Rolls-Royce mulling V16 roadster, SUV

Rolls-Royce may be working on a new, mega-powerful roadster for 2017. CAR reports the convertible would conceivably boast a V16 engine. Of course, the report gets a little muddled here, with CAR saying the engine would be very similar to that of the one that powers the Bugatti Veyron – the French machine makes use of a W16 mill. Even so, the article says the Rolls-Royce version could put down around 700 horsepower. Design wise, we're told the creation will feature a suitably long nose with the passenger compartment pushed far to the rear.

Of course, 2017 is a long way off, and the thought of a 16-cylinder, naturally aspirated engine bowing under the crush of ever more stringent government fuel efficiency and emission regulations seems unlikely. We'll just put this one in the wait-and-see file for the time being. In the interim, you can hop over to CAR for a closer look at the magazine's rendering of the would-be roadster. If a V16 convertible does happen, look for a smug look on Rowan Atkinson's face.

Oh, and about that SUV? There's not much to report, though CAR does note that officials are keeping a close eye on rival Bentley and its plans for a luxury utility vehicle. Rolls brand boss Harald Krüger has even gone so far as to admit "we're regularly debating whether to take action."

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/22/r...-roadster-suv/

 

V16 nice, anybody remember the Cizeta?

https://www.google.com/search?q=cize...A&ved=0CEYQsAQ

 

^^ Only a handful of cars came from them before the firm was shut down. Looked very similar to the Countach and Diablo.

Rolls Royce needs to bring this V16 to life. Same with Cadillac and the Sixteen with its 13.6L V16!!

 

V16 Rolls Royce!!!

I haven't heard of this one since the V16 RR (9.0 liter with sixteen cylinders) that Rowan Atkinson used for Johnny English Reborn...

 

I'd say make it! If they have the means, make a statement. And for the tree huggers who would complain, go get a Prius, no one asked you to buy this RR

 

It would be interesting to see a RR SUV. I wonder how massive that thing would be? Seeing all the RR models are massive.

 

If we're lucky, Ford Excursion size

 

 

I would love to ram and run over all those Greenpeace eco-nutjobs with my "V16 Rolls Royce SUV" mwahahaha

 

I'm thinking this would be the first convertible top, v-16 car in about 85 years.




The first 1930 Cadillac v16 cars, amazing how much styles changed in 9-10 years:

 

Strange that a roadster (if it is a true two-seat roadster, not just a Rolls Convertible) would be sold under the Rolls nameplate. It would probably be more fittingly done as a Bentley, which is traditionally more sport-oriented than Rolls.

 

But Rolls-Royce and Bentley are now competitors, rather than sister brands as they once were, so if Bentley is likely to do something, RR must do it as well or lose customers.

Which explains why RR could be looking at an SUV also, since Bentley has shown a SUV concept and is likely to produce it.

 

OK, I'll agree with at least some of that, considering that RR and Bentley now have two different owners. But, when you speak of real auto-market competition, both sell in very low volumes.....and each has its own reputation for luxury and luxury/sport.

 

Rolls Royce is the still the one to beat in uber luxury. Bentley's may be plush but they are more athletic