Rolls-Royce has officially unveiled the all-new Phantom which seeks to reclaim its title as the most luxurious vehicle in the world.
Looking instantly recognizable, the redesigned flagship has been created to deliver “new levels of iconic presence and an increased elegance.”
Starting with the front, designers installed a taller grille which sees the Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament sit approximately a half inch higher than on its predecessor. Besides being larger, the grille has been integrated into the surrounding bodywork for the first time which results in a cleaner and more modern appearance.
The grille is flanked by new laserlight headlights which are surrounded by an “expressive ring of daytime driving lights.” Rolls-Royce says the headlights are the most advanced in the world and will cast light well over 600 meters (1,968 feet) down the road.
Moving further back, the Phantom has been equipped with polished stainless steel strips which curve along the upper edges of the hood and around the windshield. The model also features the “largest single-piece of hand-polished stainless steel on any motor car” around the windows and C-pillar.
The rear of the ultra-luxury sedan features a more steeply raked window which is surrounded by a stainless steel frame. The model also has 22-inches wheels and “jewel-like” taillights.
Of course, the best part about a Rolls-Royce is its interior and the company pulled out all the stops to make it one of the most luxurious ever created.
The overall design echoes the previous Phantom but the model has all-new front seats which are more comfortable and have a “sweep of wood paneling across the back” that is inspired by the famous Eames Lounge Chair of 1956. The wood isn’t there for just decoration as its hides the rear picnic tables and rear entertainment system which can be electrically deployed and retracted at the push of a button.
Speaking of seats, Rolls-Royce offers several different rear seat configurations including an “intimate lounge seat, individual seats with [an] occasional armrest, individual seats with fixed center console, and the newly introduced sleeping seat.”
Drivers will also find two 12.3-inch TFT displays, an analogue clock, and an assortment of handcrafted wood trim. A variety of different options will be available including a starlight headliner and a rear drinking package which includes whisky glasses and a decanter.
The interior changes are more than skin deep as engineers wanted the eighth-generation Phantom to be the most silent motor car in the world. As a result, they installed more than 286 lbs (130 kg) of sound insulation, large cast aluminum joints, and “6mm two-layer glazing all around the car.” The company also added unique “Silent-Seal” tires which have a layer of foam located inside them to reduce tire noise by 9 decibels.
Rolls-Royce says these changes make the Phantom approximately ten percent quieter than its predecessor at 62 mph (100 km/h). The company’s press team noted the sound levels are so low, engineers had to check their instruments to make sure they were calibrated correctly.
Power is provided by an all-new twin-turbo 6.75-liter V12 engine that produces 563 hp (420 kW) and 663 lb-ft (900 Nm) of torque. It is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission which uses “satellite aided” technology to ensure it’s always in the right gear.
The model rides on the so-called “Architecture of Luxury” which is an all-new aluminum spaceframe platform designed specifically for Rolls-Royce. The platform is scalable and highly-flexible so it can accommodate various size and weight requirements as well as different propulsion and traction systems.
The platform is 30 percent more rigid than its predecessor and will be used on all future models including the next-generation Ghost, Wraith, and Dawn. Of course, it will soon make an appearance on Project Cullinan which is the company’s first crossover.
To ensure the Phantom has a magic carpet ride, the model has been equipped with a self-leveling air suspension which makes millions of calculations every second and reacts to steering, acceleration, and camera inputs. The car also has a new double-wishbone front axle and a five-link rear axle which helps to deliver “astounding levels of control.”
On the safety front, the Phantom features an assortment of driver assistance systems include alertness assistant, active cruise control, cross-traffic warning, collision warning, and lane change warning. Other highlights include a head-up display and a surround vision system which uses four different cameras.
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