Rolls-Royce raises the bar with its latest Phantom
8th generation of flagship most advanced ever
When it comes to the world of luxury cars, there’s arguably no higher level than the Rolls- Royce Phantom. The British company has now taken the wraps off of its eighth generation of the famed limousine, with the focus on luxury right from the ground up — literally.
It’s based on what Rolls calls i ts “Architecture of Luxury,” an all- aluminum spaceframe chassis that will underpin all its cars in the future, including the upcoming SUV. The new chassis is lighter and 30- per- cent more rigid than the previous Phantom, and will ride on self- levelling air suspension with four-wheel steering.
To help with the coddling ride, the new Phantom also employs a Flagbearer system — so named for the men required to wave a red flag in front of a motor car in the early 20th century — that uses a camera to “see” the road and prepare the suspension for upcoming bumps.
Powering the new Phantom will be an all-new, twinturbocharged 6.75- litre V12 with 563 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque, coupled to an eight- speed automatic Satellite Aided Transmission ( it uses GPS to anticipate curves and downshifts appropriately). The combination gives a top speed (governed) of 250 km/h and acceleration to 100 km/ h in 5.3 seconds, remarkable because the car tips the scales at 2,659 kg.
While performance has always been a hallmark of the Phantom, right from the first one in 1925, it’s certainly not why the world’s well- heeled have made it their de facto choice. Rolls-Royce says this will be the quietest Phantom — in fact, the most quiet car on the road — with double glazing on windows, 130 kg of sound deadening, and even special “Silent- Seal” tires that have a layer of foam inside the tire space. This new Phantom is 10-per-cent quieter than its predecessor.
It also now offers its riders an “Embrace.” As Rolls-Royce says, the “patron” steps into the car, and an “assistant or valet” touches a sensor on the door to automatically close it. Once inside, the “patron” is ensconced in the highest grade materials — of course.
In the front, the dash becomes “the gallery,” highlighted by a 12.3- inch TFT screen coupled with a central infotainment screen, all behind the same glass that spreads across most of the dashboard. The remaining space is open to personalization on what would normally be just plain wood or metal, and there’s an opportunity to work with artists to create something truly unique.
Another touch: not only are the seats heated, but other surfaces are too, such as door armrests, centre console lids and even the lower C-pillar. In the rear, the seats are angled slightly inward to aid in conversation — no straining of necks — and a drinks cabinet hides in the rear centre console.
The starlight headliner remains, while video screens and “picnic tables” fold out from the back of the front seats for rear passengers. Don’t worry, the hidden umbrellas in the doors have been retained.
If you want to watch the reveal, visit www.greatphantoms.com.