SPIED: Is This The FIRST, All-New Rolls-Royce Phantom Spotted On U.S. Shores?

There was a time when a Two Ton car was the symbol of a Luxury Vehicle (I know - you are too young to remember) - but eventually lots of car broke that weight barrier due to crash requirements that added additional bracing to vehicles and more weight. So that idea that a car of the size of a Rolls Royce weighs over 5000 pounds (They are over 5800 lbs now) is not unusual. Around the world - might be most Rolls Royce Phantoms have Chauffeurs - especially in Japan and China - and the Middle East. FOr cars like this - change is a relative term - and I don't expect much change - as the pictures show - with maybe the exception of the shape of the Headlights - certainly Ecstasy is not going to change. The bigger changes will be inside the vehicle where technology will run amok.

I'd rather have a Lagonda Taraf.

When did this current Phantom 1st get released? I wouldn't expect any significant exterior changes until the next-gen model is ready. And that's probably sometime after MY2020.

Most of the 2-3 year updates are mostly for interior content & tech.

The Rolls Royce Phathom 1 was released in 1927 - but I know that is NOT what you meant - Dumpsty - this current Phanthom was released in 2003 - hard to believe it is THAT old now. ANd the upcoming new Phathom is the complete replacement - with a new Platform etc. Rolls also does not have 2-3 year intermediate "refreshes"- even those take 6-7 years - remembering that their total output of cars is something around 4000 per year.

MRe - The Phathom does not drive for its size and is certainly NOT a challenge to drive - it is similar to the Mulsanne (Bentley is owned by VW). And the size of the car - which is actually smaller than they were 80 years ago - along with the long hood and more vertical rear window is what makes a Rolls distinguishable on sight. And it drives far more easily than Lincolns and Caddillacs from the 1950s-70s. (My boss had one - and is awating the new introduction to replace it). The difference to me - and I have driven both - is the Rolls is simply the more luxurious and quiet car - the Mulsanne is not as smooth - or quiet. However - the Mulsanne is more "sporty" when driven hard - although both have PLENTY of power to more quickly.

CanadianComments is correct when he says that the existing customer base does not want these vehicles to change a lot - but this time - the new Electronics is where the changes will come - they are both behind the S-Class on that.

Same flabby, lard-assed styling. I know a Rolls is supposed to be imposing, but styling it like a 400 pound bubba eating all the free samples at Costco isn't the best way.

I think the Phantom was basically rendered obsolete by the introduction of the Ghost 6 years ago.

The Phantom is so gaudy and massive (its actually a challenge to drive because it is so big) with only a minimally larger interior than the Ghost, that I think its appeal is limited.

It is cartoonish in my opinion.

The Bentley Mulsanne (newly refreshed for 2017) is a more more beautiful and tasteful ride if you happen to be someone who wants to blow $400,000 on a chauffeured sedan

The Ghost makes the Phantom seem more geared to the chauffeured set. Kinda hoped they'd make the engine compartment shorter while making the interior larger. But that might look proportionally weird now.

I guess an owner would look more normal driving the Mulsanne over driving the Phantom.

Much like the all new Range Rover this vehicle is being renewed with a complete focus on pleasing its existing client base. That it why it basically will look the same with some mild styling tweaks and a refreshed interior. Client do not want these vehicles to change. They like them just the way they are.