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Showing posts with label Phantom. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Phantom. Show all posts

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Bijan offers up special edition Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe

Bijan Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe

Bijan Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead CoupeIf there was anything Bijan Pakzad loved more than clothing A-list celebrities and heads of state, it was creating the most luxurious automobiles around. The Persian fashion designer (commonly known by his first name alone) owned a one-of-a-kind custom yellow Bugatti Veyron, and before he died, he commissioned a second Grand Sport roadster in his trademark color.

He was also set to team up with Rolls-Royce for a limited run of special Phantoms, but while he may have passed before his time, his successors are evidently keen to keep his legacy alive with this special-edition Phantom Drophead Coupe.

Decked out in Bijan yellow from the body (including hood, window frame, mirrors and wheels) to the interior, the special DHC has Bijan signature touches all around, including a diamond-pavé watch embedded in the dashboard and a picnic set (complete with crystal stemware) in the trunk.

A limited quantity of these unique and extroverted convertibles will be made available at a price reported as high as $1.6 million, and are sure to be snapped up by the same Middle Eastern sheikhs who draped themselves in Bijan's luxurious suits.


View the original article here

Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé for Masterpiece London is especially special


ROLLS-ROYCE PRESENTS ONE-OFF BESPOKE DROPHEAD COUPÉ AT MASTERPIECE LONDON 2011

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars proudly presents a very special Phantom Drophead Coupé, hand-built by craftspeople at the home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, England. The highly bespoke model was designed to capture the essence of a perfect weekend get-away, offering drivers and their passengers the ultimate luxurious and relaxing experience in roof-down motoring.

As well as bespoke luggage, the Masterpiece London 2011 Drophead Coupé features a one-off Asprey jewellery box, housed discretely in the glove compartment. Designed for rings, cufflinks and earrings, it presents stylish and secure storage for these essential valuables before drivers and their passengers sink back into sumptuous leather seats, set the roof down and head out of town.

The model was created for Masterpiece London 2011 and hosts a suite of additional bespoke design details, including teak decking, engraved tread plates and Spirit of Ecstasy with inscription that marks the centenary of the world's most famous bonnet icon.

The Masterpiece 2011 Drophead Coupé is also the first Rolls-Royce to be presented in Mazarine Blue, a bespoke finish that joins a palette of 44,000 shades already available to clients ordering Phantom models. This eye-catching colour takes inspiration from the Mazarine Blue butterfly, a whimsical creature at home in continental Europe, which can still occasionally be seen wafting by in the South of England.

The luxurious natural-grain leather interior comes in Seashell with Navy Blue contrast for floor and door panels with embroidered R-R logos finished in headrests. With roof down, the car reveals its yacht-inspired teak decking, with mother-of-pearl inlays throughout cross-banded Santos Palissander wood veneers. White instrument dials, rotary controllers and clock finished in mother-of-pearl complete the design.

"We are delighted to present this outstanding Rolls-Royce at Masterpiece London 2011," said Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. "Craftsmanship and attention to detail shine through in features developed at Goodwood and in partnership with Asprey. It's a model that demonstrates the breadth of our bespoke offering, where the only limit to what we can deliver is a client's imagination."

Asprey Jewellery Case

The Asprey jewellery case, which fits neatly into the passenger glove compartment, took two working days to finish, using a hide of softest grade-one suede cut into 15 separate pieces.

Its central earring holder is detachable and can be interchanged for use with clip earrings or stud styles. There are also two additional sections for elegant cufflinks, and a separate compartment for the owner's most precious rings. An embossed silver foil Asprey stamp finishes this stunning one-off feature.

Bespoke Luggage

Designed in Goodwood, the bespoke luggage set can be found nestled neatly in the picnic boot of the Masterpiece London 2011 Drophead Coupé. The leather used to craft this bespoke set of four cases is of the highest quality and employs a traditional approach in its creation.

Hides were carefully selected for the firmness and grain structure then tanned in pits, a slow artisanal way of producing hard-wearing yet supple leather – and a process that takes four months to complete. The result is beautiful; a substantial material, in deep Navy Blue, that is also resistant to hard wear. Moreover the leather has a distinctive and intense aroma of vegetable tannins that come from the mix of bark, wood and berries used to stabilise and pigment the hides.

Masterpiece London 2011

Masterpiece London 2011 is held in the South Grounds of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, and the Rolls-Royce car is available for preview from Friday 29 June 2011. The fair runs from Saturday 30 June – Friday 5 July 2011. For further details please visit www.masterpiecefair.com


View the original article here

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Rolls-Royce celebrates Year of the Dragon with special Phantom line

ROLLS-ROYCE PRESENTS EXCLUSIVE YEAR OF THE DRAGON COLLECTION
Goodwood, 17th August 2011

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars proudly presents the Year of the Dragon Collection, a commemorative offering in preparation for this festive celebration. Inspired by the legendary creature that is revered in China, the Year of the Dragon Collection has been created to celebrate the ultimate symbol of power, prosperity and good fortune. Designed at the Home of Rolls-Royce by the Bespoke team, this exclusive collection features a suite of unique detailing and design, which includes:

Dragon Coachline

On first glimpse of the car, a prominent feature is the twin coachline with a dragon, in gold colour, hand-painted to the side of each Phantom or Phantom Extended Wheelbase. In order to achieve perfect symmetry and balance, the dragon will always look forward. The hand-painted dragon coachline is inspired by the Forbidden City in Beijing and provides distinctive finishing touches to the car's exterior.

Dragon Headrest Embroidery

The dragon also appears on the leather of every headrest, carefully hand-embroidered using a combination of four thread colours: Tan, Golden Sand, Black and White. The colours are designed to complement a palette of recommended leather colour options and the design can be finished with an additional seat piping feature.

Dragon Phantom Passenger Panel Inlay

A dragon inlay will be hand-laid to the passenger panel of every car in this unique collection. The Phantom model name is also applied in gold, the two features match together perfectly.

Embroidered Cushions with R-R Logo and Piping

The interior promises two hand-stitched cushions for the rear passengers, specified with embroidered double R-R logos and piping to carefully accentuate the chosen interior.

Illuminated Treadplates

The four door sills feature exclusive illuminated treadplates with 'Year of the Dragon 2012' highlighted in LED lighting.

A Celebratory Marquetry Selection

Designed at the Home of Rolls-Royce, the Year of the Dragon Collection offers a choice of either modern or traditional marquetry to match the customer's veneer choice which - as a reflection of the Woodshop's craftsmanship and attention to detail - is laser-cut and then hand-assembled into position in the veneer.

"At Rolls-Royce Motor Cars we delight in bringing new, exclusive designs to our customers", said Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. "The Bespoke team elegantly captures the imagination with this Year of the Dragon Collection, celebrating the turning of a New Year of prosperity and good fortune with this unique creative offering."

"The Bespoke team is privileged to commemorate the Chinese Year of the Dragon with this exciting Collection," said Thomas G. Jefferson, Bespoke Sales Manager, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. "This limited edition car embodies the synergy of craftsmanship, creativity and culture in a manner that is uniquely Rolls-Royce."


View the original article here

1926 Rolls-Royce Phantom 10EX prototype up for auction


RM AUCTIONS PRESENTS AN OUTSTANDING SERIES OF ENGLISH MOTOR CARS AT INAUGURAL SALON PRIVÉ SALE

- RM Auctions consigns a fine selection of 'quintessentially English' cars and motorcycles for its debut Salon Privé sale, 23 June, 2011
- Historic 1926 Rolls-Royce Experimental Phantom 1 '10 EX' headlines high-quality offering
- Unique ex-works 1939 Aston Martin 2-Litre Speed Model offered in fully restored condition leads exciting series of Aston Martins

LONDON (28 April, 2011) – RM Auctions, the world's largest collector car auction house for quality automobiles, is delighted to announce a selection of notable highlights for its forthcoming 'Quintessentially English' sale, at the Salon Privé luxury car show and Concours d'Elegance, 23rd June, 2011.

Held at the stunning Syon Park estate in West London, the recently-launched summer sale will lift the hammer on a host of great British marques, including Aston Martin, Jaguar and Rolls-Royce among others.

Max Girardo, Managing Director, RM Europe says, "We have pulled together a collection of very interesting and significant collector cars and motorcycles which represent some of the finest and most significant vehicles produced in England during the pre- and post-war periods."

"This new annual sale is wonderful 'boutique' style auction, which both complements the nature of Salon Privé and sits very comfortably alongside our broader Automobiles of London event at Battersea in October. It is not to be missed by anyone wanting to secure a genuine piece of English automotive history," adds Girardo.

Unquestionably, one of the star consignments for the sale is the unique and historic 1926 Rolls Royce Experimental Phantom 1 Continental, '10 EX' (pictured). Commissioned by Mr. D. Claude Johnson, then Managing Director of Rolls-Royce Motors, 10 EX was the first prototype Phantom 1 Continental to be fitted with sports body 'torpedo' coachwork by Barker. Known as the 'CJ Sportscar', it was intended to gain top speed by a lighter body with a lower steering column, and became known as the first sports car to be produced by Rolls-Royce. Three subsequent cars were produced on this design, consecutively known as 15 EX, 16 EX and 17 EX, however, chassis 10 EX was the only experimental Phantom 1 Continental to be kept by Rolls-Royce Motors for six years and the only test car of the factory. During this time, this rakish sporting Rolls was reportedly loaned by the factory to Laurence of Arabia for continental touring. 10EX has an estimated value of £400,000-£800,000 and is one of seven Rolls-Royces to be presented during the 23 June sale.

Another significant car to be offered at RM's Salon Privé sale is a one-off, ex-works 1939 Aston Martin 2-Litre Speed Model, chassis number 727U, which was originally built by the factory for outer circuit racing at the historic Brooklands race circuit in England. Featuring a Speed Model chassis with a narrow track, 727U and was tested at Brooklands by Gordon Sutherland and Charles Brackenbury, a 'works' Aston driver, although sadly never actually raced by the factory due to the outbreak of war. The car remained in Aston Martin ownership until 1947. Since then, this well-known and highly desirable Aston Martin has been a regular on the historic racing scene. Its recent racing successes include a notable 2nd place at Goodwood in 2006 and an appearance at Laguna Seca in the USA, where it also appeared at the famous Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. It is offered today in exceptional condition having been rebuilt and prepared by one the world's leading marque specialists. (Estimate: £320,000 - £380,000). For Aston Martin enthusiasts, 727U joins a series of no less than 13 Astons consigned to the auction.

Other notable entries include:

- a 1929 Bentley Speed Six "Le Mans" VDP Tourer, chassis number FA 2518, a faithful recreation of the 1930 No 3 Speed Six Le Mans team car (Estimate: £450,000 - £550,000);
- a beautiful 1937 Jaguar SS 100 2.5 Litre Roadster, chassis number 18116 (Estimate: £200,000-£230,000);
- a highly-desirable 1955 Bentley R Type Continental Fastback, (Estimate: £330,000-£380,000); and,
- an historically-interesting ex-Works Le Mans entrant 1961 Sunbeam Harrington Alpine Coupe, chassis number B 9102730/OD/HRO (Estimate: £58,000 - £70,000).

Joining the automobiles will be a select group of motorcycles, headlined by a wonderful 1939 Brough Superior 11.50, chassis number M8/2214, which is an excellent, late example of one of these highly desirable machines in superb, original condition (Estimate: £35,000 - £45,000).

For further information on RM's inaugural Salon Privé sale and a frequently updated lot list, please visit www.rmauctions.com or call RM's London office at +44 20 7851 7070. For further information on Salon Privé, please visit: www.salonprivelondon.com.

Event Details – RM at Salon Privé
Sale date:
23 June, 2011, Auction commences at 5:00pm GMT

Preview dates:
22 June, 2011, 11:00am – 9:00pm* GMT
23 June 2011, 9:00am – 5:00pm GMT

*Please note that on Wednesday, 22 June, the preview will be open to Salon Privé guests only until 4:30pm. The preview will then open for those with an official auction catalogue (plus one guest) until 9:00pm.

Location:
Syon House,
Syon Park, London TW8 8JF
United Kingdom

Admission:
Admission to this event requires the purchase of an official auction catalogue available for £50. The catalogue admits two to the auction and must be presented at the entrance of the sale to be granted entry. Please note that the purchase of an RM catalogue does not grant admission to the Salon Privé event.

For those unable to attend the event in person, Internet, absentee, telephone and iPhone bidding options are available. Visit www.rmauctions.com for further information.


View the original article here

Friday, December 2, 2011

Rowan Atkinson checks in with <i>Top Gear</i>, shows off V16-powered Rolls-Royce Phantom

rowan atkinson in the reasonably priced top gear car

Before you get angry at us in the comments, we're using the first line of this post to issue a spoiler alert.

Rowan Atkinson is best known to American audiences as Mr. Bean. He's a hilarious comedian with a lengthy career comprising works on both the silver and small screen. If you weren't already aware, he's also completely infatuated with cars. You've got to be if you wind up putting a McLaren F1 in your garage, and then tack over 37,000 kilometers on the odometer. Recognizing this passion for speed, it's no surprise that Atkinson wound up on the Top Gear guest couch staring down Jeremy Clarkson.

Rowan brought along a prop car from his upcoming film Johnny English Reborn. What appears to be a standard Rolls-Royce Phantom from the outside actually hides a rather large secret under the hood. According to Atkinson, Rolls flirted with the idea of building a 9.0-liter V16-powered Phantom, but ultimately scrapped the idea. Still, the British car maker wound up producing three or four of the mega mills, and Atkinson asked to use one for his new film. The engineers at Rolls obliged, and his Phantom is now a truly exotic luxury coupe.

Rowan wasn't there simply to talk about his movie and the Phantom. He is a star, and the Reasonably Priced Car was on the track waiting for him. How'd he do? Click past the jump to find out.


View the original article here

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Rowan Atkinson checks in with <i>Top Gear</i>, shows off V16-powered Rolls-Royce Phantom

You are here: Auto News > Video >  Top Gear, shows off V16-powered Rolls-Royce Phantom">Rowan Atkinson checks in with Top Gear, shows off V16-powered Rolls-Royce Phantom
rowan atkinson in the reasonably priced top gear car

Before you get angry at us in the comments, we're using the first line of this post to issue a spoiler alert.

Rowan Atkinson is best known to American audiences as Mr. Bean. He's a hilarious comedian with a lengthy career comprising works on both the silver and small screen. If you weren't already aware, he's also completely infatuated with cars. You've got to be if you wind up putting a McLaren F1 in your garage, and then tack over 37,000 kilometers on the odometer. Recognizing this passion for speed, it's no surprise that Atkinson wound up on the Top Gear guest couch staring down Jeremy Clarkson.

Rowan brought along a prop car from his upcoming film Johnny English Reborn. What appears to be a standard Rolls-Royce Phantom from the outside actually hides a rather large secret under the hood. According to Atkinson, Rolls flirted with the idea of building a 9.0-liter V16-powered Phantom, but ultimately scrapped the idea. Still, the British car maker wound up producing three or four of the mega mills, and Atkinson asked to use one for his new film. The engineers at Rolls obliged, and his Phantom is now a truly exotic luxury coupe.

Rowan wasn't there simply to talk about his movie and the Phantom. He is a star, and the Reasonably Priced Car was on the track waiting for him. How'd he do? Click past the jump to find out.


View the original article here

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé for Masterpiece London is especially special


ROLLS-ROYCE PRESENTS ONE-OFF BESPOKE DROPHEAD COUPÉ AT MASTERPIECE LONDON 2011

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars proudly presents a very special Phantom Drophead Coupé, hand-built by craftspeople at the home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, England. The highly bespoke model was designed to capture the essence of a perfect weekend get-away, offering drivers and their passengers the ultimate luxurious and relaxing experience in roof-down motoring.

As well as bespoke luggage, the Masterpiece London 2011 Drophead Coupé features a one-off Asprey jewellery box, housed discretely in the glove compartment. Designed for rings, cufflinks and earrings, it presents stylish and secure storage for these essential valuables before drivers and their passengers sink back into sumptuous leather seats, set the roof down and head out of town.

The model was created for Masterpiece London 2011 and hosts a suite of additional bespoke design details, including teak decking, engraved tread plates and Spirit of Ecstasy with inscription that marks the centenary of the world's most famous bonnet icon.

The Masterpiece 2011 Drophead Coupé is also the first Rolls-Royce to be presented in Mazarine Blue, a bespoke finish that joins a palette of 44,000 shades already available to clients ordering Phantom models. This eye-catching colour takes inspiration from the Mazarine Blue butterfly, a whimsical creature at home in continental Europe, which can still occasionally be seen wafting by in the South of England.

The luxurious natural-grain leather interior comes in Seashell with Navy Blue contrast for floor and door panels with embroidered R-R logos finished in headrests. With roof down, the car reveals its yacht-inspired teak decking, with mother-of-pearl inlays throughout cross-banded Santos Palissander wood veneers. White instrument dials, rotary controllers and clock finished in mother-of-pearl complete the design.

"We are delighted to present this outstanding Rolls-Royce at Masterpiece London 2011," said Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. "Craftsmanship and attention to detail shine through in features developed at Goodwood and in partnership with Asprey. It's a model that demonstrates the breadth of our bespoke offering, where the only limit to what we can deliver is a client's imagination."

Asprey Jewellery Case

The Asprey jewellery case, which fits neatly into the passenger glove compartment, took two working days to finish, using a hide of softest grade-one suede cut into 15 separate pieces.

Its central earring holder is detachable and can be interchanged for use with clip earrings or stud styles. There are also two additional sections for elegant cufflinks, and a separate compartment for the owner's most precious rings. An embossed silver foil Asprey stamp finishes this stunning one-off feature.

Bespoke Luggage

Designed in Goodwood, the bespoke luggage set can be found nestled neatly in the picnic boot of the Masterpiece London 2011 Drophead Coupé. The leather used to craft this bespoke set of four cases is of the highest quality and employs a traditional approach in its creation.

Hides were carefully selected for the firmness and grain structure then tanned in pits, a slow artisanal way of producing hard-wearing yet supple leather – and a process that takes four months to complete. The result is beautiful; a substantial material, in deep Navy Blue, that is also resistant to hard wear. Moreover the leather has a distinctive and intense aroma of vegetable tannins that come from the mix of bark, wood and berries used to stabilise and pigment the hides.

Masterpiece London 2011

Masterpiece London 2011 is held in the South Grounds of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, and the Rolls-Royce car is available for preview from Friday 29 June 2011. The fair runs from Saturday 30 June – Friday 5 July 2011. For further details please visit www.masterpiecefair.com


View the original article here

Monday, June 6, 2011

1926 Rolls-Royce Phantom 10EX prototype up for auction


RM AUCTIONS PRESENTS AN OUTSTANDING SERIES OF ENGLISH MOTOR CARS AT INAUGURAL SALON PRIVÉ SALE

- RM Auctions consigns a fine selection of 'quintessentially English' cars and motorcycles for its debut Salon Privé sale, 23 June, 2011
- Historic 1926 Rolls-Royce Experimental Phantom 1 '10 EX' headlines high-quality offering
- Unique ex-works 1939 Aston Martin 2-Litre Speed Model offered in fully restored condition leads exciting series of Aston Martins

LONDON (28 April, 2011) – RM Auctions, the world's largest collector car auction house for quality automobiles, is delighted to announce a selection of notable highlights for its forthcoming 'Quintessentially English' sale, at the Salon Privé luxury car show and Concours d'Elegance, 23rd June, 2011.

Held at the stunning Syon Park estate in West London, the recently-launched summer sale will lift the hammer on a host of great British marques, including Aston Martin, Jaguar and Rolls-Royce among others.

Max Girardo, Managing Director, RM Europe says, "We have pulled together a collection of very interesting and significant collector cars and motorcycles which represent some of the finest and most significant vehicles produced in England during the pre- and post-war periods."

"This new annual sale is wonderful 'boutique' style auction, which both complements the nature of Salon Privé and sits very comfortably alongside our broader Automobiles of London event at Battersea in October. It is not to be missed by anyone wanting to secure a genuine piece of English automotive history," adds Girardo.

Unquestionably, one of the star consignments for the sale is the unique and historic 1926 Rolls Royce Experimental Phantom 1 Continental, '10 EX' (pictured). Commissioned by Mr. D. Claude Johnson, then Managing Director of Rolls-Royce Motors, 10 EX was the first prototype Phantom 1 Continental to be fitted with sports body 'torpedo' coachwork by Barker. Known as the 'CJ Sportscar', it was intended to gain top speed by a lighter body with a lower steering column, and became known as the first sports car to be produced by Rolls-Royce. Three subsequent cars were produced on this design, consecutively known as 15 EX, 16 EX and 17 EX, however, chassis 10 EX was the only experimental Phantom 1 Continental to be kept by Rolls-Royce Motors for six years and the only test car of the factory. During this time, this rakish sporting Rolls was reportedly loaned by the factory to Laurence of Arabia for continental touring. 10EX has an estimated value of £400,000-£800,000 and is one of seven Rolls-Royces to be presented during the 23 June sale.

Another significant car to be offered at RM's Salon Privé sale is a one-off, ex-works 1939 Aston Martin 2-Litre Speed Model, chassis number 727U, which was originally built by the factory for outer circuit racing at the historic Brooklands race circuit in England. Featuring a Speed Model chassis with a narrow track, 727U and was tested at Brooklands by Gordon Sutherland and Charles Brackenbury, a 'works' Aston driver, although sadly never actually raced by the factory due to the outbreak of war. The car remained in Aston Martin ownership until 1947. Since then, this well-known and highly desirable Aston Martin has been a regular on the historic racing scene. Its recent racing successes include a notable 2nd place at Goodwood in 2006 and an appearance at Laguna Seca in the USA, where it also appeared at the famous Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. It is offered today in exceptional condition having been rebuilt and prepared by one the world's leading marque specialists. (Estimate: £320,000 - £380,000). For Aston Martin enthusiasts, 727U joins a series of no less than 13 Astons consigned to the auction.

Other notable entries include:

- a 1929 Bentley Speed Six "Le Mans" VDP Tourer, chassis number FA 2518, a faithful recreation of the 1930 No 3 Speed Six Le Mans team car (Estimate: £450,000 - £550,000);
- a beautiful 1937 Jaguar SS 100 2.5 Litre Roadster, chassis number 18116 (Estimate: £200,000-£230,000);
- a highly-desirable 1955 Bentley R Type Continental Fastback, (Estimate: £330,000-£380,000); and,
- an historically-interesting ex-Works Le Mans entrant 1961 Sunbeam Harrington Alpine Coupe, chassis number B 9102730/OD/HRO (Estimate: £58,000 - £70,000).

Joining the automobiles will be a select group of motorcycles, headlined by a wonderful 1939 Brough Superior 11.50, chassis number M8/2214, which is an excellent, late example of one of these highly desirable machines in superb, original condition (Estimate: £35,000 - £45,000).

For further information on RM's inaugural Salon Privé sale and a frequently updated lot list, please visit www.rmauctions.com or call RM's London office at +44 20 7851 7070. For further information on Salon Privé, please visit: www.salonprivelondon.com.

Event Details – RM at Salon Privé
Sale date:
23 June, 2011, Auction commences at 5:00pm GMT

Preview dates:
22 June, 2011, 11:00am – 9:00pm* GMT
23 June 2011, 9:00am – 5:00pm GMT

*Please note that on Wednesday, 22 June, the preview will be open to Salon Privé guests only until 4:30pm. The preview will then open for those with an official auction catalogue (plus one guest) until 9:00pm.

Location:
Syon House,
Syon Park, London TW8 8JF
United Kingdom

Admission:
Admission to this event requires the purchase of an official auction catalogue available for £50. The catalogue admits two to the auction and must be presented at the entrance of the sale to be granted entry. Please note that the purchase of an RM catalogue does not grant admission to the Salon Privé event.

For those unable to attend the event in person, Internet, absentee, telephone and iPhone bidding options are available. Visit www.rmauctions.com for further information.


View the original article here

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Build your next Phantom with the Rolls-Royce iPhone app

by Aaron Richardson (RSS feed) on Apr 29th 2011 at 9:33AM

Rolls Royce Phantom App
Rolls Royce Phantom App – Click above for high-res image gallery
Rolls Royce is letting owners and enthusiasts unleash their creative juices on the 2011 Phantom with a new app for the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. The program lets would-be buyers and reams build their very own, fully-customized version of the hyper luxury sedan, complete with a frightening 44,000 exterior color options. If, somehow, you can't find a shade you like, you can use your device's camera to take a picture of the exact hue you're looking for, and the app will apply it to your virtual Phantom.

True, this may not be the most utilitarian app out there, but it could definitely occupy a good portion of a long layover or school play without all the racket of Angry Birds. Once you've nailed down the perfect color for your Roller, you can scroll through photo galleries of interior piping choices, wood grains and options to make sure everything matches up just so.

The best part of this virtual Rolls builder is that it's completely free from the App Store, which means even street urchins like us can afford to build our dream Roller, however unattainable the car may be in the metal.


[Source: Rolls Royce] Filed under: Sedan, Technology, Rolls-Royce, Toys/Games, Luxury

Tags: 2011 rolls-royce phantom, app store, apple, ipad, iphone, ipod touch, phantom, rolls, rolls-royce, royce


View the original article here

Saturday, April 30, 2011

Cadillac Planning RWD Sedan to Go After the 7-series and S-class . . . And Maybe Even the Rolls-Royce Phantom

April 25, 2011 at 3:17pm by Jens Meiners

Cadillac has talked about building a true flagship for years—the beautiful Sixteen concept, shown above, dates to 2003—and it appears that a rear-wheel-drive luxury sedan is finally taking shape. The brand’s bosses have realized that the XTS, a stretched derivative of the front-wheel-drive Epsilon platform also underpinning the Buick LaCrosse and Saab 9-5, will not quite be enough to scare the Audis and BMWs of the world, let alone cement the automaker’s position building the Cadillac of automobiles.

According to insiders, Cadillac’s new flagship model will be built on a standalone rear-drive platform, dubbed Omega, rather than sharing underpinnings with the CTS or upcoming ATS. As we predicted in the past, it will be powered by six- and eight-cylinder engines, and all-wheel drive would be optional. A hybrid version could follow later, a diesel— which would account for the bulk of the vehicle’s sales in Europe—won’t. The new, impressively styled sedan will be launched in 2014 as a 2015 model.

Naturally, offering rear-wheel drive and a V-8 won’t be sufficient for Cadillac to take on the world. A Cadillac flagship pointed squarely at the Mercedes-Benz S-class and BMW 7-series will need to be jam-packed with safety and comfort technology, and requires cabin accommodations indulgent enough to make Buckingham Palace’s interior designer weep.

And Now, to Rolls-Royce

We also have learned that General Motors is considering an even more exciting use for the Omega platform—though it’s one we’re skeptical will see the light of day. Our sources tell us that Cadillac is looking at building a super-luxury sedan to compete head-on with the likes of the Rolls-Royce Phantom. (Yes, someone at GM actually referred to Rolls-Royce’s locomotive.) It’s far from a done deal, but it would be great to see such a halo car fighting for American supremacy in billionairemobiles.

No matter what happens, we’re guessing the Cadillac Sixteen’s 13.6-liter V-16 engine won’t be nestled in the engine bay. What a shame.

Tags: Cadillac, Cadillac ATS, Cadillac Omega, Cadillac XTS |


View the original article here

Friday, April 29, 2011

Rolls-Royce 102EX Phantom Experimental Electric to debut in Geneva


Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Confirms Electric Test Vehicle Project.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars today confirmed the development of 102EX, a one-off, fully electric powered Phantom, to debut at the Geneva Motor Show on 1 March 2011. The car will tour during 2011, serving as a test bed to gather a bank of research data which will be crucial in informing future decisions on alternative drive-trains for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

"We have engineered the world's first battery electric vehicle for the ultra-luxury segment," said CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös, speaking from the company's headquarters in Goodwood. "With this vehicle, we begin an exploration into alternative drive-trains, seeking clarity on which alternative technologies may be suitable to drive Rolls-Royce motor cars of the future."

Rolls-Royce produces cars that represent the pinnacle in luxurious motoring for the world's most discerning customers. With 102EX, also known as the Phantom Experimental Electric (EE), it is the company's intention to carefully test the opinions and reactions to alternative drive-train options of a range of stakeholders including owners, enthusiasts, members of the public and the media.

102EX will serve as a working test bed for a global tour that takes in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and North America. Through test drives, owners will be given the opportunity to experience an alternative drive-train technology and to feedback their experiences, thoughts and concerns directly to Rolls-Royce.

While there are no plans to develop a production version, as one of the company's EX models it will serve to begin a dialogue with existing owners and stakeholders, posing as well as answering questions of its audience.

These include the car's ability to deliver an acceptable range between re-charges and to operate in extreme weather conditions. But also to benchmark reliability and quality against customer expectations of the world's pinnacle automotive brand.

"I must be convinced that any alternative drive-train we choose for the future delivers an authentic Rolls-Royce experience," added Müller-Ötvös. "It must be a technology that is right for our customers, our brand and which sets us on a sound footing for a sustainable future."

In preparation for the Geneva debut, Rolls-Royce will launch the website www.electricluxury.com this week, a portal to fuel a wider global debate seeking views on the question of electric luxury from media, VIPs and stakeholders. The site will also deliver regular updates of the car's progress while on tour.

Full technical specifications for 102EX, as well as images and b-roll will be published at 00:01 GMT on 1 March 2011.


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