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Models Books FAQ
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Rolls-Royce
Corniche
The debut of the new Rolls-Royce Corniche convertible in January 2000 marked the first step into the new century for Rolls-Royce. The new model's front and rear styling showed a design developed from the mainstream model Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph. The drophead coupé's unique identity was accentuated by a swaging from the top of the front wing to the bottom of the rear wing. The body was set onto the platform as used for Bentley Azure, hence a wheelbase of 3.061 mm.
To have choosen the V8 however resulted in a weight penalty; the V8-engine being much heavier than the aluminium V12-engine. Massive strengthening of the body to achieve the necessary stability for "topless" coachwork had added weigth too. The new Rolls-Royce Corniche was listed at 2,735kg - some 400 kg more than the basic four door model with its V12-engine. With occupants and luggage on board the Rolls-Royce Corniche easily might exceed the 3 ton mark. |
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Prospective purchasers did recognise the well-proven power unit as a clear indication of the Rolls-Royce Corniche - presumably the very last model developed at the Crewe factory - having been designed in the true Rolls-Royce philosophy. The interior offered that degree of comfortand luxury, that had become a hallmark of the marque. The name Corniche was not new, it had been used for a model introduced in 1971 during a rather difficult period in the company's history. One or the other might presume that Rolls-Royce reviving the name marked a turning point in the company history again - indicating that struggle has come to an end after having moved under the wings of multinational parents.
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As regards the power train however the new Rolls-Royce Corniche was completely different from the mainstream
model. Under the bonnet no 5,379 cc - V12-engine supplied by BMW was employed but the new Rolls-Royce Corniche was powered by that well proven 6.75 litre V8-engine whose origins dated back to the fifties of the previous
century. It had been introduced in 1959 with the launch of Rolls-Royce 
