Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II unleashed

The Phantom has always been a brilliantly decadent symbol for the alleged pinnacle of motorised vehicles, and the apparent best just got better here at Geneva, with the updated Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II.

What is it?

While the Series II moniker might suggest an all-new car, the new Phantom is really just a face lift, featuring a few tweaks at the front - including the addition of LED running lights - and a reworked engine, upping power and efficiency at the same time.

What's hot?

Waftability should be further improved thanks to the Phantom II inheriting the same eight-speed automatic transmission as the Ghost, replacing the previous generation's six-speed auto unit. The car's sat-nav system has also been replaced, with a new 8.8-inch touchscreen unit, complete with 3D terrain mapping.

What's not?

Gone are the previous generation car's circular headlights, and with it the restrained visual aggression of the Phantom Saloon's nose. Although only small detailing changes have been made, the new front end just seems a bit bland.

How much and when?

The Series II Phantom range includes Saloon, Coupé and Drop Head Coupé body styles, but Rolls-Royce is yet to confirm full pricing or a release date for its latest Opulent offering.

Anything else I should know?

The Phantom's 6.75-litre V12 motor has been mildly fettled, with power upped by 7hp to 460hp and torque now standing at 531lb ft - that means 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds but reduce CO2 emissions (dropping to 347g/km from 385g/k) thanks, in part, to the new eight-speed automatic transmission.

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