Rolls-Royce Corniche (2000)

Rolls-Royce Corniche V
2000 Rolls-Royce Corniche V
Overview
Manufacturer	Rolls-Royce Motors
Production	1999–2002 384 produced
Model years	2000–2002
Assembly	Crewe, England
Designer	Graham Hull
Body and chassis
Class	Grand tourer (S)
Body style	2-door 4-seat Soft-top convertible[1]
Layout	FR layout
Platform	Rolls-Royce SZ
Doors	2
Related	Bentley Azure
Powertrain
Engine	6.75 L turbocharged Rolls-Royce V8[1]
Transmission	4-speed 4L80-E automatic[1]
Dimensions
Wheelbase	120.51 in (3,061 mm) [1]
Length	212.79 in (5,405 mm) [1]
Width	81.02 in (2,058 mm) [1]
Height	58.07 in (1,475 mm) [1]
Kerb weight	6,031 lb (2,736 kg) [1]
Chronology
Predecessor	Rolls-Royce Corniche IV
Successor	Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé (indirect)

The Rolls-Royce Corniche V is a high end, two-door, four-seater luxury convertible car, that was produced in the United Kingdom from 1999 until 2002.

The model debuted in January 2000 and it was the second new model generation to bear the Corniche name, after four consecutive Corniche series derived from the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow. Contrary to all its predecessors, this Corniche was also the first Rolls-Royce with a soft-top that folded into the car's body.

Despite all-new sheetmetal, bearing a strong resemblance to the Silver Seraph, it had instead been derived from the pre-BMW era Bentley Azure, the model continued use of the traditional Rolls-Royce 6.75L V8 engine-block, in common with its predecessors, albeit significantly modernised, with improved performance, due to the Bentley-inherited turbocharger — this was the first Corniche to have this feature standard.^[2]

Released after a five-year production gap, the fifth series Corniche was Rolls-Royce's most expensive model and flagship car, with a base price of US$359,900. From 2003, Rolls-Royce motor car production was handed over to BMW, who did not prolong the production of any of the existing models, but instead reintroduced the brand with an all-new Phantom VII.

The Corniche V was the only Rolls-Royce model launched under Volkswagen holding ownership; the last Rolls-Royce Corniche to date, and with just 384 units built.