Rolls-Royce engineers recently started public road trials of a test mule for the next-generation Phantom sedan, which we’re expecting to be launched on the market during 2017, as a 2018 model. The test mule was spotted outside a BMW technical center in Germany and features a few distinguishing features that give away its identity (a test mule hides a new car's mechanicals beneath the body of a current vehicle and is used at the earliest stages of development).
At the front of the vehicle are two new intakes, which suggest a new or upgraded powerplant. This is backed up by the makeshift exhaust system fitted to the car, whose exit pipes extend a couple of centimeters out from the rear bumper. Inside, most of the elements are test units borrowed from the BMW parts bin. However, the round air vents and leather-bound lower center console are new items.
The current Phantom has been on the market since the 2004 model year, making it long overdue for a replacement. This is especially true now that Mercedes-Benz plans to encroach on the ultra-luxury segment with its upcoming S-Class Maybach and Pullman models.
Source: MotorAuthority
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