The launching of the RollsRoyce Phantom on 1 January 2003 was far more than the show of the fresh ultraluxury car; it signalled the 21st-century renaissance of earth's most renowned luxury auto brand and also the very first glance of the masterpiece that immediately established itself at the pinnacle of theutomotive excellence.

For the previous five years, under BMW Group ownership and also within the lack of marketing, designers, technologists and skilled production employees had supervised the arrival of a main RollsRoyce motor-car and state-of-theart production facility to the Goodwood Estate in Southern England.

From Pantheon grille to extended rear overhang, the plan was certainly a RollsRoyce. Every approach revealed a daring yet refined vehicle with street presence which was second to none.

For this imposing vehicle, Phantom amazed motorists with its agility and precision in movement while its trip was explained by the business at the time as 'designed to reduce the beat'. The magnificently elegant trip, celebrated through version generations, had returned and waftability reaffirmed itself in the business lexicon.

In the vehicle's center lay a groundbreaking, light-weight aluminium spaceframe with electricity furnished by a complex, directinjection V12 engine, married to a sixspeed auto gearbox.

New Phantom versions were added, beginning with Phantom Extended Wheelbase in 2005. In 2007, Phantom Drophead Coupe exposed the ultimate in lavish opentop motoring, while Phantom Coupe, Rolls-Royce's advanced grand tourer, joined the household in 2008.

A fresh planet -

RollsRoyce Phantom's striking and contemporary front-end best encapsulates the essence of developments that lie beneath, with restyled bumpers and rectangular light apertures that body full-LED light clusters. These enable the integration of new systems like curve light performance, where when cornering headlamp beams are reflected within the way of travel to provide higher illumination of the road ahead.

Phantom's already elegant drivetrain has been improved. The inclusion of the new 8-speed automatic gearbox and rear differential flawlessly complement the V12 direct-injection engine, enhancing exemplary dynamics, along with the famed RollsRoyce assurance of the magic carpet ride. Fuel consumption enhances by ten percent in the combined-cycle and CO2 emissions drop from 385 to 347g / for a result (388 to 349 for Phantom Extended Wheelbase km).

Therefore a better user-interface, along with the inclusion of new driver assistance systems, are assembled in the base of a brand new electronic equipment' system for Phantom Series II. The satellite-navigation program, for instance, has been completely updated with capabilities that contain increased sights and composite course planning, in addition to 3D map display with landscape topography, guided excursions.

Front, back and topview camera techniques, further augment Phantom's simplicity especially when driving in tight urban environments. When reverse parking as an example, rear route prediction instantly deploys onscreen.

These important changes add further material to a standing Phantom has proudly assembled since launching of the trademark RollsRoyce back 2003. It's really a fresh world. However it's a world where the RollsRoyce Phantom family will dwell a place for quite some time to come.

Layout

"We should consider Phantom style for a part of well-known, classical music. With time it's the potential for various interpretations without losing the fundamental air that we understand so well." Ian Cameron - RollsRoyce Motor-cars Manager of Style

As a piece of inspirational music, the RollsRoyce Phantom continues to please an audience. Familiar melodies - traditional design cues which can be followed via the version generations - are brought to life via an orchestra of craftspeople where attention to the best detail delights in each auto, working in the Residence of RollsRoyce in Goodwood.

While further cues in the kind of bullseye atmosphere ports and organstop plungers further hint at previous masterpieces, the thinrimmed steeringwheel is similar to elegantly designed multifunction helms of the Phantom II and III.

But 21st-century style cues also please owners, along with those for whom a glance of the RollsRoyce is really a rare moment to be cherished. The double - R RollsRoyce monogram within the hubcaps, by way of example, which remain upright constantly. And coach doors with soft close function, which home Tefloncoated umbrellas to supply the kind of disembarkation from just about any motor car, regardless of what the weather.

Almost a decade from launching, the design team in charge of developing a modern masterpiece stay at RollsRoyce. As well as for Manager of Design Ian Cameron, upgrading a 21st-century classic would begin with a single priority: a harmonious, timeless design to adopt state-of-theart technological developments.

The brand new, modern frontend for Phantom Series II, maybe best exemplifies changes which are more than skin-deep. Recessed behind redesigned front bumpers and new rectangular light apertures are completely LED-LIGHT clusters. The signature is a stylish and remarkable bar, capturing the easy sophistication of a constantly lit component, a characteristic complementing RollsRoyce tail-light style. For harmony and symmetry, that is integrated horizontally through the center of Phantom's fourcompartment headlamp.

"The result is thoroughly contemporary, yet embraces these conventional design cues. Ian Cameron

Inside

Simplicity of style and the best components lead to the architecture of any Phantom, where feet can readily be lost in full, lambswool rugs and where touch-points are alone chrome, wood and leather.

A decrease in the amount of seat flutes in-front and back, from five to three, provides an even more contemporary complement to the auto's sumptuous organic grain leather and flutes will also be put into Drop-head Coupe and Coupe seats for Phantom Series II.

An oasis of calm, RollsRoyce interiors are an ideal surroundings in which to unwind and unwind in welcoming silence. However they could still become a centre for amusement. Phantom Saloon's theater settings adds two screens within veneered picnic tables for rear-seat passengers that are associated with a multimedia player, mounted in a compartment in the back of the center console.

The LOGIC7 surround-sound system by Harman can make a genuinely cinematic experience on any trip. Seven individual sound signals are processed particularly for the vehicle and its own inside conditions using a blend of loudspeakers that comprise sub-woofers housed within resonance chambers within the space made by Phantom's double ground.

At the touch of the button, Phantom's refined analogue clock flips to show a fresh control centre show. The monitor has improved in size from 6.5 to 8.8 inches with improved pixel-density offering an even more refined image, along with splitmenu display for further intuitive access to distinct functions.

A trendy new chrome control, discreetly hidden inside the centre console and back - when not in use, is flanked by function keys including phone, menu and navigation to enable easier access to infotainment capabilities centre armrests.

Eight practical bookmarks are now contained beneath the screen. These could be programmed to present desirable information in the touch of the chrome key, like the preferred orientation for satellite-navigation maps, to present favorite tv channels, preset radio stations or to get Phantom's phone menu.

All RollsRoyce Phantom family vehicles now profit from enhanced interfaces and interaction with wireless technologies. Locating a restaurant, reserving a table, then being directed to its place, for instance, comes courtesy of the enhanced performance and interconnectivity of Phantom's new satellite-navigation system. More improvements to navigation capabilities include guided tours: at the Residence of RollsRoyce, that is situated near the historical city of Chichester in England, motorists can choose to pick a 45-minute tour taking in Roman Britain.

For RollsRoyce Phantom Series II the phone cradle is replaced with a normal match smartphone cradle which links straight to the auto antennae. In Addition, music could be reproduced straight onto the auto's harddrive, because of the improvement of the USB port in the glove compartment.

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"Lit in another way" - new LED-LIGHT technology

As standard for Phantom models rolls Royce has an extensive history of technological firsts and it is presently the very first car manufacturer to provide complete LED headlamps. Too as drawing less electricity from the motor, the feature whiter light offers a clearer view of the road ahead, helping avoid fatigue for motorists during long journeys on dark streets.

Constantly lit, a stylish pub runs through the center forming Phantom's LED daytime running lamps. While complete column illuminates LEDs within the lower two lIGHT emitting diodes within the very best two pockets kind dipped lights. A different, rectangular index strip sits beneath the headlamps.

LEDs present the chance for technologies that better control the way in which light is projected, including adaptive headlamps and curve light features. Reflectors were electronically - controlled by the first uses in top and lower headlamp pockets, to enhance the sweep of brightness when cornering.

Beam patterns are automatically changed by adaptive headlamps according to driving conditions. Light is dispersed more broadly for driving rates below 50km / h to permit better views of pedestrians and cyclists.

The activation of headlight adaption is a advantage, currently being accessed directly via the control, instead of a switch located underneath the bonnet.

Camera system

Everything about driving and possessing Phantom designs ought to be easy, including manoeuvring in restricted urban environments. Cameras are placed in 5 places, 2 within the 1 within the trunk-lid, 2 to the bottom of every wing mirror and curves of the front fender.

These join to provide a fisheye perspective at blind junctions or to supply earth pictures with barrier recognition and reverse course prediction when parking This instantly deploys in the control centre display when reverse gear is chosen and highlights the ideal reversing trajectory and also the location of challenges, helping prevent scuffs and alloy harm sustaining the high-value of a customer's expense - and the inherent attractiveness of the automobile.

In Addition, all Phantom models take six buttons that sit either side of the center console's practical bookmarks; the button to the furthest to the right takes motorists immediately into a split picture showing items at either side in the very front part of the automobile.

Engineering excellence

Initially conceived by the RollsRoyce engineering group, an innovative aluminium spaceframe keeps its standing at Phantom's center, serving as the basis for the auto's amazing driving art.

Epitomising the RollsRoyce union of cuttingedge technologies with excellent craftsmanship, each spaceframe is completely handwelded, then concluded as though it were a precision instrument. A 300mm test is performed by skilled welders to test for atmospheric impacts to the stuff with which they'll perform, each morning. Lastly, the biggest computerguided machining platform within the automobile industry sets to work in the entire construction, milling crucial factors with pin-point precision.

Precision may additionally be the most suitable word to characterize the mode in which Phantom drivers put their vehicles through corners. But, clearly, management can't come at the cost of the famed RollsRoyce magic carpet ride. Thankfully, because of its double-insulated floor, the space-frame just augments internal tranquillity helping remove noise, vibration and harshness.

This takes readings from sensors located throughout the automobile and, in case of an impact, makes up-to 4,000 computations a second to determine its severity, deploying security systems as crucial. These include intelligent braking and restraint systems including Dynamic Traction-control, Dynamic Stability Control and seat-belt pretensioners.

Complementing Phantom's encouraging security features are modifications to front-door side pockets.

Drive train and suspension

"For my staff this was a question about what we could do in order to enhance a drivetrain that we considered was near perfection, both with regard to its dynamic operation and excellent ride features," - Helmut Riedl, Manager of Engineering

This advanced directinjection petrol-engine develops 531lb ft of torque (720Nm) over three-quarters which is offered at 1000 rpm.

RollsRoyce Phantom's electricity reserve gauge is just another of the brand RollsRoyce design cues that consistently raises a smile. Functioning, it casually shows the tremendous power potential in a driver's disposal should he/she require it. However, in many conditions, Phantom's performance is just an issue of seamless, easy improvement.

For RollsRoyce Phantom Series II, RollsRoyce has enhanced the drivetrain by integrating a new 8-speed auto ZF-gearbox for several versions. This really is electronically restricted to handle the amazing power provided from the V12 power plant.

The effect is strong serenity. Effortless equipment changes come as a result of the better fit of equipment to engine speed, enhancing efficiency from electricity generation to where it is necessary in the wheels. Fuel-economy increases by ten percent in the combined-cycle and CO2 emissions drop from 385 to 347g/kilometer consequently.

Spring dampeners and antiroll bars keep comfort without loss of agility while selflevelling air struts compensate for different loads inside the vehicle, making constant changes because the weight of gas decreases, providing motorists the capability to put the vehicle through turns with complete precision and passengers a trip of supreme comfort.

Craftsmanship

It requires 60 pairs of hands and over 450 hours to create, assemble and craft each RollsRoyce motor-car. In the Dwelling of RollsRoyce in Goodwood there are about 1000 workers, including craftspeople working in wood and leather stores, making the planet's finest automobiles. And only two robots within the paint store to supply a quality of end.

Paint

Between each layer specialists sand the body manually. Following application of the final coating, the body is meticulously hand-polished for five hours to reach the glassy lustre generally associated with a grand piano. Via the Bespoke programme, any selected paint colour may be specified. Initially, this may be selected by the customer via the Phantom iPad Application, getting the colour of the tie or lipstick for instance and employing it to their own digital vehicle. Consistent with RollsRoyce customs single or double coachlines may also be employed - manually obviously. Each five-metre line requires three hours to employ using ox hair brushes and just the squirrel.

Wood

Wooden features combine the abilities of boat-builders and cabinet-makers with today's technology.

All these are interspersed with thin sheets of aluminum for strength and also to avoid splintering within an effect. Several layers are highlighted, bent and handfinished before craftsmen cut and utilize coordinated veneers, which are afterwards detailed, lacquered, hand-polished and pressed. All veneers these are carefully chosen and come in one log and laid out so the grain detailing is reflected throughout the inside of every auto.

Teak is used due to its hardy qualities and resistance to rot and moisture, but specific techniques are developed to maintain the look of the clean, unprocessed complete, the intention being a deck that strongly resembled normal timber. Each deck, comprised of over 30 wood pieces, functions exactly machined grooves and is shielded by a specially-formulated combination of oils. Just like all woods and veneers employed by RollsRoyce, it's sourced by a team of professionals.

Leather

Only the hand - chosen hides from Alpine bulls are employed by RollsRoyce. The atmosphere and open meadows without thorn or barbed-wire lead to significantly less organic marks. The leather is drum pigmented to let the tough RollsRoyce leather to keep its famed supple and soft feel, providing a vibrant, uniform colour while keeping the softness, natural feel and grain.

Bespoke

RollsRoyce clients expect their automobiles to be just as unique as their own fingerprint and also the service provides on those high expectations.

In 2011 for instance, RollsRoyce developed a car for a Middle-eastern client that integrated a amazing and intricate falcon motif inside the headrests. Using 11 distinct threads and getting 40 hours of embroidery, the layout featured 21, 000 stitches.

Possibly one of the very delightful and well-known of RollsRoyce bespoke attributes may be the starlight headliner, which integrates over 1,600 miniature fibre optic lights that are handwoven in the leather roof lining to produce a wonderful starry heavens inside a RollsRoyce Phantom Saloon or Phantom Coupe.

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