Autoblog Green

Rolls-Royce Ghost could go hybrid sooner rather than later

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

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 Autoblog Green 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 Autoblog Green 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 Autoblog Green 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 Autoblog Green 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 Autoblog Green 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 Autoblog Green 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 Autoblog Green 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 Autoblog Green 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 Autoblog Green on Tue, 04 Mar 2008 15:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog experiences the joy of 9-10 mpg in a 2007 Rolls-Royce Phantom

Sebastian Blanco — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 19:40:00 EST

Filed under: Rolls Royce

AutoblogGreen and Autoblog are like two sides of a coin; sometimes what matters is that we're connected and we try to bring you the full spectrum of automotive news, other times there is no disputing how much we're on opposite sides of an issue. I think Autoblog's review of the 2007 Rolls-Royce Phantom that went up today puts us squarely in that second category. I have not doubt that the ride is every bit as amazing as Alex Nunez makes it sound, but there is simply no way I could enjoy a car that gets, I kid you not, around 9-10 miles per gallon in everyday life (even though the sticker says it gets 13 in the city and 19 on the highway). I'm sitting here wondering if I could enjoy it even for a mile or two; Alex loved it.

Alex does have a little bit of fun with the terrible un-green-ness of this Phantom, as you can see in this picture. While the biggest story here is that a blog got to test drive an almost $400,000 car, for AutoblogGreen, the notable detail is that this post marks just the seventh story we've done on Rolls-Royce in our 18 month history. I think that just about says it all. Here are the other six:

[Source: Autoblog]

Autoblog experiences the joy of 9-10 mpg in a 2007 Rolls-Royce Phantom originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 01 Oct 2007 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oh goodness - Autocar says Rolls-Royce, Jaguar drivers are a "minority group" and shouldn't be persecuted

Sebastian Blanco — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 09:13:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Aston Martin, Bentley, Jaguar, Land Rover, Rolls Royce, Legislation and Policy

Perhaps my response to a statement released last week by Autocar is misinformed because there is some misinterpretation going on between my American English reading of British English words. The key is whether or not "minority group" carries with it the same connotations in the UK as it does in America. I read this line in Autocar editor Chas Hallett's statement - "Why do we need a scheme which is so expensive to administer that it has to pick on a minority group" - and thought how silly it was for him to use those words to describe people who drive the most expensive vehicles, those that are also fairly unkind to the environment. You can see what your response is by checking out the statement in full after the jump.

In any case, Hallett's point is that the proposed £25 congestion charge will not really do anything except raise £250 million for Transport for London, the "integrated body responsible for the Capital's transport system." By unfairly charging vehicles in the Band G category (those that emit more than 225 gm/k of CO2), Hallett says, the charge does nothing but punish a driver who causes "almost no harm to congestion or pollution, and helps preserve British jobs." The jobs issue is because so many vehicles by Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin, Jaguar and Land Rover are in Band G.

I understand that someone who works at Autocar isn't going to be keen on anything that, in effect, criticizes the classic UK automakers. Still, just because someone makes a car in your backyard doesn't mean they can have that vehicle emit anything they want. Some things - the air we breathe, for example - are more important than a particular vehicle or automaker. It's not like it's a secret that there are plenty of powertrain options these companies could look into so their vehicles fit into one of the less expensive Bands (see this example).

[Source: Autocar]

Continue reading Oh goodness - Autocar says Rolls-Royce, Jaguar drivers are a "minority group" and shouldn't be persecuted

Oh goodness - Autocar says Rolls-Royce, Jaguar drivers are a "minority group" and shouldn't be persecuted originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 27 Aug 2007 09:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rolls-Royce claims: 30 percent lower CO2 emissions (but not in cars)

Xavier Navarro — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 17:43:00 EST

Filed under: Rolls Royce

Rolls-Royce (except the automotive branch, which is in different hands) has released their 2007 Environmental Impact Report in which they claim that RR's products pollute 30 percent less CO2 than in 1998 (when the first report was issued). This document also claims that the marque is investing more than 170 million GBP in improving environmental performance.

Speaking about the different sectors Rolls-Royce works in, aviation is the least flattering, because although aviation is responsible of 2 percent of CO2 emissions and planes use 50 percent less fuel per passenger, there is still work that can be done. When relating to their nautical business, ships are responsible for three percent of CO2 although they produce significant quantities of sulphur (SOx) and nitrogenous oxides (NOx).

Rolls-Royce is currently developing new gas turbines, claimed to be "more efficient, clean and silent," investing in fuel cells and in renewable energies, such as turbines that produce electricity from tidal waves.

[Source: Rolls-Royce via Econoticias.com]

Rolls-Royce claims: 30 percent lower CO2 emissions (but not in cars) originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 17 Jul 2007 17:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW: 40% of European Car Range under 140 CO2 g/km by fall.

Xavier Navarro — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 16:49:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, BMW, MINI, Rolls Royce

BMW is really trying hard to sell fuel-efficient cars with the Efficient Dynamics strategy. Adding the Stop&Go system in the Mini and the 1-Series has been a positive nod in global mileage improvement - which is surely reflected in CO2 emissions figures.

However, not only the small ones are claimed to be clean, even the 3 Series have eco-friendlier options that will keep emissions lower (and save some Euros/Pounds in taxes for their owners). So BMW is announcing that by fall 2007 around 40 percent of all BMW Group (BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce) cars sold in Europe will come with maximum C02 emissions of 140 g/km.

How has BMW achieved this? The actions are sure to be known by our readers: a full range of 4 cylinder engines that benefit from direct injection using piezo-electric injectors and new common-rail and Variable Twin turbos for the diesels. BMW has also announced that in the near future, all models of the BMW 6 Series, BMW 5 Series, BMW 3 and BMW 1 Series as well as the BMW X5 will be fitted with brake energy regeneration, which will free the alternator to use the engine to charge the battery (as seen on the latest iteration of the M3). BMW has also invested in making cars with a better drag coeficient and something called Efficient Dynamics, claimed to improve the car's performance while burning less fuel.

If you want to have a look at the full BMW range under 140 CO2 g/km, continue with me after the jump.

Related:

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW: 40% of European Car Range under 140 CO2 g/km by fall.

BMW: 40% of European Car Range under 140 CO2 g/km by fall. originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 26 Jun 2007 16:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rolls Royce making acqisitions in the fuel cell arena

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 15:32:00 EST

Filed under: Hydrogen, Manufacturing/Plants, Rolls Royce

News came through yesterday that Rolls Royce has acquired SOFCo-EFS Holdings LLC in Ohio from an engineering group called McDermott International Inc. This further bolsters Rolls Royce's knowledge and expertise in Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) technologies.

According to Mark Fleiner, President of Rolls-Royce Fuel Cell Systems (US) Inc.,"We are aggressively growing our global fuel cell capability, and the acquisition of the SOFCo assets aligns with our strategy. From the beginning, our strategy has been to engage the best skills and technology around the world to create the first cost-competitive, highly-efficient fuel cell systems. This acquisition is a critical step on our journey."

It seems that Rolls Royce would like to introduce a stationary SOFC fuel cell shortly. To help with this goal, they have also "opened a new facility at Loughborough University in the UK to pilot the production of ceramic components for use in fuel cell systems."

Thanks for the tip, Linton!

[Source: Rolls Royce, Forbes and PRNewswire]

Rolls Royce making acqisitions in the fuel cell arena originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 04 Apr 2007 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rolls-Royce Gives a Hoot

Alex Nunez — Sun, 03 Dec 2006 16:37:00 EST

Filed under: Green Culture, Manufacturing/Plants, Rolls Royce

There may be no greater monument to conspicuous consumption than the Rolls-Royce Phantom, but the automaker prides itself on its environmental awareness, as evidenced by the actions they've taken at and around their Goodwood facility. The building itself is home to an 8-acre "living roof," which is planted with a variety of sedum, or stonecrop, plants. It encourages biological diversity (earlier this year, RR released a story to the media detailing that skylarks had begun settling on the roof), acts as insulation in the winter, and helps cool the facility in the summer months.

Beyond just the roof itself, Rolls-Royce has planted over 400,000 trees and shrubs in the surrounding area, which in addition to attracting local wildlife, helps the facility blend into its regional surroundings. Just last month, it also announced plans to increase the amount of waste it recycles from 60% to 75%.

So, as you can see, while the cars they produce aren't particularly "green" (OK, OK, nix the "particularly"), the automaker is working in earnest to be a good corporate citizen and preserve the area in which it's set up shop.

This brings us to last week, when the Goodwood property introduced an owl box in the hopes of attracting Barn Owls to the area. The regional population of the birds has been declining, and RR hopes to help turn that trend around by providing a safe haven at Goodwood. The bird's new digs are nothing to sneeze at, either. Designed by staffers at West Dean College, it takes the shape of the iconic Rolls-Royce grille, but instead of the Spirit of Ecstacy sitting on top, it's a Barn Owl striking the familiar pose.

Additional boxes are planned for the area surrounding the manufacturing facility and offices.

(Another photo and RR's press release after the jump)

[Source: Rolls-Royce]

Continue reading Rolls-Royce Gives a Hoot

Rolls-Royce Gives a Hoot originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 03 Dec 2006 16:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rolls-Royce dips a toe into greener waters

Sebastian Blanco — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 21:10:00 EST

Filed under: Manufacturing/Plants, Rolls Royce

Rolls-Royce, just a week after I wrote that we haven't had a single green story about them on AutoblogGreen, has given word about their waste reduction campaign. The company isn't changing its cars, just the way they make those cars. By the end of next year, Rolls-Royce hopes to recycle 75 percent of all the waste that comes out of its Goodwood facilities. This is up from about 60 percent today.

It's kind of ironic to read the words, "As part of the company's commitment to sustainability" in a Rolls-Royce press release (the company's 2006 Phantom gets 12 mpg in the city), but I'm glad to see that there will be a new dedicated waste management center at Goodwood where waste materials will be recycled. The items to be recycled include office materials, food packaging and old computer parts. Scraps of wood and leather from the production of Rollw-Royce vehicles are sold for use by other manufacturers. There's even a Goodwood Estate organic farm that used compost from materials collected from Goodwood. Now, about that hybrid Phantom...

[Source: Rolls-Royce]

Rolls-Royce dips a toe into greener waters originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 16 Oct 2006 21:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Green

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

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

BMW plans to hold course with larger cars

How long until we see an electric Rolls Royce Phantom?

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

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

Autoblog experiences the joy of 9-10 mpg in a 2007 Rolls-Royce Phantom

Oh goodness - Autocar says Rolls-Royce, Jaguar drivers are a "minority group" and shouldn't be persecuted

Rolls-Royce claims: 30 percent lower CO2 emissions (but not in cars)

BMW: 40% of European Car Range under 140 CO2 g/km by fall.

Rolls Royce making acqisitions in the fuel cell arena

Rolls-Royce Gives a Hoot

Rolls-Royce dips a toe into greener waters

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