Every new Rolls-Royce Phantom series has upheld the same title as ‘The Best Car in the World’ ever since the day Co-Founder Sir Henry Royce first introduced the Rolls-Royce Phantom in 1925. From then on, Rolls-Royce has never once left anyone thinking this title was undeserving as each Phantom model is an embodiment of pure perfection, visionary engineering, inventive ingenuity, and goes through a profound realization of what the world’s leading luxury should be. And today yet another new Phantom – the eighth generation of this great nameplate – makes its debut with the title of ‘The Best Car in the World’ as it represents the next chapter for the timeless and iconic Rolls-Royce Phantom series.
“The global introduction of a new Rolls-Royce is always a very special moment within the BMW Group”, said Chairman of Rolls-Royce and Member of the Board of the BMW Group Peter Schwarzenbauer. “This particular occasion is all the more special because we are introducing an all-new Phantom, the flagship of the Rolls-Royce brand and the world’s foremost luxury product. New Phantom is a powerful statement of design, engineering and Bespoke expertise and I am delighted with the response we have received from our many highly discerning customers worldwide. The BMW Group remains fully committed to the future of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and is proud of the many achievements made by the brand since its acquisition.”
The new Rolls-Royce Phantom is equipped with the power of a V12 engine. Although, unlike other Rolls-Royces, this new model (in addition to harboring a completely silent engine) features a cutting-edge 6.75-litre V12 powertrain that has been engineered for New Phantom in place of the former V12 engine. The new V12 Phantom engine utilizes two turbochargers that provides a low-end torque output of 900Nm at a reduced 1,700rpm while transferring 563bhp or 420kW of power, which results in an impassive surge of power for rapid acceleration and calm low speed progress related to state occasions. The extension of Satellite Aided Transmission (SAT), alongside a ZF 8-Speed gearbox is also a great assurance to help keep the driver prepared for whatever obstacle he may encounter while on the road.
New Phantom is 30% more rigid than the spaceframe architecture on which sat Phantom VII, the new architecture of the Phantom VIII demonstrates the next generation of the Rolls-Royce in terms of ride comfort, acoustic comfort, seat comfort, exterior presence and interior space. In pursuit of creating ‘the most silent car in the world’, the Phantom includes 6mm two-layer glazing all around the car, more than 130kg of sound insulation, the largest ever cast aluminium joints in a body-in-white for superior sound insulation, and use of high absorption materials. Acoustic insulation has been reinforced with the employment of double skin alloy on areas within the floor and bulkhead of the spaceframe. Furthermore, high absorption layers within the headliner, in the doors, and in the boot cavity have added additional insulation and lessened reverberation. Rolls-Royce even extended much of their time and effort to work closely with its tyre supplier in constructing the ‘Silent-Seal’ tires, which was created using a specific foam layer inside the tyre to remove tyre cavity noise whilst reducing overall noise by 9db. Providing a smooth drive, the largest high-value alloy wheel ever employed on a Rolls-Royce (22-inch Rolls-Royce’s Seal Technology Tyres) has been equipped to New Phantom.
The operation systems within New Phantom connects and controls all of the advanced intelligence systems, making the vehicle the most technologically advanced luxury motor car available. Assistance systems on-board New Phantom include, but are not limited to: Alertness Assistant, a 4-camera system with Panoramic View, all-round visibility including helicopter view, Night Vision and Vision Assist, Active Cruise Control, collision warning, pedestrian warning, cross-traffic warning, lane departure and lane change warning, an industry leading 7×3 high-resolution head-up display, WiFi hotspot, and of course the latest navigation and entertainment systems.
Undergoing a spectacular, new approach with the Pantheon grille as the core of New Phantom’s design; the grille is heightened to a far greater extent than that of Phantom VII, subsequently elevating the position of the Spirit of Ecstasy roughly a half inch higher. It also relates to the futuristic design on the grille of VISION NEXT 100 – a brilliant Rolls-Royce concept that was codenamed 103EX last year. Emanating from the upper tips of the grill is polished stainless steel strips that curve along the upper edges of the bonnet and around the windscreen.
High gloss tactile wood paneling, which can be commissioned for the door interiors, dashboard, centre consoles, and picnic tables, envelops the passengers within elegant and genuine materials. The armrests aboard the car were inspired by the J-Class yacht, and the tension & ‘hull’ of the armrests are directly referenced from these same large sailing yachts.
The seats have been hand-crafted with a strong horizontal aspect through the top of the seat, which convey amplitude, comfort, and presence that also imparts a vertical apprehension of the seat ‘bullet’ previously seen in Wraith and Dawn. Buyers will be able to commission different seating choices that better suit their own personal preferences such as the lounge seat configuration, individual seats with occasional armrest, individual seats with fixed centre console, and the newly introduced sleeping seat.
Throughout the interior, heating functions can be found in the front door armrests, front centre console lid, lower C-Pillar, rear side armrests with all individual seats, and rear centre armrest. The stretch of wood paneling that run across the back of the front seats are influenced by the famous Eames Lounge Chair of 1956. Hidden behind the wood panelling on the rear of the front seats are the Rear Picnic tables and Rear Theatre Monitors – capable of being electrically opened and closed with a simple touch of a button.
The rear centre console features an improved upgrade that incorporates a drink cabinet with whisky glasses and decanter as well as champagne flutes and coolbox. In addition, the rear seats within the car can be effortlessly rearranged to face the other seat, whilst granting occupants the possibility to strike up a conversation face-to-face with one another.
The New Rolls-Royce Phantom has not only become a milestone for the luxury car manufacturer as ‘the Best Car in the World’, but it is also the world’s leading luxury item. This recently issued eighth-generation Phantom brings in a new era for Rolls-Royce; whereas New Phantom paves the way to the future of the global luxury industry, as it combines high living and comfort while still on the road.
For more information visit: Rolls-RoyceMotorcars.com
