The ability to predict the future would make things a darn sight easier, but what would be the fun in that? Last week we got a glimpse into that future with Rolls-Royce introduced its debut ‘Vision Vehicle’ at the London Roundhouse.
Dubbed the ‘Vision Next 100’, the world-famous British car-manufacturer has described the car as “the future of luxury mobility” and promises that it will forever revolutionise the way we travel. Or at least forever revolutionise the way those who can afford a Rolls-Royce will be able travel.
Designed to be powered by an as yet unknown emission-less source of energy (which the entire planet wishes them the best of luck in finding), the concept car comes fully equipped with the services of a virtual assistant and chauffeur called ‘Eleanor’ – named after the model who inspired the Spirit of Ecstasy bonnet ornament that has become so inseparable from the Rolls-Royce brand.
‘Eleanor’ isn’t the only throwback present in this design however, as the chassis itself appears to have been built in the spirit of the elegant coachbuilt cars of the past and is supposedly hand-built from the most advanced materials available. The FAB 1 this is not, though Rolls-Royce’s promise that advanced manufacturing technologies will enable customers to involve themselves directly with the car’s shape, size and silhouette is a tantalising prospect for any budding creative who has ever wanted to commission their own bespoke vehicle.
The disposal of any driving apparatus has also provided the Vision Next 100 with unfathomable amounts of space. The interior is more akin to the apartment of a well-to-do bachelor than that of a car cabin, with the finest Macassar wood panelling and generously sized OLED screen leaving customers hard-pressed to find a reason to leave the car’s comfort.
An ethereal, otherworldly glow will be emitted from the front and side of the car during travel to ensure that no-one misses your magnificent arrival. And magnificent it will be, as Rolls-Royce have kitted out the Vision Next 100 with a glass canopy that will lift to allow the occupant to stand and step down upon exiting the vehicle.
Imagine the look of disbelief on your ex’s face when you arrive to a mutual friend’s cocktail party in this bad boy. It’s probably a similar look of disbelief that you’ve got on your face whilst reading this article. And whilst you’d be right in thinking that the Vision Next 100 is at the moment little more than just a hopeful pipedream in the style of Francis Bacon’s idyllic ‘New Atlantis’, Rolls-Royce’s positivity can only be a good thing whilst we move ever forward to a safer and smoother method of travel. It also looks really, really cool.
