imaginarium
MOTORING
A True IMAGINARIUM Jennifer Mason explores the magical world of Rolls-Royce as it announces the launch of its latest creation, the Ghost Series II
nvesting in a Rolls-Royce is an invitation to let your imagination run wild. In fact, with all the astonishing creations that come out of the innovative R-R factory in Goodwood, it wouldn’t surprise me to learn that this is what the designers are doing on a regular basis. Tales of Rolls’ bespoke services (paint mixed to match any colour sample you provide, hand-cut embellishments on the interior wooden panels, family crests stitched into the headrests – to name but a few) are legendary, whispered about in hushed tones by motoring enthusiasts, but the intimate details have remained a secret to almost all but the privileged few for whom purchasing one of these beautiful cars is a real possibility. To describe any Rolls-Royce as merely a ‘car’ seems inadequate. I think perhaps the Sherman Brothers’ description of the miraculous Chitty Chitty Bang Bang would be more appropriate in this situation; these truly are fantasmagorical machines, and the Ghost Series II,
“The Ghost Series II’s design harmony lends the car a more dynamic, purposeful stance” the latest edition to the R-R family, is no exception. Named in honour of the Silver Ghost (which was produced by R-R in 1906) the modern Ghost, first developed in 2009, has always had one foot placed firmly in the luxury and elegance of the past, and the other hovering futuristically over some truly mesmerising modern developments. Giles Taylor, Director of Design for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, told me: “As a design statement, the Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II continues to transcend time. I am very pleased with the overall sense All images courtesy of Rolls-Royce
111
MOTORING
of design harmony… that lends the car a more dynamic, purposeful stance and hints at the cutting-edge technology inside.” And what technology. The most noticeable change to the GSII’s exterior concerns the re-sculpted LED headlights – a vibrant update that gives the car an alert air, as though it’s constantly standing to attention, ready to give you the drive of your life. This sense of readiness is clear on the inside too; the interior certainly delivers. On-board WiFi keeps driver and passengers connected from the comfort of R-R’s plush, bespoke leather seats, whilst Satellite Aided Transmission (which made its debut in the Wraith last year) ensures the car automatically adapts to its surroundings. Optional extras such as Bespoke Audio (described by R-R as “the most exhaustively engineered and finest audio system in automotive history”) and Rolls’ famously smooth, quiet ride offer GSII owners one of the most comprehensive (and comfortable) driving experiences available. Last year the brand caused a sensation with the launch of its new coupé, the Wraith. Epitomising the more playful and mysterious side of Rolls-Royce, the Wraith was one of the most eagerly-anticipated cars of the decade, with the waiting list meaning that even now getting your hands on one of these beauties is not as simple as walking into the showroom, whipping out your Black Amex and walking out with the keys. I had the knee-trembling pleasure of driving
a Wraith when I visited the home of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and I can say for certain that it lived up to every ounce of expectation. Despite the immense power of the potent 6.6 litre, twin turbo-charged V12 engine under the bonnet, the ride was incredibly smooth and quiet. For me, this proved without question the pinnacle of Rolls’ success; the ability to harness that kind of raw power and from it produce something calm and sophisticated with an undercurrent of hidden strength – akin to taming the proverbial bull in an extremely expensive china shop. But Rolls-Royce is about so much more than engineering new models. Part of delivering the most luxurious vehicular experience out there is consistently upping the stakes. The current incarnation of the Phantom has been around since 2003 but R-R goes to great lengths to ensure it remains a talking point for potential customers the world over. Last year, to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Phantom and showcase the far-reaching capabilities of the R-R bespoke services, the team at Goodwood decided to create the most
To celebrate the Phantom’s 10th anniversary, the team created the one-of-a-kind Celestial
exclusive, expensive and luxurious automobile in history. Christened the Celestial, it was a one-of-a-kind Phantom designed around the theme of the night sky over the Rolls’ factory on the night of 1 January 2003 – the day the first Phantom rolled off the production line. Fine glass particles in the paint gave a depth and subtle twinkle to the midnight blue finish; LED lights in the headlining were meticulously configured to represent the star-filled sky exactly as it was that night; and stunning representations of the constellations have been created from white gold and diamonds on the ceramic interior plates. This breathtaking creation epitomised Rolls’ “desire for perfection” and had already been bought by an anonymous customer in the Far East by the time the car was unveiled at the Dubai Motor Show. Such is the lure of the Rolls-Royce brand; the knowledge that each car (regardless of the model) is entirely unique – tailored to the individual needs and desires of its purchaser. Stepping onto the factory floor I feel like a kid in a sweetshop (or would do, had I the funds to back up my sudden and visceral need to call one of these stunning cars my own). Due to the size of the factory and the sheer extent of the personalisation options for each car, Rolls-Royce only produce three models – the Phantom (including the drop-head coupé and extended wheelbase editions), the Ghost Series II and the Wraith; each with its own distinct personality. That’s not to say the brand is in any way limited by this decision; rather, I leave with the feeling that producing only three models of car helps to keep the wild imaginations of the Rolls-Royce designers in check – that is, until their next creation is unleashed upon the world. rolls-roycemotorcars.com
113
A True IMAGINARIUM Jennifer Mason explores the magical world of Rolls-Royce as it announces the launch of its latest creation, the Ghost Series II
nvesting in a Rolls-Royce is an invitation to let your imagination run wild. In fact, with all the astonishing creations that come out of the innovative R-R factory in Goodwood, it wouldn’t surprise me to learn that this is what the designers are doing on a regular basis. Tales of Rolls’ bespoke services (paint mixed to match any colour sample you provide, hand-cut embellishments on the interior wooden panels, family crests stitched into the headrests – to name but a few) are legendary, whispered about in hushed tones by motoring enthusiasts, but the intimate details have remained a secret to almost all but the privileged few for whom purchasing one of these beautiful cars is a real possibility. To describe any Rolls-Royce as merely a ‘car’ seems inadequate. I think perhaps the Sherman Brothers’ description of the miraculous Chitty Chitty Bang Bang would be more appropriate in this situation; these truly are fantasmagorical machines, and the Ghost Series II,
“The Ghost Series II’s design harmony lends the car a more dynamic, purposeful stance” the latest edition to the R-R family, is no exception. Named in honour of the Silver Ghost (which was produced by R-R in 1906) the modern Ghost, first developed in 2009, has always had one foot placed firmly in the luxury and elegance of the past, and the other hovering futuristically over some truly mesmerising modern developments. Giles Taylor, Director of Design for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, told me: “As a design statement, the Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II continues to transcend time. I am very pleased with the overall sense All images courtesy of Rolls-Royce
111
MOTORING
of design harmony… that lends the car a more dynamic, purposeful stance and hints at the cutting-edge technology inside.” And what technology. The most noticeable change to the GSII’s exterior concerns the re-sculpted LED headlights – a vibrant update that gives the car an alert air, as though it’s constantly standing to attention, ready to give you the drive of your life. This sense of readiness is clear on the inside too; the interior certainly delivers. On-board WiFi keeps driver and passengers connected from the comfort of R-R’s plush, bespoke leather seats, whilst Satellite Aided Transmission (which made its debut in the Wraith last year) ensures the car automatically adapts to its surroundings. Optional extras such as Bespoke Audio (described by R-R as “the most exhaustively engineered and finest audio system in automotive history”) and Rolls’ famously smooth, quiet ride offer GSII owners one of the most comprehensive (and comfortable) driving experiences available. Last year the brand caused a sensation with the launch of its new coupé, the Wraith. Epitomising the more playful and mysterious side of Rolls-Royce, the Wraith was one of the most eagerly-anticipated cars of the decade, with the waiting list meaning that even now getting your hands on one of these beauties is not as simple as walking into the showroom, whipping out your Black Amex and walking out with the keys. I had the knee-trembling pleasure of driving
a Wraith when I visited the home of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and I can say for certain that it lived up to every ounce of expectation. Despite the immense power of the potent 6.6 litre, twin turbo-charged V12 engine under the bonnet, the ride was incredibly smooth and quiet. For me, this proved without question the pinnacle of Rolls’ success; the ability to harness that kind of raw power and from it produce something calm and sophisticated with an undercurrent of hidden strength – akin to taming the proverbial bull in an extremely expensive china shop. But Rolls-Royce is about so much more than engineering new models. Part of delivering the most luxurious vehicular experience out there is consistently upping the stakes. The current incarnation of the Phantom has been around since 2003 but R-R goes to great lengths to ensure it remains a talking point for potential customers the world over. Last year, to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Phantom and showcase the far-reaching capabilities of the R-R bespoke services, the team at Goodwood decided to create the most
To celebrate the Phantom’s 10th anniversary, the team created the one-of-a-kind Celestial
exclusive, expensive and luxurious automobile in history. Christened the Celestial, it was a one-of-a-kind Phantom designed around the theme of the night sky over the Rolls’ factory on the night of 1 January 2003 – the day the first Phantom rolled off the production line. Fine glass particles in the paint gave a depth and subtle twinkle to the midnight blue finish; LED lights in the headlining were meticulously configured to represent the star-filled sky exactly as it was that night; and stunning representations of the constellations have been created from white gold and diamonds on the ceramic interior plates. This breathtaking creation epitomised Rolls’ “desire for perfection” and had already been bought by an anonymous customer in the Far East by the time the car was unveiled at the Dubai Motor Show. Such is the lure of the Rolls-Royce brand; the knowledge that each car (regardless of the model) is entirely unique – tailored to the individual needs and desires of its purchaser. Stepping onto the factory floor I feel like a kid in a sweetshop (or would do, had I the funds to back up my sudden and visceral need to call one of these stunning cars my own). Due to the size of the factory and the sheer extent of the personalisation options for each car, Rolls-Royce only produce three models – the Phantom (including the drop-head coupé and extended wheelbase editions), the Ghost Series II and the Wraith; each with its own distinct personality. That’s not to say the brand is in any way limited by this decision; rather, I leave with the feeling that producing only three models of car helps to keep the wild imaginations of the Rolls-Royce designers in check – that is, until their next creation is unleashed upon the world. rolls-roycemotorcars.com
113
