Introduced at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show,->ke228 the Phantom Coupe is currently in its second generation, with Rolls having unveiled the Series II for the 2013 model year. The update included a slightly revised exterior, enhanced cabin features, and improved fuel economy. Naturally, the refresh also slapped a new sticker to its windshield, making it one of the few half-million-dollar cars on the market.

But despite being one of the most opulent rigs and wearing a badge that speaks for itself, the standard Phantom Coupe isn't enough to satisfy some wealthy businessmen and car collectors. Thus Rolls-Royce->ke74 created Bespoke, a customizing division specializing in creating one-off or limited-edition iterations of just about any model available in the brand's lineup. The latest unique model to come from Bespoke is the Phantom Coupe Al-Adiyat, which is inspired by "the noise made by a powerful horse when its hooves strike stone."

The Al-Adiyat joins a long list of special-edition Rolls-Royce models, including the Ghost Mysore Collection, Maharaja Phantom Drophead Coupe, Phantom Drophead Coupe Nighthawk, and the Phantom Metropolitan Collection, all crafted to custom specifications.

Continue reading to learn more about the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe Al-Adiyat Collection.

2015 Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe Al-Adiyat Collection

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe Al-Adiyat Collection
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Not surprising, this Bespoke-crafted Phantom Coupe retains its standard exterior features, with only the exclusive paint and the coachline making it stand out from regular Phantom Coupes. The massive two-door is finished in a bright shade of red, complemented by a thin, white coachline, the silver hood, and the silver trim around the windows. The silver hood and trim aren't part of the package and can be had on any stock Rolls, but the bright silver goes well with the Arrest Me Red-like hue. A white motif on the lower trunk lid rounds off the Al-Adiyat.

All told, while I do appreciate Rolls-Royce's homage to horsemanship, I think the bright-red paint the Brits used for this coupe is off the mark. I'm aware that red denotes power and speed, but the color is not related to equitation and horses. Not even historically. And needless to say, no Rolls-Royce should be painted red. They just don't look good in that color.

Interior

As with most Bespoke-crafted Rolls-Royce models, the interior is where this Phantom Coupe received all the bells and whistles. The custom sill is the first detail to catch the eye once the door is open. The chrome piece, which features a gold-plated horseshoe and "Al Adiyat motif" lettering, also acts as a plaque by displaying the "One of One" status of the car.

For the interior, Rolls-Royce used red and white leather to dress everything from the seats and the center console to the dashboard and the door panels. A darker shade of red was used for the carpets, while the dark wood inserts in the dashboard features white motifs. The door armrests are also adorned by white motifs, these being identical to the one on the trunk lid. A horse-themed motif is embroidered in the front head rests.

Needless to say, the interior color combo reminds me of the American land yachts of the late 1950s and their flashy cabins -- the Chevrolet Impala and the Pontiac Bonneville come to mind. Granted, the white-and-red combination is well-suited for a luxo-barge, but it's a shame Rolls-Royce used the same bright-red for the exterior.

Drivetrain

Under the hood of the Al-Adiyat lurnks the same 6.75-liter V-12 that has been motivating the Phantom Coupe since its inception in 2008. Updated in for the 2013 model year, the engine produces 453 horsepower at 5,350 rpm and 531 pound-feet of torque from 1,000 rpm, and uses an eight-speed, ZF automatic transmission to send it to the wheels. The 60-mph sprint comes in 5.7 seconds, which is downright impressive for a vehicle of this size, while top speed is 155.

Prices

Being a one-off, this Phantom Coupe is likely already accounted for, but, if I were to take a guess, I'd say the owner paid at least $500,000 to take it home. The standard coupe retails from around $435,000.

Competition

Bentley Continental GT

Finding a direct competitor for the Phantom Coupe is impossible as of 2015, as no other manufacturer offers a two-door of this size. However, if you're willing to settle for less interior room, less chutzpah, and a less-imposing exterior, the Continental GT seems the logical choice. The British coupe received a refresh for 2016, with a redesigned front bumper, reshaped wheel arches and a redefined trunk lid.

Its 6.0-liter W-12 engine has also been updated, now cranking out 582 horsepower and 531 pound-feet of torque. The new output rating enables the Continental GT to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in around 4.3 seconds, which makes it nearly 1.5 seconds quicker than the Phantom Coupe. Top speed is also significantly higher at 198 mph. Making the Conti GT even more attractive compared to the Rolls-Royce is its sub-$250,000 sticker.

Bentley Grand Convertible Concept

The Grand Convertible might be only a concept as of February 2015, but Bentley is bound to put it into production sooner than later. Of course, there's also the fact that it doesn't come with a metal top, but it's not that far-fetched to dream that Bentley could revive the Brooklands nameplate by building a coupe version of the Grand Convertible. Once this concept becomes reality and receives a hardtop, the Phantom Coupe will finally have a competitor.

Built off the Mulsanne platform, the Grand Convertible Concept uses a 6.75-liter V-8 engine that cranks out 530 horsepower and a massive 811 pound-feet of torque. 60 mph is likely to arrive in 4.8 seconds, quicker than the Phantom Coupe, while top speed is probably 190 mph. If put into production, the Grand Convertible will become one of the most luxurious and fastest rigs on the market. What are you waiting for, Bentley?

Ferrari FF Dressage Edition

Before you bring out the tar and feathers, I'm well aware the Phantom Coupe and the FF have nothing in common except a pair of doors and four wheels. However, the FF I'm comparing the the Al-Adiyat to is no regular Ferrari, but a one-off model inspired by horse racing and everything that comes with the equestrian sport. Does it make sense now? Yeah, I just wanted to point out that Rolls-Royce isn't the only automaker that used horses as inspiration when building a car.

Created to celebrate both Ferrari's first Tailor-Made Center in China and the Chinese Year of the Horse, the Dressage Edition is finished in Piano Nero (Black) -- a color that is not available on the regular FF -- saddle brown leather, and grid-pattern stitchin for the front seats. Of course, the Phantom Coupe's V-12 engine is no match for the FF's, which sends 660 horsepower and 503 pound-feet of torque to the wheels for a 0-to-60 sprint of only 3.7 seconds.

Conclusion

While it might not be Rolls-Royce Bespoke's best work to date, the Al-Adiyat is further proof that the company's new focus is on unique and limited-edition models. These customized luxury rigs are particularly popular in the Middle East and China, and it seems Rolls-Royce is willing to do just about anything to keep its wealthy customers happy.