Click above for high-res gallery of RR Phantom in the Autoblog garage

Short of the biggest SUVs, Rolls-Royce stands out in the mind of the eco-conscious public as a symbol of earth-munching decadence. But that may change if Tom Purves has anything to say about it. And he does, being the company's new CEO. Bringing in a fresh perspective to the ultimate luxury brand after taking the helm just a few months ago, Purves recently drove sister-company MINI's new electric vehicle, and a lightbulb aptly lit over his head with the idea to create an electric Phantom. Not a hybrid, but a full megawatt-powered limousine.

The RR4 -- the Rolls-Royce that asks that you "don't call me 'baby'" -- is slowly undressing, striptease-like, before its final reveal at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. Previous spy shots hinted at rear suicide doors, or coach doors as Rolls-Royce refers to them, and now it is official: the hinges on the rear door are on the rear of the door. The car has plenty of Phatom-esque cues, and although it doesn't look anything like the initial sketch, it looks like it could be a very attractive proposition when it shows up for the big dance. Still no word on engines, but we have no doubt its output will be something along the lines of prodigious.

If someone has enough cash on hand to commission an entirely rebodied Rolls-Royce from one of Italy's most famous coachbuilders, you can bet he's not going to be wearing an off-the-rack watch, either. That's why Girard-Perregaux crafted the special timepiece you see here.

Click to view the RR Phantom Peony edition in hi-res

Wealthy customers in the United Arab Emirates seem to have a penchant for special editions of the most expensive luxury saloons. As if it wasn't enough to get the Maybach Landaulet revealed right there on their home turn, one Arabian customer recently ordered a custom gilded Rolls-Royce Drophead. Now Rolls-Royce has followed up with a special edition of its Phantom limousine targeted specifically for the UAE.

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Pininfarina RR Hyperion

Spend enough time roaming the streets of Rome and you're likely to encounter a fair share of people who fancy themselves more Catholic than the Pope. No wonder, then, that the Italians have now tried to out-Rolls-Royce Rolls-Royce, presenting a one-off drop-top Drophead that endeavors to embody an even greater presence than the Phantom cabrio itself.

Click above for a high-res gallery.

When you're surrounded by the copious quantities of automotive pornography in and around Pebble, it's unfortunate that the gaudiest bits of kit catch your eye. Case in point: this yellow Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe that was delivered to a customer in Monterey.

The gallery tells the wholly infelicitous tale, from the matching French's Mustard interior to the carbon fiber trim replacing the Drophead's standard burl wood bits. It's utterly tasteless, but we just can't help gawking. Join in on the pain below.

Click above for a high resolution image

Click to view the Golden Roller in high-resolution

It says a lot about a place when a gold-gilded Rolls-Royce comes across as the most tasteful thing we've seen there recently, but so it is. Following the gold-accented Camry spotted in neighboring emirate Dubai, a brand new Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe has been delivered to its new owner in Abu Dhabi. But this convertible is distinguished by a gold paintjob and an actual gold-plated Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament (Seriously, the owner couldn't spring for a solid gold hood ornament?).