An early prototype of the next Rolls Royce Phantom was scooped testing out and about in Europe providing us some insight into the new super-luxury saloon, around two years ahead of its launch.

Going over these spy shots and even though the camouflaged car lacks production parts on both ends, it appears that the next big Rolls is getting an evolutionary makeover on the outside, keeping the same distinctive silhouette with softer details, including a more sloping window shape and boot along with a flush design for the bumper at the back. It will also retain the current model’s trademark rear-hinged back doors and an upright nose with a massive grille on the front.

We also get our first glimpse of the interior, and while it’s still in early stages of development, we can see that Rolls Royce is abandoning the classic dials for an all-digital instrument panel flanked on the right side by a large screen for the infotainment and navigation systems resting above the center console vents.

What you can’t see from these images is the all-new aluminum spaceframe architecture that will not only offer improved structural stiffness resulting in even better refinement, ride and noise levels, but also reduced weight over the current car’s steel monocoque structure that dates back to the re-launch of the Rolls Royce brand under the BMW Group’s ownership in 2003.

Another benefit of the new chassis is the introduction of the latest electrical architecture that will enable the Phantom VIII (that’s how Rolls Royce calls it) to take advantage of the BMW Group’s technological advancements, from autonomous driving to gesture controlled infotainment systems.

Speaking about the next model during the presentation of the last current-generation Phantom specials, Rolls Royce boss Torsten Mueller-Oetvoes, said: “I am proud and excited to announce that a new Phantom is on the way – a contemporary and beautiful Phantom enhanced with cutting-edge technologies and design innovations. Any new Phantom is an historic and important moment in automotive history and we are working hard on perfecting the Phantom VIII.”

Very little is known about the next Phantom’s powertrains, but it will retain a V12 in its lineup, while there’s also a strong possibility of a lower emissions model with a plug-in hybrid unit shared with the upcoming Cullinan SUV.

Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoops

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