The first Rolls-Royce to be produced by German carmaker BMW, which bought the prestigious British brand name in 1998, has been unveiled at its new Goodwood plant in West Sussex.

The new Rolls-Royce Phantom is expected to cost about �240,000 ($382,000), and was inspired by previous classic models such as the Silver Cloud and Silver Shadow of the 1960s.

	:	In pictures
Unveiling the new Rolls-Royce Phantom

"Phantom captures the essence of the world's most famous car brand, interpreted in an utterly modern way," said BMW.

The German car maker bought the right to use the Rolls-Royce name in 1998, leaving sister brand Bentley under the control of rivals Volkswagen.

New technology

The new Rolls-Royce contains a number of novelty features such as "coach doors" in the back of the car that open from the middle outwards.

The internal fittings of the car are all made in Britain.

But the company said it was forced to go to Germany for the new Phantom's engineering.

"There is nowhere in Britain to source this kind of technology, " said Tony Gott, who was in charge of the project at Rolls-Royce.

About 40% of the sales of the new Phantom are expected to come from the United States, with the UK its second biggest customer.

But some reviewers have already criticised the car. Malcolm Raymond from Viewpoint magazine told the BBC:

"There is nothing positive about it. It is an iceberg bearing down on you."