More Than a Rolls Royce
Having at my disposal for three days the very best of luxury has made me a happy man, until I had to come back to the world of ordinary mortals, returning the key of the big Rolls. The exclusive treatment that I enjoyed for this test drive was rather unique and gave me yet another confirmation that you don’t want to bring such an heavy and big car in situations that could make it ungovernable; the near incident made me realize that I am tremendously lucky so I can write these lines while still having a job. The Rolls Royce Phantom is the top luxury model of the Anglo German premium car maker (now only German), it debuted several years ago, but despite having undergone some slight facelift, its unique shape has been retained and so did Mr. Mansory , that with one of his earliest creations, put his hands on the extra large limousine and has renamed it Conquistador.
The name was not only a hope, but a workhorse that allowed him to win his goals, conquering the market, despite the exorbitant price of around € 1 million (Rolls + aesthetic and mechanical upgrades), so as to consolidate in a few years the brand of the tuner based in Switzerland. The Conquistador has aerodynamic changes on its four sides, a trim considerably stiffened and a completely revamped interior with carbon fiber and colored skins; this is perhaps the aspect that Mansory prefers most and where you can easily notice his touch: it can please or displease, let’s face it. Once sat at the wheel, I would sincerely have preferred something more refined and less flashy, but most buyers of this particular model, however, just like so and so laws of the market in the first place. The engine, the well-known V12 has been increased to 6.7cc and 490hp thanks to an intervention on the control unit, so the maximum torque of 780Nm is able to move nimbly this rambling monument. Performances are exceptional, 5 seconds from 0 to 100 kph and 270kph of top speed, but it is precisely this spirit and this great elasticity of the engine that made me risk my neck, when overtaking, where I found myself getting into a somewhat ‘corner, way too fast and the Rolls began to slide, also because of a bad road surface, deeply wet. It was enough to make the sign of the cross in zero time and lighten the gas pedal for avoid hitting the cars in the other direction, but all this has reminded me that despite such a power reserve, I was still on something that weighs about two tons and a half. A lesson is always good and I admit that then have enjoyed the best of the luxury and elegance that the Conquistador offers, driving it as it should really be used, parading without excesses, but admired by everyone.
Luciano Reglia