High Life

HIGH LIFE #14 Nov 2017 109 Needless to say, the Hong Kong launch of the eighth generation Rolls-Royce Phantom caused quite a stir. Dubbed “New Phantom,” it is the first Rolls-Royce to utilize the brand’s new all-aluminium spaceframe architecture that will underpin every future Rolls-Royce model. Around 30% more rigid than its predecessor, the frame sees New Phantom propel key features such as ride comfort, acoustic comfort, seat comfort, exterior presence and interior space to the next level. Rolls-Royce refers to this experience as its “Magic Carpet Ride” and after experiencing the spacious extravagance of New Phantom’s rear passenger suite it’s easy to see why. Despite boasting a 6.75 litre twin-turbo V12 engine producing 563bhp of power and 900Nmof torque, the interior ambience wouldn’t feel amiss in a fine dining restaurant. “One of the things that strikes me about this car is how silent it is to the rest of the world,” Grant tells High Life . “When you shut the doors you’ve got the acoustic headline that takes away some of the sound and then you’ve got the acoustic glass which is six millimeters thick. You are basically sitting in your own little bubble which is very beautiful.” The eighth generation Phantom also ups the ante in bespoke with Rolls-Royce introducing “The Gallery,” described as “a contemporary, luxurious and wholly artistic reinterpretation of the design of a motor car’s dashboard and instrument panel.” Buyers can essentially design their own dashboard by enclosing almost any image, artwork or small item in an uninterrupted swathe of toughened glass that runs the full width of the dash area. “It’s something that has never been seen before in a vehicle,” says Grant. “It provides endless possibilities for bespoke. “To achieve this we’ve actually had to develop our factory to have a negative pressure room. It’s a completely dust free environment where these are built. “We can work with our clients to commission artists to design some elements that go inside or you could fix jewelry or precious metals or stones. It allows you to tailor-make the car to levels that have never been seen before and makes these cars so personal for our clients. It becomes a mobile art piece.” The new Rolls-Royce Phantom starts at HK$9,600,000 with deliveries to Macau and Hong Kong beginning in early 2018.