The Rolls-Royce Corniche Series V was a grand tourer produced by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Ltd. from 2000 to 2002. It was the final iteration of the Corniche series and marked a significant departure from its predecessors in terms of design and mechanicals.
Design:
Exterior-wise, the Corniche Series V featured a sleek, aerodynamic body style with subtle styling cues reminiscent of the Silver Seraph. Characteristic of Rolls-Royce designs of that era, it boasted smooth lines and curves that accentuated its luxury status. The car's overall length was increased to 5,144 mm (202.1 inches), while its wheelbase stood at 3,043 mm (119.8 inches). The Corniche Series V rode on a monocoque chassis made from steel.
The interior of the Rolls-Royce Corniche Series V embodied classic British opulence with impeccable craftsmanship and top-of-the-line materials used in its design and furnishings. This included soft leather upholstery, fine woods, and elegant trim details. The cabin offered ample space for passengers and showcased a well-appointed dashboard adorned with analog gauges.
Powertrain:
Under the hood of the Rolls-Royce Corniche Series V lay a 6,750 cc V8 engine from the M62 family, producing around 475 horsepower in its standard configuration. This powerhouse was coupled to a four-speed automatic transmission and allowed the Corniche to accelerate to speeds above 160 mph (257 kph) with ease.
Performance:
The performance of the Rolls-Royce Corniche Series V was remarkable for its class, boasting capabilities that rivaled those of sports cars. It could reach 60 mph in approximately 5 seconds and achieved a top speed electronically limited at around 124 mph (200 kph). Despite being an ultra-luxurious vehicle, it demonstrated exceptional agility, handling well despite its size.
Safety Features:
Safety features in the Rolls-Royce Corniche Series V were comprehensive for a luxury vehicle of its time. This included airbags integrated into the seats and steering wheel, anti-lock braking (ABS) systems, electronic stability control, traction control, and active headrests to reduce whiplash.
Production:
The production run of the Rolls-Royce Corniche Series V was relatively short-lived, spanning from 2000 to 2002. During this period, a total of approximately 34 cars were hand-built for customer orders. Each one was meticulously crafted by skilled artisans and bespoke craftsmen in Rolls-Royce's assembly lines.
Prices and Sales:
Pricing varied based on the specific configuration of each car, but overall, it remained within the luxury range expected from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Ltd. Given its exclusivity and rarity, sales figures were limited, with a total production run that barely exceeded three dozen cars worldwide during its lifespan.
Legacy:
The Rolls-Royce Corniche Series V marked the end of an era for this series, showcasing Rolls-Royce's ability to combine exceptional performance, luxurious comfort, and exclusive craftsmanship. It remained true to the company's reputation for excellence in automotive design and engineering while catering to the unique tastes of its discerning clientele.
Production concluded due to a shift in focus towards producing the Phantom model, which would become the brand's flagship. The Corniche Series V, though produced in limited numbers, demonstrated Rolls-Royce's dedication to creating exclusive, high-performance luxury vehicles that have captivated enthusiasts and collectors worldwide for generations.
