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Monday, Feb 18th, 2013
Not to be outdone by marques like Bugatti and Bentley, Rolls-Royce is said to be readying a 16-cylinder roadster and a super-luxury utility vehicle.
Rolls-Royce first teased the idea of a 16-cylinder road car with the 2004 introduction of the 100EX (pictured), but the show car's 9.0L V16 never made regular production. However, according to Car Magazine, that will change by 2017.
One Rolls-Royce engineer told Car the decision not to put the V16 under the hood of the Phantom was “a mistake,” but that error will be rectified by 2017 with the launch of a new convertible model powered by the massive engine.
The super roadster, which will have no relation to the Wraith set to be unveiled in Geneva, will ride on a version of the aluminum chassis set to underpin the 2016 Phantom sedan. The roadster's long hood will conceal a V16 engine that will be good for at least 700 horsepower.
Despite those eye-popping numbers, Rolls-Royce isn't looking to dethrone the Bugatti Veyron as the world's fastest car. Instead, the roadster will stay true to Rolls-Royce's heritage, delivering opulent luxury with effortless power.
But Rolls-Royce's future vehicle plans don't stop with the 16-cylinder roadster. The British automaker has also been keeping tabs on Bentley's plan to release an SUV, and could be planning a super utility vehicle of its own.
“We’re monitoring the competition’s activities,” said Rolls-Royce boss Harald Krüger, “and we’re regularly debating whether to take action. This applies to all brand segments and technologies.”
No word on when Rolls' Bentley-fighting SUV might launch.
SOURCE: LLN