  We consider late-time cosmology in a (phantom) scalar-tensor theory with an
exponential potential, as a dark energy model with equation of state parameter
close to -1 (a bit above or below this value). Scalar (and also other kinds of)
matter can be easily taken into account. An exact spatially-flat FRW cosmology
is constructed for such theory, which admits (eternal or transient)
acceleration phases for the current universe, in correspondence with
observational results. Some remarks on the possible origin of the phantom,
starting from a more fundamental theory, are also made. It is shown that
quantum gravity effects may prevent (or, at least, delay or soften) the cosmic
doomsday catastrophe associated with the phantom, i.e. the otherwise
unavoidable finite-time future singularity (Big Rip). A novel dark energy model
(higher-derivative scalar-tensor theory) is introduced and it is shown to admit
an effective phantom/quintessence description with a transient acceleration
phase. In this case, gravity favors that an initially insignificant portion of
dark energy becomes dominant over the standard matter/radiation components in
the evolution process.
