The introduction of a new generation of the Rolls-Royce Phantom is not an everyday occurrence. In fact, it has happened only eight times since 1925, when Sir Henry Royce presented the first Phantom. In the 92 years since then, probably more than any other model, the Phantom has helped Rolls-Royce maintain its image as the premiere ultra-luxury car-builder.
The seventh-generation Phantom was the first car produced by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars as a division of the BMW Group, but it was built upon the remarkable and distinguished DNA of all the Phantoms that preceded it, as is the Phantom VIII.
Peter Schwarzenbauer, Chairman of Rolls-Royce and member of the BMW AG Board of Management for Rolls-Royce, BMW Motorrad, and Mini, spoke on the significance of the new Phantom, saying, "The global introduction of a new Rolls-Royce is always a very special moment within the BMW Group. 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.”
Although Rolls-Royce is part of the BMW Group, the new Phantom will not share a platform with any BMW models. Rolls-Royce is building the Phantom on the company's "Architecture of Luxury."
“This realization was a moment of clarity about the destiny of Rolls-Royce,” commented Rolls-Royce Motor Cars CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös. “Every one of our customers—each a connoisseur of luxury in the extreme—were asking for something more individual to them, not less. We were adamant that that was what they should have.”
“Key to Rolls-Royce realizing its vision of being the world’s leading luxury brand, today and in the future, is an architecture that spans the entire Rolls-Royce family,” said Philip Koehn, Director of Engineering. “The Architecture of Luxury will carry every future Rolls-Royce, not just the New Phantom. Project Cullinan and eventually the next Ghost, Wraith, Dawn will ride on this architecture, as well as future coach-build projects.”
The Architecture of Luxury uses an all-aluminum spaceframe. The Phantom is the first Rolls with it, but will not be the last. Rolls-Royce has ditched the traditional monocoque construction so prevalent in the rest of the industry in favor of the aluminum spaceframe that will be underneath all future Rollers. With 30 percent more rigidity than previous spaceframes, the Architecture of Luxury will provide a lighter vehicle with a more comfortable ride, less noise, and more interior room.
Rolls-Royce calls it the Magic Carpet Ride. The self-leveling air suspension continually adjusts based on millions of calculations per second as the electronically controlled shocks react to acceleration, steering inputs, and camera information. For example, a stereo camera in the front windshield adjusts the suspension proactively at speeds up to 62 miles per hour.
Two-layer glazing all around the car, 286 pounds of sound insulation, high-absorption materials, and the largest-ever cast joints result in what Rolls-Royce calls "the most silent motor car in the world."
Being part of the BMW Group has its advantages. The New Phantom carries a brand new—and extremely quiet—engine. The 6.75-liter twin-turbo V12 produces 663 pound-feet of torque at a low 1,700 rpm. In concert with the engine's 563 horsepower, and ZF eight-speed transmission, acceleration is brisk and according to Rolls-Royce, almost silent. Rolls-Royce doesn't actually say the engine is made by BMW, but where else are they going to get one like that other than BMW Plant Munich?
The Phantom VIII is the most technologically advanced Rolls-Royce in history. The car's Electronic Architecture connects and controls assistance systems comprising Alertness Assistant, a four-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; a 7" x 3" high-resolution head-up display; WiFi hotspot; and state-of-the-art navigation and infotainment systems.
When you look at the New Phantom, your eye is immediately drawn to the latest interpretation of the Rolls-Royce grille. It seems cleaner than previous versions, perhaps because for the first time it is integrated into the adjacent bodywork.
Occupants may open or close doors using the substantial handles on the outside, or they—or their chauffeur—can touch a button to close them slowly and silently. Once inside driver and passengers can luxuriate in the finest materials for which Rolls-Royce is famous and experience "The Embrace," where "nothing detracts from calmness and tranquility." Technology remains unseen until called for.
Rear seat passengers may dine on Rear Picnic tables or view the latest infotainment on Rear Theater Monitors, both electronically deployed. The seats are newly designed and hand-crafted to deliver even more comfort. Phantom buyers may design their rear seating preferences and choose from an intimate lounge seat, individual seats with occasional armrest, individual seats with fixed center console, and the newly introduced sleeping seat.
The rear center console incorporates a drinks cabinet with whisky glasses and decanter, champagne flutes, and coolbox. The rear seats can be angled to facilitate conversation.
The New Phantom lets you take an art "Gallery" with you. Rolls-Royce created a space in the upper dashboard that can be filled with creations of a favored artist or designer working with Rolls-Royce.
“In the 18th century, miniatures were highly fashionable and valuable items of art that allowed their owners to carry images of their loved one with them wherever they traveled. I really loved that idea of taking your art with you, when traveling, and so I acted on it,” Said Rolls-Royce design chief Giles Taylor. “Now, our clients will be able to do the same.”
Rolls-Royce intended to blend the Architecture of Luxury, The Gallery, The Embrace, incredibly luxurious interior materials, the newest proven technology, what is most likely a great new V12 engine, and over-the-top design and engineering into what is not just the latest iteration of the Phantom series, but a contender to retain the "Best Car in the World" description.—Scott Blazey
[Photos courtesy of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.]
