The 2019 Phantom Is Modernizing

It’s not that we are opposed to change. It’s just, Rolls-Royce is one of those timeless things that we were naively hoping would always be a constant. It’s not broken, so ….

But a sneak peek at the next generation of Phantoms shows that we’re not getting what we want. Namely, they’re rounding the edges. Which apparently is just going to happen to every single ride we love until we are driving cylindrical spaceships. What can I say? I have a penchant for old school, boxy steeds.

With a nod to the 2016 103EX Concept, the British marque’s next trick has markedly softer lines, tapered LED headlamps and lower intake and vertical cutouts.

Additionally, the Phantom is converting to aluminum construction. The vehicle will be considerably lighter, but all the more powerful. Expect a swooped-up 6.75-liter V12, more efficient and more powerful. Plus there is talk of a plug-in hybrid model, which would pile on a wonderfully threatening amount of torque. That last detail is a change we’ll happily acclimate to — if it’s good for Ma Earth it’s good for us.