2000→2002 Rolls-Royce Corniche V
The fifth generation Corniche was the last Rolls-Royce convertible crafted by the artisans in Crewe. At the time it was one of the most expensive vehicles at $359,900 USD and was also the flagship for Rolls-Royce.
The Corniche was the only model developed by Rolls-Royce under Volkswagen’s ownership. It used styling cues from the Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph, but was built on the Bentley Azure chassis with its 6.75 liter V8. This engine was renowned for it’s monstrous torque, 544 ft lbs at 2,100 rpm.
The car was built only for luxury and weighs a hefty 6836 lbs. To deal with this weight a computerized automatic ride control provided computer control of the suspension dampers to optimize ride comfort and handling. Adaptive shifting also modifies the gear change response to the driver’s style.
Inside, the car was treated to a fully lined and insulated soft top roof for maximum comfort.
The car was built from 2000–2002 and a total of 374 were produced.
In Detail
| submitted by | Richard Owen |
| type | Series Production Car |
| production years | 2000 – 2002 |
| built at | Crewe, England |
| production | 374 |
| price $ | $ 359,900 |
| succeccesor | 2007 Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé |
| engine | Rolls-Royce V8 |
| valvetrain | SOHC 2 Valves / Cyl |
| displacement | 6750 cc / 411.9 in³ |
| bore | 10.46 mm / 0.41 in |
| stroke | 99 mm / 3.9 in |
| compression | 8.0:1 |
| power | 242.4 kw / 325.1 bhp @ 4000 rpm |
| specific output | 48.16 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 104.74 bhp per tonne |
| torque | 738 nm / 544.3 ft lbs @ 2300 rpm |
| driven wheels | Front Engine / RWD |
| front tires | 255/55R17 |
| rear tires | 255/55R17 |
| front brakes | F Vented Discs / R Solid Discs |
| front wheels | F 43.2 x 19.0 cm / 17.0 x 7.5 in |
| rear wheels | R 43.2 x 19.0 cm / 17.0 x 7.5 in |
| steering | Rack & Piniion w/Power Assist |
| curb weight | 3104 kg / 6836 lbs |
| wheelbase | 3061 mm / 120.5 in |
| front track | 1549 mm / 61.0 in |
| rear track | 1549 mm / 61.0 in |
| length | 5405 mm / 212.8 in |
| width | 2050 mm / 80.7 in |
| height | 1475 mm / 58.1 in |
| transmission | GM 4L80-E 4-Speed Auto |
| gear ratios | 2.48:1, 1.48:1, 1.00:1, 0.75:1 |
| final drive | 2.69:1 |
| top speed | ~215 kph / 133.51 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | ~8.0 seconds |
| 0 – 100 mph | ~22.0 seconds |
