Can you improve upon perfection? Rolls-Royce, as always, will certainly try.
The legendary luxury car brand just unveiled the Phantom Series II, the latest expression of its iconic Phantom. The new version has been updated with all new features, including a redesigned grille, a new suite of wheels, a thicker steering wheel, as well as the debut of ‘Rolls-Royce Connected’ on the model.
There are also new customisation options based on client feedback, including the possibility of a darkened chrome grille surround, black bonnet reins, windscreen surround and side frame finishers, which can each be commissioned upon request.
Rolls-Royce Connected, for the unfamiliar, enables owners to send an address directly to the motor car from Whispers, the Rolls-Royce private-members’ application, which provides navigation to any location, while also constantly showing the car’s location, security status, and health condition. It also enables dealerships to be contacted with any servicing requirements from the app with the click of a button.
The new wheels on offer are both an update and a throwback. A 3D, milled, stainless steel wheel with triangular facets are available on commission in a fully or part-polished finish. Alternatively, Phantom can also be equipped with a disc wheel that recalls the romance of 1920’s Rolls-Royce motor cars, according to the brand. This disc wheel is produced in both polished stainless steel and black lacquer.
Many of the changes, like those made on the Black Badge Ghost which debuted in recent months, are built for drivers, as Rolls-Royce becomes a driver’s car as much as a chauffeur car for the next generation of owners.
For that reason, the line will now feature both Phantom and Phantom Extended, one for driver, and one for passenger.
“Phantom is now predominantly favoured by the ever-increasing number of clients wishing to be in the driving seat themselves. For those preferring to command the road from the rear seat, Phantom Extended offers the definitive super-luxurious chauffeur-driven experience,” says the brand.
For Rolls-Royce, it’s not just about what’s changed, it’s about what’s stayed the same.
“In creating the new expression, Rolls-Royce designers and engineers have been guided by the requests of clients, who have implored Rolls-Royce not to make any major changes to an already iconic motor car. In answer to these client demands, only the lightest of design touches, embellishments, and adaptations have been incorporated. Indeed, it is not about what should be changed, but in fact, what should be preserved and protected,” says a release from Rolls-Royce.
Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, echoed those sentiments in a statement.
“Phantom occupies an unrivalled position at the very apex of the luxury world. As our pinnacle product, it represents the very best of Rolls-Royce design, engineering and craftsmanship – a perfect blend of vision, creativity, the finest materials, skill, patience and precision. With Phantom Series II, we have retained and carefully protected everything our clients love about this superlative and luxurious item; subtle, yet meaningful enhancements reflect their evolving tastes and requirements,” says Müller-Ötvös.
“Phantom has always been viewed as the ‘best car in the world’: our Bespoke capabilities mean that, for our clients, it can be the best car for their world, too.”
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