Three new models from Rolls-Royce

Press, 9 October 1980, Page 25

Three new models from Rolls-Royce

Motor Sport Diary : —

Is it possible to improve a Rolls-Royce? Obviously the British company thinks so, for it has just released three new models which are better than their predecessors. The Silver Spirit, Silver Spur and Bentley Mulsanne replace the former Shadow, Wraith and Bent’ ley T series saloons, while the Rolls-Royce Phantom limousine, two-door Camargue and Comiche convertible continue in their present form. The new four-door Rolls-Royce saloons are quieter, better-handling and more economical than their- predecessors. They have a top speed of over 200km/h and fuel consumption is 5 per cent lower, due partly to the more “slippery” shape of the cars. Although the new models are lower, they are also wider and longer than their predecessors. The subdued but faintly audible road noise of the

Shadow series has been banished, largely due to the new rear suspension which Rolls-Royce introduced without fanfare on the two-door Corniche in the middle of last year. Luxury features include two-level air-conditioning, t h re e-way electrically adjustable front seats, electric side windows, stereo-radio system, digital display for clock, outside temperature and elapsed journey time, central door locking, electronic cruise control, automatic transmission, power steering, power-assisted disc brakes on all four wheels, lambswool carpeting and leather or cloth seats. . The Silver Spirit, Silver Spur and Bentley Mulsanne also have completely new seats. During the 15 years in which the now dis* continued Silver Shadow was built, 32,300 were manufactured by the British company, 17,000 of these being exported.

The new models will be available immediately in Europe and the Middle East but motorists in North America, Australia and New Zealand hoping to pop out and buy a couple will have to wait until well into 1981. The Silver Spirit — the least expensive of the new models — will probably cost about $200,000 in New Zealand when it arrives here.

HW" mjWJWMWJMMMOBWJW ■-»»»■ MIMINW HIM—M. Wednestay, October 8 to Sunday, October 12: San Remo rally, Italy (round seven of world championship). Saturday, October 11 and Sunday, October 12: Hella Lights rally (final round of national series), Auckland.