The first car, which bore the name Corniche, was a prototype of 1939 based on the Bentley Mark V. But this car never went into production because of the start of the Second World War. The beautiful and elegant Rolls-Royce Corniche two-door convertible was designed and produced by the Mulliner Park Ward. Debut took place in 1971. Created on the Silver Shadow platform, he was distinguished by the fact that he had two body options - a coupe and a convertible with a folding top. The exquisite interior was trimmed with high-quality soft to the touch leather and expensive woods. The car was equipped with a cruise control system, and in 1976 an air conditioner was included in the package.
In the role of the main driving force was the engine V8 volume of 6750 cm3. The motor worked in tandem with an automatic transmission. It was released several generations of models Corniche, each of which changed something in the body design and trim. In 1982, the coupe was removed from production, and all the Corniche II were produced in the back of a convertible convertible. In 1986, the car was slightly reworked.
The Corniche II received chrome-plated bumpers, a new reversing light, a new rear license plate outline, as well as upgraded seats and a dashboard. Anti-lock brakes were standard, but the airbags in the base version were not available. But that all changed when the 1989 Corniche III was introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1989. Air bags are standard. Bumpers were painted in body color. Minor changes have affected the interior, for example, slightly altered the dashboard.
The car received the engine management system MK Motronic and 4-speed automatic transmission. In 1993, the world saw Corniche IV. By the way, after the closure of Mulliner Park Ward, production was moved to the city of Crewe. In 1995, released 25 cars with a turbine engine, which received the name Corniche S. The debut of Corniche V in January 2000 marked the first step of the Rolls-Royce in the new century. The body is built on the platform of a Bentley Azure cabriolet. Wheelbase width - 3061 mm. The modified shape of the wings and new lights gave the car a more rapid and aggressive look.
The uniqueness of the style is emphasized by a notch that runs from the top of the front wing to the bottom of the back. The salon is designed in the traditional colors of the skin and panels with numerous inserts of expensive wood. Upholstery seat made by hand. The car is equipped with a 6.75-liter V8 engine producing 329 hp. low pressure turbocharging, giving out 738 Nm between 2100 and 2300 rpm. The convertible adaptive gearbox. Up to 100 km / h accelerates in 8 seconds, and the maximum speed is limited to 217 km / h. Choosing a V8 caused a weight problem.
The power unit is quite heavy, plus the massive body reinforcement necessary for the stability of the open cabin, also added weight. As a result, Corniche V weighs 2.735 kg. This monumental creation of the British aristocrats of the Rolls-Royce brand is unanimously recognized as the greatest and most luxurious convertible in the world. Stylish look is not influenced by time. Corniche is not just a convertible, but a “Romantic Car,” as defined by the company itself.
At the very beginning of 2007, the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe (the second name Corniche Convertible) made its world debut at the Detroit International Auto Show. At the heart of the model is the base of the Rolls-Royce Phantom sedan shortened by 250 mm. A team of stylists worked on the design under the guidance of Ian Cameron.
The car received the hood and windshield frame of brushed steel, new headlights with narrow rectangles of LED blocks, a more streamlined grille. Separately noteworthy are the huge doors that open against the progress of the car. It is noteworthy that the manufacturer abandoned the new-fashioned hard roof - only the traditional fabric upper (five-layer and cashmere lined). When folded, it occupies a separate compartment and does not eat up the amount of luggage, which is already small - 315 liters. Under the hood is a 460-horsepower BMW V12 engine of 6.75 liters paired with a six-speed automatic ZF. It accelerates the car to 100 km / h in 5.9 seconds.
Comfortable cabin designed for four passengers.
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