehicle’s product cycle, the BMW Group doesn’t intend to replace the Phantom just yet.
What it will do is present a subtle facelift to refresh the Phantom’s looks and update its features. Captured here by our spies parked next to the smaller Ghost, is faintly disguised prototype of the new model year Phantom.
At a first glance, nothing seems to have changed but upon a closer look, it is revealed that the sections flanking the massive chrome grille are actually decals, which suggest that the updated Phantom will sport redesigned headlamp sets.
Being an early prototype, it is possible that the production model may feature more changes such as the bumper and tail lamp designs.
We also expect to see some interior improvements that will probably include a new infotainment system as well as upgrades to the V12 engine to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
Similar changes will pass on to the coupe and convertible versions of the Phantom in due time.
Photo Credits: CarPix
PHOTO GALLERY
