Rolls-Royce Car Pictures - Page 3

In 1998, VW bought rights to the "Spirit of Ecstasy" mascot and the shape of the radiator grille, but it lacked rights to the Rolls-Royce name in order to build the cars. Likewise, BMW lacked rights to the grille and mascot. From 1998 to 2002 BMW would continue to supply engines for Bentley and Rolls-Royce and would allow use of the names, but this would cease on January 1, 2003. On that date, only BMW would be able to name cars "Rolls-Royce", and VW's former Rolls-Royce/Bentley division would build only cars called "Bentley". Rolls Royce's convertible, the Corniche, ceased production in 2002.

"Even the sound from the 2000 Coniche's 6.8-liter V-8, with its supercharged sturm und drang, sounds more akin to a watercraft than a road-going roadster. It motivates the Corniche quickly, but not exceedingly fast; Rolls quotes figures of 8.0 seconds to 60 mph, and a top speed of 135. The transmission is a four-speed automatic, a sturdy and smoothly responsive unit that's a strong contrast to the ever-hunting five-speed autoboxes common in less expensive convertibles."

In 1954 the R Type Continental was introduced. Initially only one body style was available, the fastback two door coupe coach built by HJ Mulliner of Chiswick and inspired by the 1949 Cadillac coupé which it strongly resembled in all respects, other than the arrangement of headlamps and radiator. This and later Continentals differed from the standard saloons in a number of respects. The lower sleeker bodywork was more aerodynamically efficient. The body was entirely made of aluminium, unlike the standard car which was predominantly steel.

Rolls-Royce Car Pictures
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