AutoblogGreen

Remember the electric Rolls-Royce Phantom? Forget it

Zach Bowman — Mon, 21 May 2012 15:51:00 EST

Motor Trend reports Rolls-Royce has pulled the plug (literally) on its electric Phantom. Word has it none of the ultra-luxury automaker's current clients have any interest in an electrified land yacht due to niggling factors like range anxiety and a perceived loss of premiumness. Apparently the world's super wealthy only feel content when their transportation runs on the tears of crushed ecosystems. That's a bit odd considering the 102 EX Concept bowed at the Geneva Motor Show with more torque than the buttery-smooth V12 in the standard Phantom. Still, all the torque in the world is no balm for a range of under 100 miles.

While it's true Rolls-Royce officially quoted a total range of around 120 miles from the 1,452-pound battery pack in the machine's nose, we're more than a little skeptical of that figure. Then there's the issue of keeping the electric Phantom charged. We can imagine the typical Phantom owner isn't accustomed to waiting for anything, let alone twiddling their thumbs for eight hours while their cripplingly expensive sedan charges. With all that compromise, Rolls-Royce says it just doesn't make sense to produce the 102 EX.

Remember the electric Rolls-Royce Phantom? Forget it originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 21 May 2012 15:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rolls-Royce: We need to consider alternatives, even without demand

Mark Sumner — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 07:54:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Rolls Royce

Rolls-Royce is known for making big cars with big engines. And why not? Rolls-Royce customers like big cars with big engines. Customers questioned about the future direction of the flying lady haven't been enthusiastic about hybrids and have been "rather ambivalent" about the Rolls 102EX electric concept that premiered last March at Geneva.

Even so, the executive in charge of BMW's ultra-lux division, Torsten Mueller-Oetvoes, insists that Rolls-Royce may need to build something a bit more green as it broadens it's market and expands into new regions. The details of where Rolls will turn (hybrid, electric, plug-in?) are unclear, and there is still no sign that the 102EX - essentially an electric version of the flagship $380,000 Rolls-Royce Phantom - will become a production vehicle.

Still, even if current owners can't imagine anything but a 12-cylinder under those long hoods, don't be surprised if future products out of Goodwood leave the estate with a hum rather than a roar.

Rolls-Royce: We need to consider alternatives, even without demand originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 23 Sep 2011 07:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rolls-Royce discusses its potential future in electric cars

Jonas Dalidd — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Rolls Royce

Rolls-Royce 102EX Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

At the grand opening of the Rolls-Royce dealership in Chicago's Gold Coast area, Kicking Tires got the chance to sit down with David Archibald, president of Rolls-Royce North America. On discussion was the general business strategy of the ultra luxury brand and how electrics play into that.

Since its debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, the 102EX Concept electric vehicle has been making the rounds at various events and dealerships. The automaker is even letting customers drive the concept back-to-back against the Phantom (on which it is based) to get an idea if it has market potential. According to Automotive News initial feedback has been a bit lackluster, with the 100-mile range being the biggest hurdle.

However, Archibald pointed out, "If you'd have come here 12 months ago and asked our customers, 'What do you think about alternative fuels,' they would have said, 'What are you talking about.'" Now, that's starting to change as new electric vehicles are pretty much popping up weekly.

Still, no decision has been made regarding a production electric or hybrid. With alternative fuels now on the minds of even a luxury car buyer, it sounds to us like it's not a matter of if but when.

Photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Kicking Tires]

Rolls-Royce discusses its potential future in electric cars originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 11 Jul 2011 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rolls-Royce drivers not so much into electric vehicles

Eric Loveday — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 11:52:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Rolls Royce

Rolls-Royce 102EX Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Rolls-Royce, arguably the most iconic of classic luxury marques, has stepped into the electric vehicle waters with its 102EX Concept. According to Rolls-Royce chief executive officer, Torsten Müller-Öetvös, this battery-powered machine was created to help the automaker "[find] clarity on which technology may be suitable to drive Rolls-Royce motor cars of the future."

Well, according to Automotive News (sub. req.), electric tech doesn't quite suit the tastes of most Rolls-Royce customers. Müller-Ötvös told AN that Rolls-Royce has been showing customers its 102 EX Concept to get opinions on whether or not the automaker should produce such a vehicle and Rolls-Royce customers were none too thrilled with the battery-powered sedan. Müller-Ötvös told AN that since most Rolls-Royce buyers live on the outskirts of major cities, an electric vehicle's 100-mile range could be an issue.

Out with the electric, in with the hybrid. Müller-Ötvös closed the interview with AN, stating, "Let's wait and see what our customers are telling us, but hybrids have a certain capability to deliver both electric driving combined with a normal combustion engine, and that might be a solution."

Photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req., Wired]

Rolls-Royce drivers not so much into electric vehicles originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 11:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Electric Rolls Royce 102EX driven as it begins world campaign

Domenick Yoney — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 18:50:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Rolls Royce

Rolls Royce 102EX - Click above to watch video after the jump

For the first time since building its experimental electric-powered Phantom, Rolls Royce has relinquished the 102EX's keys to someone from outside of the company. Automobile's Ben Oliver was not only afforded the opportunity to pilot the 2.7 ton hand-built beast of luxurious bliss, he somehow managed to persuade them to let him drive it close to its declared 125-mile range around Lake Geneva.

With the opportunity for spectacular failure hanging in the air like a sweet ripened fruit and a fretting group of engineers in a pursuit vehicle, the journo put the bespoke behemoth through its paces along waters edge, deaf to any pleas to slow down. Oliver wasn't hooning the great Atlantic Chrome-painted whale, keeping to the speed limit and (mostly) pulling away from stops at a measured pace.

The verdict upon bringing the 71 kWh battery over three quarters of the way to empty? Build it. While this electric configuration might offer a hair less power than the usual V12, it also offers a noise and vibration-free ride that fits perfectly with the Rolls Royce luxury image. The company isn't likely to base any production decisions in press reviews alone, preferring to wait on reactions from prospective and existing customers that it plans on having try out this little experiment over the next year. Hit the jump for an RR video discussing the car and plans for it over the coming year.

Gallery: Rolls Royce 102EX

[Source: Automobile]

Continue reading Electric Rolls Royce 102EX driven as it begins world campaign

Electric Rolls Royce 102EX driven as it begins world campaign originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 18:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Fully Charged takes you inside the Geneva Motor Show

Eric Loveday — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 09:49:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Ford, Land Rover, Nissan, Rolls Royce, Volkswagen, Volvo, Renault, Opel, Europe/EU

Nissan Esflow at Geneva - Click above to watch video after the jump

Our coverage of the 2011 Geneva Motor Show included showing you 76 production and concept vehicles that were unveiled or displayed. However, there simply wasn't enough time in our exhaustive auto show schedule to video the vehicles revealed. Fortunately, Fully Charged's Robert Llewellyn did just that. Lllewellyn spent a frantic day on the floor in Geneva capturing video of most of the alternative technology vehicles on display.

There's the Nissan Leaf, Nissan Esflow, Toyota Prius +, BYD e6-Eco, BMW ActiveE, Rolls-Royce Phantom 102EX, Opel Ampera, Ford Focus Electric, Mia and a blizzard of unusual electric and plug-in hybrid concepts. So, hop the jump to see the alternative technology vehicles that took to the stage in Geneva. Hat tip to Chris!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Fully Charged takes you inside the Geneva Motor Show

Video: Fully Charged takes you inside the Geneva Motor Show originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 09:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rolls-Royce 102 EX Phantom electric gets inductive charge from HaloIPT

Eric Loveday — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 07:54:00 EST

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, EV/Plug-in, Rolls Royce

Rolls-Royce 102EX Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

When Rolls-Royce wheeled out its 102 EX Phantom Experimental Electric at the Geneva Motor Show we were told that the vehicle, a 6,000 pound behemoth that started life as run-of-the-mill Phantom, is propelled by a pair of UQM electric motors that puts out a combined 290 kilowatts. Those motors get juice from a 71 kWh battery pack that consists of 96 cells arranged to resemble the donor vehicle's original 6.75-liter gasoline engine and six-speed automatic transmission.

Even though the 102EX Concept is fitted with a receptacle for conventional plug-in charging, the massive electric sedan also features HaloIPT's inductive technology. The 102EX is equipped with an inductive mat on its underside, allowing Halo's wireless, in-road system to shoot a charge across an air gap of up to 15.75 inches, filling up the vehicle at a speed that matches most plug-and-cable setups. This inductive charging technology is claimed to be tolerant of parking misalignments and allows the Rolls-Royce's ~~driver~~ chauffeur to pass on plugging in.

Photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: HaloIPT]

Continue reading Rolls-Royce 102 EX Phantom electric gets inductive charge from HaloIPT

Rolls-Royce 102 EX Phantom electric gets inductive charge from HaloIPT originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 07:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2011: Rolls-Royce 102EX Concept is going to rock down to Electric Avenue

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 09:09:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Rolls Royce, Geneva Motor Show

Rolls-Royce 102EX Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

The electric car has come of age. How do we know? Well, see for yourself. Rolls-Royce, perhaps the most iconic of classic luxury marques, has stepped firmly into the EV waters with the 102EX Concept. According to CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös, this machine was created to help the company "[seek] clarity on which technology may be suitable to drive Rolls-Royce motor cars of the future."

We'd imagine a nice big diesel engine (perhaps fueled with a biodiesel blend) would work just fine and dandy, but electric drive is certainly a workable option, as well. Apparently, the 102EX, which is apparently also known as the Phantom Experimental Electric, will be used throughout 2011 as a test bed to shuttle... well, whomever Rolls-Royce deems worthy of transport. It won't, however, be made into a production vehicle.

The Phantom Experimental Electric started life as a run-of-the-mill Rolls-Royce Phantom from which the 6.75-liter engine and six-speed automatic gearbox were removed and replaced with a pair of electric motors putting out 145 kilowatts each. That thrust is sufficient to send the 6,000-pound EV to 60 miles per hour in "under eight seconds."

More impressive is the battery pack, which is comprised of 96 individual cells assembled (on purpose, we gather) to resemble the shape of the original engine and transmission. Rolls-Royce believes its 338-volt, 71-kWh unit is the largest battery ever fitted to a road car. Also of note is the inductive charging technology that eschews an actual plug in favor of a charging mat on the ground and an inductive mat on the underside of the vehicle that wirelessly recharges the battery. A plug also exists where the fuel filler normally resides.

Naturally, there's an exhaustive press release pasted after the break. Be sure to check out our high-res image gallery of live photos below, and pay special attention to the clear Spirit of Ecstasy that is illuminated in blue light.

Photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

Continue reading Geneva 2011: Rolls-Royce 102EX Concept is going to rock down to Electric Avenue

Geneva 2011: Rolls-Royce 102EX Concept is going to rock down to Electric Avenue originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 09:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rolls-Royce 102EX Phantom Experimental Electric to debut in Geneva

Autoblog Staff — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 16:14:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Rolls Royce

Rolls-Royce 102EX Phantom Experimental Electric - Click above for high-res image gallery

Of all the automakers in the industry, Rolls-Royce doesn't exactly have the "greenest" image. Its vehicles are heavy and ponderous, equipped with enormous engines and swathed with more dead cows than a beef processing plant. But its parent company BMW has been pushing into the green space with its EfficientDynamics initiative, and it's looking to bring the Goodwood division along for the electrified ride... one way or another.

Call this another, then: the Rolls-Royce 102EX. It's an electric version of the Phantom Rolls has been testing for the better part of a year, and now it's set to make its debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. Few details were confirmed in Rolls' announcement, but after taking its curtain call in Geneva, the Phantom Experimental Electric will go on a world tour to gauge how the public feels about the possibility of a battery-powered Roller. Follow the jump for the official release and keep an eye on electricluxury.com, which is set to launch this week as the program's online base.

[Source: Rolls-Royce]

Continue reading Rolls-Royce 102EX Phantom Experimental Electric to debut in Geneva

Rolls-Royce 102EX Phantom Experimental Electric to debut in Geneva originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 21 Feb 2011 16:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Electric Rolls-Royce limo in the works?

Eric Loveday — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 12:56:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Rolls Royce

2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost - Click above for high-res image gallery

Rolls-Royce is well known for high-end luxury automobiles like the Ghost and Phantom. These vehicles, if piloted with nothing more than a gentle application of the throttle, will return 15 miles per gallon. That's not exactly a number that's going to woo over a carbon-conscious buyer. However, there's been an ample amount of speculation over the past two years suggesting that Rolls-Royce is actively developing a rechargeable luxo-barge.

The Daily Mail reports that Torsten Mueller-Oetvoes, Rolls-Royce's chief executive officer, recently said that the automaker considers an "alternatively fueled experimental" model to be a "good idea" for the brand. Mueller-Oetvoes confirmed that the automaker is considering "all options" to power this experimental vehicle. Mueller-Oetvoes continued:

We are not going to make any rash decisions. It would be wrong for the brand and wrong for our customers if we were to take a decision without fully exploring all options.

When pressed by the Daily Mail, Mueller-Oetvoes would neither confirm nor deny that batteries will provide the motivation for the brand's "experimental" vehicle, but with numerous reports suggesting that an electric Rolls is coming, we'd venture to guess that batteries will play some role in propelling the automaker's "alternatively fueled" model. Hat tip to Andy!

Photos by Rex Roy / Copyright (C)2010 AOL

[Source: Daily Mail]

Report: Electric Rolls-Royce limo in the works? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 16 Jan 2011 12:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Electric Rolls-Royce Phantom could arrive within a year

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Rolls Royce

2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom EWB - click above for high-res image gallery

Out of the UK, Autocar is reporting that an electric drive version of the Rolls-Royce Phantom could hit the streets within 12 months. We've been hearing about battery-powered Rollers for some time now, but the rumors seem to be heating up. BMW, Rolls' parent company, has been getting more heavily involved in electrification recently and the Phantom would be an obvious choice for the change. Rolls has always been known for making remarkably quiet automobiles, which is why they have names likes like Phantom, Ghost and Spirit.

Phantom owners also tend to be driven around and the cars are not often used for long road trips (that's what the jet is for). With that in mind, the more limited range of an electric drive system would be less of an issue. Given the size and mass of the Phantom, the bulk of the batteries would also be of less concern - as would the cost. In spite of that, Rolls-Royce may end up only leasing the initial batch of electric Phantoms in small numbers, just as BMW has done with the MINI E.

Gallery: 2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom

[Source: Autocar]

Electric Rolls-Royce Phantom could arrive within a year originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rolls-Royce Ghost could go hybrid sooner rather than later

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:17:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Rolls Royce

2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost - Click above for high-res image gallery

Rolls-Royce unveiled the production version of its new "smaller" car, the Ghost, at the Frankfurt Motor Show and it goes into production next year. AutoCar is now reporting that the Rolls engineers are working on a hybrid version of the Ghost using BMW's mild hybrid system. The mild hybrid is getting its first application in a BMW right about now in the new ActiveHybrid 7. The Ghost shares most of its platform with the new 7-series, so installing the electric assist should be a no-brainer. The main difference is that the BMW pairs the electric motor and battery with the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 while the Roller would retain its 6.2-liter V12. AutoCar estimates the Ghost hybrid would boost mileage by up to 15 percent, which might be a stretch but in a car of this type every little bit helps. The 20 kW motor is sandwiched between the engine and transmission and can't drive the car purely on electricity. It does provide start-stop capability and reduces parasitic losses by using regenerative braking to supply some of the electrical needs of the car.

[Source: AutoCar]

Rolls-Royce Ghost could go hybrid sooner rather than later originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Electric Rolls-Royce Phantom cometh?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 19:49:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Rolls Royce, Green Daily

2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom - Click above for high-res image gallery

Yes, an electric Rolls-Royce. And why not? The torque curve of an electric motor - making maximum pulling power right at zero RPM - would seem to suit the RR mission perfectly, as would the distinct lack of noise, vibration and harshness. Sounds like a match made in heaven, no?

Well, of course there are issues to overcome, not the least of which is sourcing a suitably large battery for the three-ton Phantom sedan. According to Auto Express in the U.K., that battery pack would feature lithium ion cells, which happens to be the same technology used by parent company BMW in its electric Mini E.

These rumors aren't exactly new - we last heard of an electric Roller about a year ago - but this time the addition of a possible range extender is mentioned for the first time. Such a configuration is featured in both the upcoming Chevy Volt and the Vision EfficientDynamics Concept BMW just showed off at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

The unnamed spokesperson cited by Auto Express doesn't offer any sort of timetable as to when we might see an electric Phantom, but we're not exactly holding our breath.

[Source: Auto Express]

Rumormill: Electric Rolls-Royce Phantom cometh? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 19:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt preview: BMW announces plans for MINIMALISM display, special MINI editions

Sebastian Blanco — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:54:00 EST

Filed under: BMW, MINI, Rolls Royce, Frankfurt Motor Show

BMW's Frankfurt preview - Click above for high-res image gallery

The IAA Frankfurt Motor Show is still a month and a half away, but the BMW Group is gearing up to show the world that its three brands - BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce - include efficient and enjoyable driving machines. The BMW Groups vehicles will be displayed on a special circuit track that encloses all of Hall 11's exhibition space. The company wants to use the media and visitor attention to "set the stage for important social issues such as sustainability." BMW walks the walk, too, with a modular, reusable exhibition system that results in less waste than traditional display areas.

The BMW fleet in Frankfurt will include the ActiveHybrid 7, the ActiveHybrid X6, and world premieres of the 5 Series Gran Turismo and the BMW X1 as well as "further additional product surprises." For MINI, BMW is celebrating the brand's 50th anniversary with two new birthday editions: the MINI 50 Camden and the MINI 50 Mayfair. On the blatantly green front, the MINIMALISM concept, "a package of measures developed to optimize fuel consumption and to reduce emissions, which is presented in a futuristic area that offers great experiences," will also be on display. And then there's whatever Rolls-Royce will show.

Gallery: BMW Group at the IAA 2009

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Frankfurt preview: BMW announces plans for MINIMALISM display, special MINI editions

Frankfurt preview: BMW announces plans for MINIMALISM display, special MINI editions originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Rolls Royce Mini one-off

Sebastian Blanco — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., MINI, Rolls Royce, UK

Park Lane Rolls Royce MINI - click for gallery

People love to imagine bigger and better things for the long-running MINI. Whether it's a new Speedster version or a revived MINI Moke, the platform inspires daydreaming. Apparently, it aspires, too, to a more pimed out existence. Rumors of a Rolls Royce-branded MINI have been floating around recently, stoked most recently by a series of pictures taken recently at London's famous Park Lane MINI dealership. Sadly, this is not a production Rolls MINI. Instead, this is a MINI made for "a recent dealer event," and a MINI spokesperson told Theswitchback that a MINI Rolls has not yet been approved for production. Sorry.

Still, anyone who's going to do any speculation about the MINI Rolls could use this car as inspiration: it's got magnolia-colored leather practically everywhere, including the roof lining and the air vents. Everything else is covered in walnut wood and glossy black piano trim. It may not be a production previer, but it is pretty pretty.

Gallery: Rolls MINI for Park Lane

[Source: Total MINI via MotoringFile]

Spy Shots: Rolls Royce Mini one-off originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 05 Jun 2009 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Luxurious and green: Europe's (relatively) low-CO₂ luxury sedans

Xavier Navarro — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:15:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Audi, Bentley, BMW, Cadillac, Chrysler, Honda, Jaguar, Maybach, Mercedes Benz, Rolls Royce, Europe/EU

Some drivers love large luxury sedans sedans. What's more, there's nothing that denotes luxury quite like the largest car from a premium brand. They might be impractical in some European cities, but that's for the chauffeur to worry about. For the green-minded baron, though, there are always concerns about high fuel consumption and, well, sometimes you can do the job with a smaller car. However, for those times when we just need to be driven in a big sedan, let's see what the European market has to offer. After the jump we have a list of luxurious sedans ordered by CO₂ emissions. And for once, this is a list - despite the inclusion of a few diesels - that includes many players from the American market as well. Click past the jump for the complete list.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Cadillac Converj

[Source: Auto News]

Continue reading Luxurious and green: Europe's (relatively) low-CO₂ luxury sedans

Luxurious and green: Europe's (relatively) low-CO₂ luxury sedans originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW plans to hold course with larger cars

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 09:20:00 EST

Filed under: BMW, MINI, Rolls Royce, Geneva Motor Show

Being BMW has its advantages. Just the other day, we heard news that Renault's future large cars were in trouble due to the prevailing winds in the automotive sector pushing new car buyers towards smaller, more fuel efficient cars. BMW, on the other hand, is set to launch at least one relatively large model in concept form at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show next month called the 5 Series Gran Turism. This vehicle is widely expected to spawn a future production model. Perhaps Strategy Number ONE has moved back a few places?

Remember that BMW also owns the Rolls Royce and MINI brands, so the German automaker can stretch out into a wide range of market segments without diluting the hard-earned brand integrity of its own label. Small cars can be introduced under the MINI umbrella. Plus, there's rumors of another brand in the works to focus on even smaller city cars.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, BMW can produce a line of Rolls Royce models that are just dripping with luxury, size, weight and, of course, high fuel consumption. Even that premium moniker is downsizing, though, with the new smaller, gentler RR4 expected to debut next month as well. For what it's worth, BMW claims that the new Roller will lead its segment in fuel economy and carbon emissions.

[Source: Channel 4]

BMW plans to hold course with larger cars originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 17 Feb 2009 09:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How long until we see an electric Rolls Royce Phantom?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 10:56:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Rolls Royce

An electric Rolls Royce? Perhaps it shouldn't seem such a stretch, as electric motors deliver just the kind of punch a big, heavy limo needs to get around the city. Plus, many of these cars are used to chauffeur rich people around, meaning that top-speed wouldn't be much of a concern and neither would price. After all, the RR brand is one of the most expensive marques in the world already. Electric motors are also nearly silent, just the thing for a brand that stands for luxury and refinement. Rolls-Royce CEO Tom Purves can imagine a time where cities begin to ban the type of gas-guzzling V12 engines that the company's cars are currently powered by, so an electric powertrain may be a foregone conclusion.

Rolls Royce is currently owned by BMW, a brand that has a bit of experience with electric vehicles, having just debuted its MINI E electric car. Purves believes that between the engineers at his company and BMW, creating an electrically-driven Rolls Royce shouldn't be too tough an assignment and could be ready in short order.

[Source: CAR Magazine]

How long until we see an electric Rolls Royce Phantom? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 24 Oct 2008 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Does Simon Cowell own the least eco-friendly fleet of cars in the world?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 02 May 2008 10:42:00 EST

Filed under: Green Culture, Bugatti, Ferrari, Rolls Royce, Green Daily, UK, USA

City Car Club, a carshare operator established in 2000 and based in the U.K. operates a fleet of vehicles including many Honda Civic Hybrids. The carshare group recently polled celebrities to find out what kind of vehicles they drive. Afterwards, the average CO₂ emissions of their fleets were summed up and the celebs were ranked. The worst of the worst turns out to be Simon Cowell, the judge you know and love from American Idol. Apparently, the Bugatti Veyron, Ferrari F430 and Rolls Royce Phantom in his garage average 457 g/km of CO₂, with the Veyron emitting the most at a whopping 574 g/km.

Jay Kay, "that bloke what wears daft stuff on his head" and frontman for the funk band Jamiroquai comes in at second place, followed by soccer star David Bekham. We're not really sure just how exhaustive the City Car Club's list is, but check out the ~~top~~ bottom ten after the break. American celebs appearing on the list include rapper ~~fiddy~~ 50 Cent and singer Justin Timberlake.

Continue reading Does Simon Cowell own the least eco-friendly fleet of cars in the world?

Does Simon Cowell own the least eco-friendly fleet of cars in the world? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 02 May 2008 10:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Rolls Royce tells CNN they are "class leaders" when it comes MPG ratings

Lascelles Linton — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 15:13:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Rolls Royce, AutoblogGreen Exclusive, Geneva Motor Show

CNN asked Rolls Royce boss Ian Robertson about the company's green efforts today. At the Geneva Motor Show, Robertson said the environment is on top of the agenda at Rolls, and gave as an example that Rolls has created "the most environmentally friendly car plant anywhere in the world." Ian also talked about the use of aluminum frames in the company's cars and then said something I found very surprising. Ian claimed the Phantom is "by far the class leader in the segment in terms of CO₂ and the best MPG." Wah? The 9-12 MPG Phantom is a leader in the mid-sized class of cars? Ian must mean another class of cars such as the "super luxury segment" he mentions in the interview.

[Source: CNN]

VIDEO: Rolls Royce tells CNN they are "class leaders" when it comes MPG ratings originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 04 Mar 2008 15:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AutoblogGreen

Remember the electric Rolls-Royce Phantom? Forget it

Rolls-Royce: We need to consider alternatives, even without demand

Rolls-Royce discusses its potential future in electric cars

Rolls-Royce drivers not so much into electric vehicles

Electric Rolls Royce 102EX driven as it begins world campaign

Video: Fully Charged takes you inside the Geneva Motor Show

Rolls-Royce 102 EX Phantom electric gets inductive charge from HaloIPT

Geneva 2011: Rolls-Royce 102EX Concept is going to rock down to Electric Avenue

Rolls-Royce 102EX Phantom Experimental Electric to debut in Geneva

Report: Electric Rolls-Royce limo in the works?

Electric Rolls-Royce Phantom could arrive within a year

Rolls-Royce Ghost could go hybrid sooner rather than later

Rumormill: Electric Rolls-Royce Phantom cometh?

Frankfurt preview: BMW announces plans for MINIMALISM display, special MINI editions

Spy Shots: Rolls Royce Mini one-off

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