Since its first introduction by Sir Henry Royce in 1925, every new Rolls-Royce Phantom has claimed the title of ‘The Best Car in the World’ and the new Phantom is setting a new benchmark. The eighth-generation Phantom is, by far, the most thought out model of its breed, delivering the best of technology, design and performance.
Rolls-Royce prides themselves in something called the ‘Architecture of Luxury’ and it starts with the new Phantom and every future Rolls-Royce will ride on it. But what is it? Designed by the Rolls-Royce engineers, it’s an all-aluminium spaceframe architecture that promises an elevated experience in terms of ride comfort, the exterior presence and the interior space, and more. On the new Phantom, it translates to being lighter yet 30 percent more rigid than the Phantom VII, and an uncompromised exterior surface design.
This new architecture contributes to the improvement of Rolls-Royce’s celebrated Magic Carpet Ride, the latest generation of self-levelling air suspension. Based on the body and wheel acceleration, steering inputs and camera information, the suspension makes millions of calculations at every second to continuously vary the electronically controlled shock absorber adjustment system. The secret is in the windscreen where Flagbearer, a stereo camera system, is integrated into it; and detects the road ahead to adjust the suspension proactively when the driver is cruising at 100 km/h or below.
Equipped with an all-new 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine, the numbers for the new Phantom are: 563 hp, 900 Nm of torque, and 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds. And yet, it’s the most silent motor car in the world—approximately 10 percent quieter than its predecessor at 100 km/h. To achieve this, it has been fitted with 130 kg of sound insulation, double-laminated glass, dual-skin alloys, ‘Silent-Seal’ tires, and more.
Rolls-Royce wanted anyone entering the new Phantom to feel as if they’ve entered a luxury hotel ‘suite’. One, you’ll be cocooned in the finest leathers and veneers. Second, once you’re seated comfortably, there’s the ‘Embrace’ where, with a light touch over the sensor on the door handle by your assistant or valet, the doors will automatically close with less of a whisper.
Each new Phantom is expected to be bespoke and as such, one can choose from 44,000 exterior colours as well as commission a seating style of their choice. There is the intimate Lounge Seat, Individual Seats with occasional armrest, Individual Seats with Fixed Centre Console and the newly-introduced Sleeping Seat. The new Fixed Rear Centre Console might be of interest to many as it incorporates a drinks cabinet with whisky glasses and decanter, champagne flute and cool box.
The personalisation continues on with ‘The Gallery’—a contemporary and luxury reinterpretation of a motor car’s dashboard and instrument panel area where an application of glass runs over it. And where commissioned artwork by a favoured designer or artist can be proudly displayed.
Essentially, the new Rolls-Royce Phantom is the pinnacle of comfort and quietness, luxury and technology. Each one stands out from the crowd, and each Phantom stands out on its own. Rather than just being ‘The Best Car in the World’, it’s a world-leading luxury item itself.
The Phantom Standard Wheelbase in Malaysia starts from RM2.2 million (less taxes), inclusive of a four-year service package and regional warranty, 24-hour roadside support and a ‘flying doctor’ after-sales team. For more info, visit the Rolls-Royce Malaysia website.
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