The launch of the Rolls-Royce Phantom on 1 January 2003 was much
more than the reveal of a new ultra-luxury car; it signalled the 21st
Century renaissance of the world's most famous luxury automobile brand
and the first glimpse of a masterpiece that quickly established itself
at the pinnacle of automotive excellence.
For the preceding five
years, under BMW Group ownership and in the absence of publicity,
designers, engineers and skilled production staff had overseen the birth
of a flagship Rolls-Royce motor car and state-of-the-art production
facility on the Goodwood Estate in Southern England. Without parallel in
the car industry, the achievement was all the more astonishing for a
brand which shouldered the weight of historic ups (and occasional downs)
and for which expectations for the future were rightly high.
From
launch, the Rolls-Royce Phantom proved itself a worthy recipient of the
famous Spirit of Ecstasy figurine. From Pantheon grille to long rear
overhang, the design was clearly a Rolls-Royce. Every angle revealed a
bold yet elegant car with road presence that was second to none.
For
such an imposing car, Phantom surprised drivers with its agility and
precision in motion while its ride was described by the company at the
time as 'designed to lower the pulse'. The magnificently sublime ride,
famed through model generations, had returned and waftability
re-affirmed itself in the company lexicon.
At the car's core lay a
ground-breaking, lightweight aluminium space-frame with power supplied
by a sophisticated, direct-injection V12 engine, married to a six-speed
auto gearbox. And complementing this excellence in engineering was
Phantom's beautiful interior, presenting hand-stitched sumptuous
leathers, fine veneers and exquisite detailing, a combination that
marked the car as something uniquely special.
New Phantom
variants were added, starting with Phantom Extended Wheelbase in 2005.
In 2007, Phantom Drophead Coupé revealed the ultimate in luxurious
open-top motoring, while Phantom Coupé, Rolls-Royce's sophisticated
grand tourer, joined the family in 2008. All were warmly received.
A new world - Phantom Series II in summary
Today,
Rolls-Royce presents Phantom Series II, a family of pinnacle cars that
have been thoughtfully updated with the introduction of cutting-edge
technology, enhancements to an already peerless drive-train and
improvements in connectivity that reflect the changing world in which we
live.
Rolls-Royce Phantom's striking and modern front end best
encapsulates the essence of changes that lie beneath, with re-styled
bumpers and rectangular light apertures that frame full-LED light
clusters. These allow the integration of new technologies like curve
light functionality, where headlamp beams are reflected in the direction
of travel to provide greater illumination of the road ahead when
cornering. And adaptive headlamps, where light patterns change
automatically and - of course - effortlessly in response to different
driving speeds.
Phantom's already sublime drive-train has also
been enhanced. The addition of a new 8-speed automatic gearbox and rear
differential perfectly complement the V12 direct injection engine,
improving exemplary dynamics, as well as the famous Rolls-Royce promise
of a magic carpet ride. Fuel consumption improves by 10 percent on the
combined cycle and CO2 emissions fall from 385 to 347g/km as a
consequence (388 to 349 for Phantom Extended Wheelbase).
Effortless
is a word that perhaps best epitomises the Phantom experience, both for
drivers and their passengers. So an improved user interface, as well as
the addition of new driver assistance technologies, have been built on
the foundation of a new electronics' platform for Phantom Series II. The
satellite navigation system, for example, has been fully updated with
functions that include 3D map display with landscape topography, guided
tours, as well as enhanced points of interest and composite route
planning.
Audio visual content, satellite navigation maps and
driver information is presented on Phantom's new 8.8 inch control centre
display, underlined by eight programmable bookmarks in chrome for
optimum convenience in selecting key functions. Front, rear and top-view
camera systems, further augment Phantom's ease of use particularly when
driving in tight urban environments. When reverse parking for example,
rear path prediction automatically deploys on-screen.
These
significant changes add further substance to a reputation Phantom has
proudly built since launch of the signature Rolls-Royce back in 2003. It
is a new world. But it's a world in which the Rolls-Royce Phantom
family will occupy a pinnacle position for many years to come.
Design
Like
a piece of inspirational music, the Rolls-Royce Phantom continues to
delight an audience. Familiar melodies - classic design cues that can be
traced through the model generations - are brought to life by an
orchestra of craftspeople working at the Home of Rolls-Royce in
Goodwood, where attention to the finest detail delights in every car.
Familiar
themes begin with the famous Spirit of Ecstasy, proudly adorning each
model's Pantheon grille leaning into the wind with fluttering gown,
while in side profile all Phantom family members present a long rear
over-hang and classic two-to-one wheel to body height.
The
thin-rimmed steering-wheel is reminiscent of elegantly engineered
multifunction helms of the Phantom II and III, while further cues in the
form of bulls-eye air vents and organ-stop plungers further hint at
past masterpieces.
But 21st Century design cues also delight
owners, as well as those for whom a glimpse of a Rolls-Royce is a rare
moment to be treasured. The interlocked double-R Rolls-Royce monogram in
the hubcaps, for example, which remain upright at all times. And coach
doors with soft close function, which house Teflon-coated umbrellas to
provide the grandest form of disembarkation from any motor car, whatever
the weather.
Nearly ten years from launch, the design team
responsible for creating a modern masterpiece remain at Rolls-Royce. And
for Director of Design Ian Cameron, updating a 21st Century classic
would start with one priority: a harmonious, timeless design to embrace
state-of-the-art technological improvements.
The new, modern
front-end for Phantom Series II, perhaps best exemplifies changes that
are more than skin deep. Recessed behind new rectangular light apertures
and re-designed front bumpers are fully LED light clusters. The
signature is an elegant and dramatic bar, capturing the simple elegance
of a continuously lit element, a feature complementing Rolls-Royce tail
light design. For balance and proportion, this is integrated
horizontally across the centre of Phantom's four-compartment headlamp.
Rolls-Royce
Phantom Coupé and Drophead Coupé now come with a single piece grille
surround, presenting a smoother, more contemporary front end that arch
into sculpted front wings, while Phantom saloon features a new rear
bumper incorporating a polished stainless steel highlight.
Rolls-Royce
Phantom Saloon and Extended Wheelbase wear a new front wing R-R badge
with repeat indicator while three new wheel options, including painted,
part-polished and polished, add to the range of 21" wheels, the largest
fitted as standard to any production car.
Interior
Simplicity
of design and the very finest materials contribute to the timeless
architecture of any Phantom, where touch points are exclusively wood,
chrome and leather and where feet can easily be lost in deep, lambswool
rugs.
Arguably the best place to experience Phantom's luxury is
from the rear seat of Phantom Saloon where passengers - elevated by 18
mm - are presented with an inspirational view down the long sweep of the
bonnet and onto the Spirit of Ecstasy. A reduction in the number of
seat flutes in front and rear, from five to three, gives a more modern
complement to the car's sumptuous natural grain leather and flutes are
also added to Drophead Coupé and Coupé seats for Phantom Series II.
An
oasis of calm, Rolls-Royce interiors are the perfect environment in
which to relax and unwind in welcoming silence. But they can also be a
centre for entertainment. Phantom Saloon's theatre configuration adds
two monitors within veneered picnic tables for rear seat passengers
which are linked to a multi-media player, mounted in a compartment at
the rear of the centre console. The inclusion of AV connectors, a
six-DVD changer housed in the lower glove box and USB port in the centre
console, means occupants can view separate content wherever they may be
seated, front or rear.
The LOGIC7 surround sound system by
Harman can create a truly cinematic experience on any journey. Seven
individual sound signals are processed specifically for the car and its
interior conditions using a combination of speakers that include
subwoofers housed within resonance chambers in the space created by
Phantom's double floor. A nine-channel amplifier delivers supreme
clarity, clearly placing musical instruments, sound effects and dialogue
at different depths giving the impression of sitting in row one or 20
of a concert.
At the touch of a button, Phantom's elegant
analogue clock flips to reveal a new control centre display. The screen
has increased in size from 6.5 to 8.8 inches with enhanced pixel density
providing a more refined image, as well as split-menu display for more
intuitive access to different functions.
A stylish new chrome
controller, discreetly hidden within the centre console and rear-centre
arm rests when not in use, is flanked by function keys such as menu,
telephone and navigation to allow easier access to infotainment
functions.
Eight functional bookmarks are now included beneath
the monitor. These can be programmed to present desired information at
the touch of a chrome key, for example the preferred orientation for
satellite navigation maps, to present favourite television channels,
pre-set radio stations or to access Phantom's telephone menu.
All
Rolls-Royce Phantom family cars now benefit from improved interfaces
and interaction with wireless technology. Finding a restaurant, booking a
table, then being guided to its location, for example, comes courtesy
of the improved functionality and inter-connectivity of Phantom's new
satellite navigation system. Further enhancements to navigation
functions include guided tours: at the Home of Rolls-Royce, which is
situated next to the historic town of Chichester in England, drivers may
choose to select a 45 minute tour taking in Roman Britain.
For
Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II the telephone cradle has been replaced by a
standard fit smart phone cradle which connects directly into the car
antennae. The centre recess now also includes USB, Aux-in and 12V power
sockets. Additionally, music can be copied directly onto the car's
hard-drive, thanks to the addition of a USB port in the glove
compartment.
"Lit in a different way" - new LED light technology
Rolls-Royce
has a long history of technological firsts and is now the first car
manufacturer to offer full LED headlamps as standard for Phantom models.
As well as drawing less power from the engine, the characteristic
whiter light provides a clearer view of the road ahead, helping prevent
tiredness for drivers during long journeys on dark roads.
New
light clusters comprise four compartments surrounded and finished with a
polished, stainless steel bezel. Continuously lit, an elegant bar runs
through the centre forming Phantom's LED daytime running lamps. LEDS in
the top two pockets form dipped lights while full beam illuminates LEDs
in the lower two. A separate, rectangular indicator strip sits below the
headlamps.
LEDs present the opportunity for technologies that
better manage the way light is projected, including curve light
functionality and adaptive headlamps. The first uses
electronically-controlled reflectors in upper and lower headlamp
pockets, to improve the sweep of illumination when cornering. More of
the road in the direction of travel can be seen as reflectors rotate by
up to 15° in direct response to steering wheel turns.
Adaptive
headlamps automatically change beam patterns according to driving
conditions. Light is dispersed more widely for driving speeds below
50km/h to enable better views of cyclists and pedestrians. Between 50
and 120km/h the light cone extends and is skewed towards the near side
to reveal potential hazards on a driver's side of the road, while for
motorway driving at speeds in excess of 120km/h, the beam has a longer
range and is more intense. Where windscreen wipers have been operating
for more than two minutes in poor weather, dipped beams are
automatically illuminated.
The convenient activation of headlight
adaption is a further benefit, now being accessed directly via the
rotary controller, rather than a switch located under the bonnet. This
allows headlight settings to be switched between right-hand and
left-hand drive markets, for example when driving from the UK to France,
increasing comfort for those used to crossing borders.
Camera system
Everything
about owning and driving Phantom models should be effortless, including
manoeuvring in tight urban environments. Today, a new camera system is
offered as standard for all Phantom Series II. Cameras are positioned in
five locations, two in the curves of the front bumper, two on the
underside of each wing mirror and one in the trunk lid.
These
combine to present a fish-eye view at blind junctions or to provide
ground images with obstacle recognition and reverse path prediction when
parking This automatically deploys on the control centre display when
reverse gear is selected and highlights the optimum reversing trajectory
as well as the location of obstacles, helping prevent scuffs and alloy
damage preserving the high value of a client's investment - and the
inherent beauty of the car.
Additionally, all Phantom models
carry six buttons that sit either side of the centre console's
functional bookmarks; the button to the furthest on the right takes
drivers immediately to a split image revealing objects at either side at
the front of the car.
Engineering excellence
Originally
conceived by the Rolls-Royce engineering team, an advanced aluminium
spaceframe retains its position at Phantom's core, serving as the
foundation for the car's extraordinary driving prowess. Strong,
lightweight and as rigid as a Formula 1 car, the spaceframe has been
further reinforced, with the addition of brace bars that enable a
dynamic package to be offered as an option for Phantom Saloon for the
first time.
Epitomising the Rolls-Royce marriage of cutting-edge
technology with fine craftsmanship, each spaceframe is entirely
hand-welded, then finished as if it were a precision instrument. Every
morning, skilled welders perform a 300mm test to check for atmospheric
effects on the material with which they will work. More than 200 box
sections of cast aluminium extrusion are then formed to create the
frame, which is checked for accuracy to within a millimetre by laser.
Finally, the largest computer-guided machining platform in the auto
industry sets to work on the complete structure, milling critical points
with pinpoint precision.
Precision might also be the best word
to describe the manner in which Phantom drivers place their cars through
corners. But, of course, handling cannot come at the expense of the
famous Rolls-Royce magic carpet ride. Fortunately, thanks to its double
insulated floor, the spaceframe only augments inner tranquillity helping
eliminate noise, vibration and harshness.
Its inherent safety benefits are also enhanced
by other systems controlled by Phantom's ISIS (Intelligent Safety and
Information System). This takes readings from sensors located throughout
the car and, in the event of an impact, makes up to 4,000 calculations a
second to establish its severity, deploying safety systems as
necessary. These include intelligent braking and restraint systems such
as Dynamic Stability Control, Dynamic Traction Control and seat belt
pre-tensioners.
Complementing Phantom's reassuring safety
features are changes to front door side pockets. These are now slightly
smaller, due to the addition of a crash pad, for more even distribution
of forces in a 30° side-impact test.
Drive-train and suspension
At
its heart, every Phantom family car hosts a hand-assembled, naturally
aspirated 6.75 litre V12 engine. This sophisticated direct-injection
petrol engine develops 531lb ft of torque (720Nm) more than three
quarters of which is available at 1,000 rpm. The torque curve remains
largely flat between 1,000 and 3,000 rpm - an important prerequisite for
effortless city driving - and moves occupants from 0 to 60 in 5.7
seconds and onto an electronically limited top speed of 149mph (155mph
for Phantom Coupé) where market conditions allow.
Rolls-Royce
Phantom's power reserve gauge is another of those trademark Rolls-Royce
design cues that always raises a smile. In operation, it casually
reveals the enormous power potential at a driver's disposal should he or
she require it. But, in most circumstances, Phantom's performance is
simply a matter of seamless, effortless progress.
For Rolls-Royce
Phantom Series II, Rolls-Royce has improved the drive-train by
incorporating a new 8-speed auto ZF-gearbox for all variants. This is
electronically controlled to manage the extraordinary power delivered by
the V12 power plant. The longer ratio in the new rear differential
compensates shorter ratios in some gears of the new 8-speed gearbox,
maintaining the same engine speed to augment 'waftability', while
improving fuel economy.
The result is powerful serenity.
Effortless gear changes come as a consequence of a better match of gear
to engine speed, improving efficiency from power generation to where it
is needed at the wheels. Fuel economy improves by 10 percent on the
combined cycle and CO2 emissions fall from 385 to 347g/km as a result.
Double-wishbone
front suspension complements the drive-train, featuring optimised
mounts to minimise vibrations through the steering wheel, while
multi-link rear suspension complete with anti-lift and anti-dive
technology aids stability under heavy acceleration and braking.
Spring
dampeners and anti-roll bars maintain comfort without loss of agility
while self-levelling air struts compensate for different loads within
the car, making continual adjustments as the weight of fuel decreases,
giving drivers the ability to place the car through turns with absolute
precision and passengers a ride of supreme comfort.
Craftsmanship
It
takes 60 pairs of hands and more than 450 hours to design, construct
and craft each Rolls-Royce motor car. At the Home of Rolls-Royce in
Goodwood there are around 1,000 employees, including craftspeople
working in wood and leather shops, making the world's finest cars. And
just two robots in the paint shop to provide a seamless quality of
finish. Only the finest materials are used and these are painstakingly
prepared so their inherent beauty is displayed to best effect.
Paint
Rolls-Royce
continues the grand tradition started centuries ago by the
coach-building industry: at least five layers of paint and clear lacquer
coating are applied to each Phantom, seven if the car is two-tone.
Between each layer technicians sand the body by hand. Following
application of a final coat, the body is meticulously hand polished for
five hours to achieve the glassy lustre normally associated with a grand
piano. Through the Bespoke programme, any chosen paint colour can be
specified. Initially, this could be chosen by the client through the
Phantom iPad App, capturing the colour of a favourite tie or lipstick
for example and applying it to their virtual car. In keeping with
Rolls-Royce traditions single or double coach-lines can also be applied -
by hand of course. Each five metre line takes three hours to apply
using only the finest squirrel and ox hair brushes.
Wood
Wooden
features blend the skills of cabinet makers and boat builders with
modern technology. Depending on specification, up to 43 wooden parts are
used in every Phantom, each constructed from up to 28 layers of wood.
These are interspersed with thin sheets of aluminium for strength and to
prevent splintering in an impact. Multiple layers are pressed, bent and
hand-finished before craftsmen cut and apply matched veneers, which are
subsequently detailed, lacquered, hand polished and highlighted. All
veneers come from one log and these are carefully selected and laid out
so that the grain detailing is mirrored across the interior of each car.
Inspired
by J-class yachts of the 1930s , the beautiful teak-decking in Phantom
Drophead Coupé is a fine example of the marriage between Rolls-Royce
traditions and the best in engineering. Teak is used because of its
hardy properties and resistance to moisture and decay, but special
techniques have been developed to preserve the appearance of a fresh,
unprocessed finish, the aim being a final deck that closely resembled
natural timber. Each deck, comprised of more than 30 wooden pieces,
features precisely machined grooves and is protected by a specially
formulated blend of oils. As with all woods and veneers used by
Rolls-Royce, it is sourced by a team of specialists.
Leather
Only
the finest hand-selected hides from Alpine bulls are used by
Rolls-Royce. The healthy environment and open meadows without thorn or
barbed wire result in far fewer natural marks. The leather is drum
pigmented to allow the durable Rolls-Royce leather to retain its famous
soft and supple feel, giving a rich, uniform colour while maintaining
the natural feel, softness and grain. Each of the 450 leather parts that
comprise an interior is cut by laser before being hand sewn by the
artisans in the company's own workshop.
Bespoke
Rolls-Royce
customers expect their cars to be as unique as their own fingerprint and
the Bespoke service delivers on these high expectations. More than
eight in ten Rolls-Royce Phantom models delivered globally to clients in
2011 included some element of bespoke design from individual paint
colours, veneer inlays, tread plates and coach lines, to the most
flamboyant and individual of whole vehicle designs.
In 2011 for
example, Rolls-Royce designed a car for a Middle Eastern customer that
incorporated an intricate and beautiful falcon motif within the
headrests. Taking 40 hours of embroidery and using 11 different threads,
the design featured 21,000 stitches.
Perhaps one of the most
delightful and popular of Rolls-Royce bespoke features is the starlight
headliner, which integrates more than 1,600 tiny fibre optic lights
which are hand-woven into the leather roof lining to create a beautiful
starry sky within a Rolls-Royce Phantom Saloon or Phantom Coupé.
