Successor of Rolls-Royce Phantom launched in 2003 Ready
Production of the seventh-generation Rolls-Royce Phantom launched in 2003 has come to an end. The successor is still in the works and has been spotted once again testing in the wild. Rolls-Royce has developed an all-new aluminum spaceframe architecture that will underpin its entire lineup, starting with this new Phantom. According to the British automaker, the architecture is variable in size and ride height as it will have to underpin a variety of models including coupes, convertibles, sedans and
Mercedes-Benz will soon unveil an updated version of the S-Class sedan. The updates are part of the car’s mid-cycle update and will include a number of visual tweaks plus an overhaul of the powertrains. Shortly after the updated S-Class sedan makes its debut, similarupdateswillfilteracrosstoothermodels in the S-Class range such as the S-Class Coupe and S-Class Cabriolet. even an SUV. Yes, Rolls-Royce plans to add an SUV to its lineup. The off-roader is currently doing the rounds under the Project Cullinan code name and has been spotted testing as well. The first model spawned from the new architecture has been confirmed for launch in early 2018 and will most likely be the new Phantom. It should be followed later that year by the SUV. The shots show prototypes for the both the regular Phantom and extra-long “Extended Wheelbase” version, with the latter said to be stretching nearly 20 feet in length. The Phantom Extended Wheelbase prototype dwarfs other vehicles on the road, including Our latest spy shots show a prototype for one of Mercedes-AMG’s versions of the updated S-Class Cabrio, in this case the updated S63 Cabrio. We’ve also spied the updated S63 Coupe, and updated S65 models should also be in the works. The bumpers fitted to the prototype are new and therealsolookstohavebeensometweaksmadetothe taillights. The tester also wearsAMG’s multi-slatted “Panamericana” grille which is slowly becoming a feature of the Affalterbach tuner’s sportier models. the BMW 7-Series standing next to it in some of the shots. The design of the new Phantom is clearly evolutionary. It appears that the designers have taken the current car and made its surfaces a bit more muscular, especially at the rear. Modern touches such as the LED headlights (they could also be laser lights) and front bumper air curtains add some freshness to the overall design. From the interior shots, we can see that most of the elements are test units borrowed from the BMW Group parts bin. However, the round air vents and leather-bound lower center console are new items. It’s not clear what mechanical updates are planned but it’s possible we’ll see the current model’s twinturbocharged 5.5-liter V-8 ditched in favor ofAMG’s twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8. The 4.0-liter’s present highest rating is the 577 horsepower and 516 poundfeet of torque in AMG’s GT R sports car, compared to 577 hp and 664 lb-ft that the 5.5-liter delivers in the current S63 range. Don’t be surprised if AMG also adds the GT R’s rear-wheel-steering system to aid handling.
With its focus on being a good corporate citizen, Ford Motor Company has been named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the eighth straight year – the longest streak for any auto manufacturer. Ford’scommitmenttoethicsisevidentinprograms aimed at monitoring human rights and safe working conditions, sourcing conflict-free minerals, to programs such as the Partnership for a Cleaner Environment, which is aimed at encouraging sustainability through Ford’s supply chain. Ford also fosters long-term relationships with suppliers through active engagement, which includes sharing best practices, as well as providing training and evaluations to ensure suppliers meet both legal requirements and Ford standards. “Strong ethics and corporate citizenship are the foundation of our business philosophy, which demonstrates to our customers what we stand for as a company,” said Bill Ford, Ford Motor Company Executive Chairman. “This honor is a reflection of Ford’s core values, and it shows that our employees are continuing to make the right decisions every day for all of our stakeholders.” Ethisphere’s list of the World’s Most Ethical Companies acknowledges and honors companies that recognize they have a role in society to influence or drive a positive change. These companies consider their employees, investors, customers and other key stakeholders when taking action, while their values and culture align with the decisions they make every day. “Companies we’ve honored as World’s Most Ethical take a novel response to the shiftinsocietalexpectations, constantredefinitionof lawsandregulations, andthegeo-politicalclimate,” said Timothy Erblich, Ethisphere’s Chief Executive Officer. “We’ve seen how Ford responds to these challenges, while still investing in communities where they reside and embracing ethical strategies across the globe, as a sustainable business advantage.” For its efforts, Ford has been recognized by several third-party organizations, including: 2017 World’sMostAdmiredCompanybyFortune; 2016 The Just 100:America’s Best Corporate Citizens by Forbes; 2016 America’s Best Employer by Forbe; 2016 Top Green Company by Newsweek; 2016 World’s MostAttractive Employer for Engineering and IT by Universum; and 2016 100 percent on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index.