Tag Archives: Rolls-Royce

2024 Ghost Series II and Black Badge: The Most Driver-Focused Rolls-Royce Yet

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Since its inception in 2009, the Rolls-Royce Ghost has been a defining force in the brand’s evolution, reshaping how modern generations experience luxury. With the unveiling of the Ghost Series II, this legacy continues, blending bespoke craftsmanship with a driver-centric focus that speaks directly to a contemporary audience. Chris Brownridge, Chief Executive of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said, “Ghost is renowned as a uniquely expressive, agile, and self-assured representation of the Rolls-Royce brand. At our clients’ request, this new Series II iteration remains faithful to these principles, incorporating a potent and uncompromising engine and the essential potential for Bespoke.” This iteration brings meaningful exterior and material updates, making an even more expressive and impactful statement. The transition from the Phantom VII to new icons like Wraith, Dawn, and Ghost has redefined Rolls-Royce as an approachable, dynamic brand.

Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II

Designer: Rolls-Royce

The 2024 Ghost Series II marks an important chapter in this journey, merging cutting-edge design with the craftsmanship that Rolls-Royce is known for. Juliane Blasi, Head of Exterior Design at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, commented, “Ghost Series II represents the fundamental tenets of Rolls-Royce—serenity, effortlessness, and elegance—distilled into an expressive, monolithic form. Our clients asked for a design that would provide a stage for their Bespoke color and material choices, whether quiet and restrained or bold and expressive.” This evolution brings new elements that enhance the consumer experience, such as advanced materials, innovative technologies, and an elevated focus on driver engagement, making it luxurious and uniquely attuned to modern demands. Today’s Rolls-Royce clientele—averaging just 43 years old—are younger, more dynamic, and more likely to get behind the wheel themselves.

Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost Series II

This shift has influenced the design and features of the Ghost Series II, making it more driver-focused, with an emphasis on performance enhancements and modern technology that appeal to a younger, more hands-on audience. Models like the Ghost have struck a balance between luxury and performance through features such as the advanced Planar Suspension System for a smooth ride, the powerful 6.75-liter V12 engine, and cutting-edge technology like the SPIRIT operating system, which offers seamless connectivity and driver engagement. The Ghost was a precursor to the Black Badge collection, embodying individuality and self-expression. The Black Badge collection adds a rebellious dimension to the Rolls-Royce brand, appealing to a younger audience who value performance and exclusivity while still maintaining the luxury and craftsmanship that Rolls-Royce is known for.

Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II

Sculpted Sophistication

The Ghost Series II embodies a subtle yet impactful evolution in its design, incorporating features like the newly designed lower grille geometry and distinct darkened chrome treatment. The lower grille now features darkened chrome strips running longitudinally to functional air ducts, surrounded by technical black chrome frames, adding verticality and solidity to the Pantheon Grille. The newly illuminated Pantheon grille and refined headlight graphics project a modern sense of elegance, while the redesigned taillights, inspired by the Spectre, emphasize a forward-thinking aesthetic. For those who opt for the Black Badge Ghost, these updates take on a more assertive character, with darkened chrome accents and a unique lower grille treatment that amplifies its commanding presence.

Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost Series II

Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II

The Black Badge Ghost Series II pushes this assertiveness further with exclusive 22-inch forged wheels styled to project the mechanical complexity of its high-power V12 engine and chassis technology. According to Rolls-Royce, the Black Badge Ghost Series II’s wheel treatment is a defining aspect of its character, styled to project both the potency of its V12 engine and the dynamic abilities of its advanced chassis technology. The slender spoke geometry of the wheels provides a clear view of the powerful disc brakes, signaling the car’s dynamic capabilities. It isn’t just a darker palette; it’s an expression of distinct individuality. The lowered, sculpted profile speaks to those who desire an imposing yet refined presence on the road.

Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II

The wheels are a visual masterpiece, with a geometric design that merges technical precision with an artistic touch. These 22-inch forged wheels, part-polished to create a dynamic contrast, are complemented by striking yellow brake calipers, highlighting the Ghost’s performance pedigree. This visual interplay between luxury and aggression elevates the Black Badge variant, making a statement that goes beyond mere aesthetics.

Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost Series II

Craftsmanship Meets Cutting-Edge Materials

Inside, the Ghost Series II combines innovation and luxury to enhance every journey. Introducing the SPIRIT operating system places advanced technology at the driver’s fingertips, integrating seamlessly with the Whispers private members app for ultimate connectivity. The upgraded Central Information Display now integrates with the new SPIRIT system, offering an intuitive interface that enhances the overall driving experience.

 

Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II

Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II

The cabin features refined materials such as Grey-Stained Ash wood and Duality Twill, a bamboo-based textile that brings an element of sustainable luxury. The Spirit of Ecstasy clock cabinet, now presented in black chrome rather than a mirror-polished finish, along with the illuminated fascia, adds a harmonious visual touch, elevating the overall ambiance without overwhelming. This subtle yet contemporary touch enhances the alter-ego aspect of the Black Badge lineup.

Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost Series II

The seats, upholstered in a vibrant yellow leather, create an arresting contrast that embodies the rebellious spirit of the Black Badge lineup. The intricate detailing on the leather, including the bespoke embroidery on the headrests, exemplifies Rolls-Royce’s dedication to craftsmanship. The use of meticulously crafted Technical Carbon finishes, featuring a complex diamond-shaped weave of carbon and metallic fibers and darkened metals throughout the cabin, introduces a sporty yet sophisticated feel. The starry illumination across the fascia adds an ethereal touch, rewarding those who appreciate intricate craftsmanship.

Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost Series II

In the Black Badge Ghost Series II, the cabin is transformed with Technical Carbon finishes and darkened metals, perfectly complementing its enhanced performance. This isn’t just luxury—a sanctuary reflecting the car’s heightened power. The Black Badge’s V12 engine, presented in a high-power configuration, offers 29 more horsepower and 37 more lb-ft of torque than the standard model, inviting those who enjoy the thrill of driving to experience its full potential. Chris Brownridge emphasized, “This new generation of Ghost also has extraordinary handling capabilities based on several advanced chassis innovations, securing Ghost Series II’s status as the most technologically advanced and driver-focused V12 Rolls-Royce ever created—a side of Ghost’s character that our clients increasingly and enthusiastically embrace.” The ‘Low’ button on the gear selection stalk unlocks a 50% increase in gearshift speeds when the throttle is pushed to 90%, coupled with a more pronounced exhaust note—enhancing the dynamic driving experience without compromising Rolls-Royce’s signature smoothness. The “Low” button is a subtle yet powerful feature, unleashing a more pronounced exhaust note and delivering a more engaging drive.

Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost Series II

Refined Performance

The Ghost Series II retains its iconic 6.75-liter V12 engine, yet its ride quality is refined further with an enhanced Planar Suspension System, delivering an impeccably smooth journey. The Extended version adds additional rear space with Serenity Seating, ensuring that every passenger enjoys the same level of luxury. The Black Badge variant distinguishes itself with sharper suspension tuning. It utilizes the Black Badge Planar Suspension System, which includes a unique Upper Wishbone Damper and continuously variable, electronically controlled shock absorbers. The braking system has also been upgraded with a raised bite point and decreased pedal travel, directly responding to client requests for a more potent expression of the Rolls-Royce brand, intensifying the driver-focused experience.

Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost Series II

From aesthetic enhancements to mechanical innovations, the Black Badge Ghost Series II tells a story of bespoke luxury and unapologetic individuality. Rolls-Royce once again fuses tradition with modernity, affirming the Ghost as a benchmark in contemporary luxury.

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First Drive: Rolls-Royce Spectre EV – An Electrifying Blend of Luxury and Performance

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Anders Warming, the Director of Design at Rolls-Royce, presented the Spectre EV’s design philosophy at Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance a couple of years back, providing a comprehensive look into its design philosophy and highlighting the specific elements that make the Rolls-Royce Spectre unique. During his in-depth presentation, Warming strongly emphasized the integral role of storytelling in the design process at Rolls-Royce. He explained that each design element tells a story that reflects a deep and enduring connection to the brand’s rich heritage. However, this commitment to tradition doesn’t hinder innovation. On the contrary, it acts as a potent platform for challenging design limits, enabling the integration of creative elements that improve the overall vehicle’s experience, providing a glimpse into the delicate equilibrium of tradition and advancement that characterizes Rolls-Royce.

Designer: Anders Warming for Rolls-Royce

Exterior Design: Front & Side Profile – Elegant, Aerodynamic and Nautical Elegance

The car’s exterior design achieves a unique elegance and strength with a playful mix of upright and flowing lines. ItThear gives you a friendly wink, saying, “I’m strong, but I also know how to have fun!” The design creates a dynamic vibe, with waft lines that remind you of a sailing adventure, adding a sense of motion and speed, even when the car is parked. The two-tone color scheme is like a cherry on top. The Aero Two-Tone finish, a fantastic design element, highlights the car’s sporty spirit. It’s like the car is wearing a stylish cap, with the upper color extending across the bonnet and along the sweeping fastback roofline, leaving out the side pillars for an eye-catching contrast. This coloring choice, a classic feature of Rolls-Royce designs, creates an unforgettable visual impact, significantly adding to the car’s overall look.

The Rolls-Royce Spectre redefines luxury automotive design in many ways, beginning with its iconic Spirit of Ecstasy. This revered emblematic figure is now reimagined for aerodynamic finesse, embodying ce and forward thrust. It’s a poetic blend of heritage and modernity.

With its unique split headlights, this modern design is not about looks; it’s a mix of old and new design, similar to the famous Phantom Coupé’s lights but with a modern touch.

The Pantheon grille, a key feature of Rolls-Royce, has been stylishly updated for the brand’s first EV. It’s a great example of old design meeting new needs. The grille is broader, showing how the brand can change with the times but still keep its grand style. This grille isn’t just for looks; it also helps air flow smoothly around the car.

This is where the blend of design and aerodynamics has culminated in the Spectre’s drag coefficient. While it may not match other high-end luxury EVs, the figure is remarkable, considering the car’s adherence to Rolls-Royce’s design principles.

The side profile of the Spectre is a canvas where Rolls-Royce’s rich history of bespoke design merges with nautical elegance. This is apparent in the sweeping fastback glasshouse, which resembles a yacht ready for a voyage. It’s a visual narrative that combines motion and grace, intertwining car design with the elegance of maritime aesthetics.

The Spectre opts for a cleaner, more sculptural approach, avoiding excessive lines. Two defining lines – the ‘bow line’ and the ‘waft line’ – serve as key design elements and narrative features. The bow line guides the observer’s eye from the front wheel arch to the rear tail light, shaping the car’s form and emphasizing its powerful stance. The waft line, a fluid representation of movement, is reminiscent of a yacht slicing through the waves.

Together with the two-tone paint and the fastback roof, these lines create a tapering that mirrors a yacht’s stern, blending luxury maritime design and elite automotive architecture.

Rear Design – An Artistic Culmination

At the back, the Spectre’s design story reaches its peak. The converging bow and waft lines culminate at the tail of the Spectre, where the car’s yacht inspiration is arguably most evident.

Similar to the subtle taper the stern of a yacht might have, the Spectre’s rear haunches have a gentle inwards curve that draws the eye to the U-shaped tailgate, with the rear bumper featuring an otherwise clean, uncluttered design.

Another exciting feature is the transparent, art-deco style tail lamps equipped with a metal inset, with the company claiming the neutral finish, which allows the tail lamp design to work well with any exterior color.

Inside the Spectre: Rolls-Royce Craftsmanship and Innovation

Inside, the design focuses on superior craftsmanship and unparalleled luxury. This is apparent in the meticulous attention to detail and the use of high-end materials throughout the interior. One of the standout features is the Starlight Headliner, a distinctive Rolls-Royce feature that adds a mesmerizing, starry sky effect to the interior ambiance. This creates an ethereal and magical atmosphere within the car, making every journey a celestial experience.

Another unique element is The Gallery, a feature that beautifully marries art and automotive design. It provides a space for personalized art displays, allowing the owner to imbue their vehicle with a personal touch and aesthetic. Beyond visual appeal, emphasis is also placed on the tactile experience. High-quality materials and finishes are used throughout the interior, ensuring every touchpoint communicates the car’s luxury and craftsmanship. This enhances the visual appeal and contributes to a more immersive, sensory driving experience.

Supporting its grandness are formidable 23″ wheels, a first for Rolls-Royce, enhancing both aesthetics and performance. These wheels, adaptable for winter conditions with specialized tires, add to the Spectre’s versatility.

Entering and exiting the Spectre is truly elegant, thanks to the largest doors in Rolls-Royce history, measuring 1.5 meters. They allow for a graceful entry and exit. The effortless opening and closing technology mirrors the luxury of having a personal chauffeur, an expectation for any Rolls-Royce owner.

Color plays a vital role in the Spectre’s allure, with the introduction of Chartreuse, a vivid, eye-catching hue inspired by French liqueur, adding a mesmerizing richness to its appearance.

Each of these elements converges to create a vehicle that is not just a mode of transport but a statement of luxury and innovation, pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle design.

Spectre’s Performance and Range

Yes, the Spectre is entirely electric. It uses the same platform as the Cullinan SUV but with two electric motors that generate 577 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque. Despite the Spectre’s weight, the abundance of torque makes it hardly noticeable during a test drive at BMW’s Test Fest. It’s estimated to accelerate from 0-60 mph in a little over 4 seconds, a remarkable feat considering its 6,500-pound weight.

In its stride towards electric luxury, the Rolls-Royce Specter boasts a 102.0-kWh battery, mirroring the advanced technology in the BMW i7. This marks a notable step in the evolution of electric vehicles in the luxury segment. In fact, the driving range exceeds earlier expectations, offering an impressive journey of up to 291 miles on a single charge with its 22-inch wheel variant. This figure surpasses the initial projection of over 260 miles. The version sporting 23-inch wheels drops the range to 266 miles, showcasing the minor trade-offs between style and efficiency.

Meanwhile, the Black Badge edition of the Spectre, known for its heightened performance and bespoke features, offers a range of 280 miles with 22-inch wheels and 264 miles with the more prominent 23-inch option. These variations underscore Rolls-Royce’s commitment to providing choices that cater to the diverse preferences of its discerning clientele, balancing elegance, performance, and environmental consciousness.

The Spectre doesn’t just signify luxury but also represents changes in high-end car design. It combines electric power with the luxury and custom design that Rolls-Royce is known for. This shows that the brand can excel in the era of electric cars while maintaining its luxury and uniqueness.

The Spectre also features DC fast-charging capabilities, a standard that speaks to the modern luxury car buyer’s need for speed and convenience. However, in true Rolls-Royce fashion, where every detail is about personal luxury, it’s envisaged that many Spectre owners will opt for a more bespoke charging solution. The idea of a custom-installed charging system at one’s private estate aligns perfectly with the brand’s ethos – it’s not just about the practicality of charging but also about integrating this new electric age into the refined lifestyles of its clientele. This approach ensures that the experience of owning and charging the Spectre remains exclusive and seamless as the vehicle itself.

Final Thoughts

From my perspective, the Rolls-Royce Spectre EV, which starts at $422,750 and can exceed $500,000 with customization, is the pinnacle of opulent electric vehicles. It’s a remarkable blend of luxury, innovation, and environmental consciousness. The elegant design, blending the brand’s rich heritage with modern elements, is breathtaking. The Spectre shows that electric vehicles can be both luxurious and distinctive. The performance, particularly the impressive torque and range, challenges the usual limitations of electric cars, making it a joy to drive. The ride’s quietness, the quality of the interior materials, and the meticulous attention to detail all encapsulate the essence of Rolls-Royce. In conclusion, the Spectre EV successfully maintains Rolls-Royce’s commitment to its legacy while embracing the future. It was a thrill to experience.

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Insanely Detailed LEGO Rolls-Royce Phantom Showcases Detailed Interiors And Tamper-Proof Spirit Of Ecstasy Statue

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Although not a LEGO Technic build, MoonGravity06’s LEGO RR Phantom comes with a ridiculous amount of detail that compares wonderfully to the original. You can take a look under the hood, stash items in the boot, move the windshield wipers, and even open the Phantom’s doors to see the interiors. My favorite part, however, is the touch-sensitive Spirit of Ecstasy statue that disappears inside the car’s chassis if you try and touch it… just like in the original!

Designer: MoonGravity06

MoonGravity06’s LEGO build is slightly unconventional in its appearance, but is a testament to just how creative you can be with LEGO bricks. The car’s entire outer body uses all sorts of black bricks to come together with remarkable accuracy. The grill on the front relies on LEGO katana swords, and the wheels (in the interest of authenticity) are 3D printed instead of being stock LEGO pieces. None of the windows have glass components (they’re all hollow), but that’s only because it would be rather difficult to find glass pieces matching MoonGravity06’s model and scale.

The fan-made build (which currently sits in LEGO’s Ideas forum with just under 1,000 votes) tries to stick to the original as much as possible without compromising on detail. While it’s common for fan-made LEGO builds to opt for a more minimal route, dissolving details rather than glorifying them, this Rolls-Royce Phantom is quite the opposite. For instance, the motor-powered moving wipers are a spectacular touch, as are the shining headlights and the locking doors (including the suicide-style doors on the back). The tamper-proof Spirit of Ecstasy statute is perhaps the most impressive feature, accurately mimicking how the statue disappears inside the car’s hood if someone tries stealing it. Look closely and you’ll notice that the Spirit of Ecstasy statue is, in fact, two LEGO wrenches fitted together!

“It is quite disheartening to notice the lack of homage paid to such legendary motor vehicles,” MoonGravity06 mentions. “The market is saturated with models that glorify contemporary supercars, leaving timeless icons like the Rolls Royce Phantom in a shroud of undeserved obscurity.”

“Guided by a deep-seated respect for the Phantom’s original design, I meticulously replicated each curve, each line, employing real bricks and actual photographs to ensure utmost authenticity.”

To that end, MoonGravity06’s build does rely on a few unconventional components. The grille, for instance, uses LEGO katanas, the Spirit of Ecstasy uses LEGO wrenches, and the Rolls Royce logo on the front is merely a printed paper sticker. The wheels, on the other hand, are 3D printed to match the Phantom’s design and scale. While most LEGO builders generally frown upon people using non-LEGO components, this direction arguably was motivated by MoonGravity06’s relentless pursuit of accuracy.

Each door physically locks shut, rather than relying on a snapping or spring mechanism

The rear door opens in Rolls-Royce’s signature backward ‘suicide door’ fashion!

“I am staunchly convinced that this concept deserves actualization because it aligns with the true essence of car design. It transcends beyond mere functionality; it’s about sculpting a marvel that commands respect and instills awe,” MoonGravity06 mentions in the LEGO Ideas forum. “At a time when many companies appear to have drifted from these values, this set serves as a potent reminder of the fundamental ethos of automotive design.”

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Rolls-Royce convertible is turned into a muscle car flaunting V8 engine blower and tons of badass attitude

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More than a century old (add another couple of decades too) Rolls-Royce has consistently stuck to its vision of making high-end luxury cars loaded with the latest technology and interiors to die for. The British car manufacturer has shunned automotive critics all these years with refined engineering and a sublime taste for opulence.

Some years ago, Rolls-Royce showed off its vision of the brand in the year 2035. Yes, we are talking of the Rolls-Royce 103EX concept that oozes the Rolls-Royce DNA in every aspect. Other concepts by creative automotive designers like Ugur Sahin also try and expand the vision with a few bells and whistles. While there are some totally at the other end of the spectrum, taking one on a roller coaster ride – that’s if you are a neutral fan.

Designer: Al Yasid

This design by the renowned digital artist Al Yasid is a creation you would never ever see rolling out of the Rolls-Royce manufacturing facility in Goodwood, England. However, if an aftermarket design studio or restomod expert decides to play around with things, this crazy RR would be rolling its wheels on the outskirts of a metropolis. The concept very wittily dubbed “RLolls Royce” is basically a Rolls-Royce Dawn given the muscle car treatment with a tell-tale drift racer trait.

Those big chunky tires and the oversized exhaust fit for a NASCAR hulk, adapt to the overall muscle mass of this mashed-up version. Out of the hood peeks a V8 blower engine, intimidating enough for the opponent to back out even before a duel gets underway. The side rockers for the long chassis and the body kits for the front and the rear dress up the RR convertible for feisty drag races. Everything apart, the Spirit of Ecstasy emblem ornament on the bonnet has been replaced with something we can’t jot down here. See for yourself!

This concept is in no way fit for a red-carpet event, nor does it deserve to be in the garage of a sophisticated billionaire. The RR concept does however fit like a charm inside a geeky racing fan’s mansion, one who’s in the knack for turning opulent vehicles (that run in millions already) into flamboyant rides with tons of torque.

Justin Bieber would already be eying this concept, mustering ways to bamboozle with another crazy ride. No doubt this Rolls-Royce is something no one would expect to see, and stepping into a street race with one will shift instant attention!

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This Rolls-Royce concept mixes a bit of ‘futuristic sportiness’ into the brand’s iconic luxury DNA

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Designed by Netherlands-based Ugur Sahin Design, the USD RR X is a Rolls-Royce concept that walks the careful tightrope between being a legacy RR automobile and being audaciously different. The luxury car borrows its main silhouette from the likes of Wraith and Spectre, with their luxurious-but-sporty appeal, while introducing a few minimalistic tweaks to the overall aesthetic, including sleeker headlights, edge-lines on the side, and those gorgeous aerospace-inspired rims.

Designer: Ugur Sahin Design

The Rolls-Royce X (or RR X for short) balances legacy and avant-garde beautifully, like an experimental music album from a legacy artist looking to break molds. There’s familiarity in every part of the design, and Sahin does a stellar job of maintaining that, while still taking on a reductionist, minimalistic approach wherever possible. The car’s front feels reminiscent of the Phantom, which is arguably the one car that I truly identify as RR’s magnum opus… however, the sides blend a little into Spectre territory, and the rear feels like a complete overhaul, with a split rear-view windscreen and horizontal taillights that are quite unlike RR’s design DNA, but feel like a wonderfully natural fit.

The Rolls-Royce X’s magic lies in the eyes, Chico. The headlights have character, with their slim design that isn’t as slim as the single strip seen on the Spectre. Instead, there’s just enough weight to it, giving the front of the car a discerning stare, while an additional set of fog lights underneath help further illuminate the road ahead.

The RR X’s rear feels like Ugur’s creative playground. The car features a beautiful single-panel windshield that extends all the way to the top, while splitting into two at the rear to create an air-vent-like design. The split rear windscreen is complemented by similarly latitudinal taillights, followed by exhausts built right into the fairing.

“The wheel design is directly inspired by the turbine shapes used in aircraft engines and is a worthy compliment to the RR brand’s rich aviation history,” Ugur Sahin tells Yanko Design. At the center of the wheels lies the classic RR logo, a signature detail seen on the marque’s cars, along with the iconic Spirit of Ecstacy on the hood.

The roof of the car features a single piece of glass that stretches all the way from the front to the top, creating a panoramic windscreen that’s a treat for both the driver as well as passenger. Suicide-style doors are yet another signature element of Rolls-Royce’s cars, and the RR X is no different, featuring doors that lead to a luxurious red interior that makes you feel like a movie star.

Ugur Sahin is a Netherlands-based automotive designer, known for building remarkably beautiful custom cars for enthusiastic patrons. The designer, who’s been running his own studio since 2017, has worked on cars from brands like Alfa Romeo, BMW, Ferrari, and now Rolls-Royce. You can follow his work on his website, or on his Instagram.

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Rolls-Royce, Lamborghini, and Porsche-inspired wine bottles come with a stunning metal ‘chassis’

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With a metal exoskeletal framework around each glass bottle, these luxury-car-branded wine bottles are about as precious as their automotive counterparts. The bottles pay homage to four iconic car brands – Rolls-Royce, Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Porsche, with a design that embodies the crème de la crème personality of each brand.

Designer: Taron

The designs are courtesy Shenzhen-based artist and designer by the name of Taron, who relied on parametric modeling to create each unique bottle with its signature outer skeleton. Almost resembling the metallic chassis seen in most cars, these wine bottles come with a frame that feels organic and living, elevating the wine bottle from mundane to legendary.

The four iconic brands each come with their own style. The Rolls-Royce bottle is broad and isn’t afraid to occupy the space it does. The Ferrari bottle, on the other hand, is sleek and looks like it could cut through air. You’ve got a Lamborghini bottle above that uses facets and aggressive details to pay tribute to its automobiles, and a Porsche bottle below, with an exoskeleton covering a signature 911-inspired yellow body.

The luxury-car-inspired wine bottles are quite similar to Ross Lovegrove’s perfume bottles designed in collaboration with F1 back in 2019. These wine bottles rely on 3D-printing for their outer armatures too, while the glass bottle slides comfortably into the hollow chassis and is locked in place with a base and a cap. Sadly though, these bottles are conceptual, although I’d love me some Rolls-Royce rosé!

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Roll-Royce unveiled the first-ever fully electric motor car – the 2023 Spectre EV

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Rolls-Royce made it abundantly clear that a fully coach-built electric vehicle has always been the vision of the co-founder, The Hon. Charles Stewart Rolls. In fact, in 1900, Rolls stated that “the electric car is perfectly noiseless and clean. There is no smell or vibration. They should become very useful when fixed charging stations can be arranged.” Over 120 years later, Rolls-Royce fulfilled Rolls’ prophecy of an electrified motor car. Spectre swapped out a gas engine for a clean and noiseless electric motors, capable of 577 hp, 664 lb-ft of torque, 0-60 in 4.4 seconds, and good for an estimated 260 EPA range.

Spectre’s appearance is love at first sight, and I love every single design element, right down to the brilliant use of very few lines that are clean and precise to define the overall proportion. Rolls-Royce claims that Spectre is the first of its kind – an Ultra-Luxury Electric Super Coupé, an entirely original class of the motor car.

It depends on who you ask about BMW’s split headlight design; it’s a polarizing look. I am not a big fan, but the way Spectre’s split headlight integrates into Rolls-Royce’s most expansive grille looks might be fine. The vanes of the Pantheon grille are now smoother in section and flush fit, allowing for better aerodynamics around the front. The vane’s backside is sandblasted, allowing the grille to illuminate using 22 LED lights softly.

RR chiseled down the Spirit of Ecstasy figurine to make it more aerodynamic – not that she needed slimming down.

You’d be right if you think that the Spectre has a striking resemblance to the Phantom Coupé. Pairing Spectre with 23-inch wheels is the first for RR because of the proportion demanded it. Spectre has a curb weight of 6559 lbs and a wheelbase of 126.377 inches. It’s heavy, but thanks to the integration and placement of the battery into the highly flexible all-aluminum spaceframe make it 30% stiffer than any previous Rolls-Royce. The most significant benefit of this architecture is the flexibility for the placement of the floor halfway between the sill structure instead of on top or underneath them, allowing for a perfectly smooth underfloor profile. Thanks to the placement of the 700 kg battery, it also helps keep out unwanted road noise.

New for Spectre is the availability of Starlight Doors, which incorporate 4,796 softly illuminated ‘stars”. Spectre still has months of testing and optimization ahead, but RR is available for commission immediately, and customers can expect delivery in the fourth quarter of 2023. Buyers should expect pricing to fall between Cullinan and Phantom, meaning you’re looking to pay anywhere between $335,350 to $460,000 before adding ticking the checkbox for Starlight Headliner.

As with any RR, customers can commission the Spectre with any material choice – any by any. I mean that there are “nearly-infinite” Bespoke possibilities.

Finally, just because the Spectre’s powered by a battery doesn’t mean it shouldn’t drive like a Rolls-Royce. It comes standard with the Planar suspension, consisting of the latest hardware and software working together to deliver Rolls-Royce’s utterly-smooth ‘magic carpet ride.

Overall, until I experience Spectre for myself, I can’t find a single reason why I wouldn’t pick the Spectre over a gasoline Phantom Coupe.

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‘Father of the year’ builds a stunning Rolls-Royce Boat Tail replica out of wood for his son to drive

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And the father of the year award goes to…

While buying a HIGHLY limited edition $28 million dollar luxury car isn’t in everyone’s realm of capabilities, a Vietnamese dad decided to just take matters into his own hands and build a miniature working replica of the Rolls-Royce Boat Tail from scratch. Meet Trương Văn Đạo, father and sole proprietor of ND Woodworking Art, a wood workshop and YouTube channel that captures Văn Đạo in action as he builds out miniature replicas of the world’s most sought-after automobiles. Last year, Văn Đạo built out a mini-sized Lamborghini Sian out of wood, complete with butterfly doors and an electric power train. This time around, he decided to step things up a notch and build what’s touted as quite literally the most expensive street-legal car on the market today. Văn Đạo’s replica of the Boat Tail doesn’t just scale the grand tourer down… it comes with opening doors, functional headlights/taillights, and actual driving capabilities (no, it doesn’t come with a V12 like the original)… but the cherry on the cake? Well, the rear butterfly trunk which opens to reveal a set of glasses, some juice-boxes, and a place to dock an umbrella as you sip on orange juice while seated behind the luxury car!

The video at the top documents the second half of the two-part video series covering Văn Đạo’s build process. It’s remarkable how he builds the entire car from scratch, not even relying on any sort of existing toy car chassis or even any material other than wood. Văn Đạo starts by putting together large wooden pieces together that make up the overall mass of the car before carving away at it with a chainsaw to get it to somewhat resemble the original. It’s fair to assume that the process takes months, especially given that Văn Đạo also has a day job at Google.

In the process, Văn Đạo also assembles the car’s powertrain, which fits in the rear of the car, right below the drink-holding trunk. Unlike the Boat Tail, this tiny replica uses a battery-powered motor instead of a V12 – the result is a car that gracefully drives through streets instead of setting speed records. To finish off, he uses various tools from sanding machines to hole-saw bits to make all the details from the holes for the headlights to the slots for the windshield, doors, and other details to fit in. The car uses different grades of wood, from a lighter wood for the body and interiors to darker woods for details like the grilles, parts of the dashboard, and even the Spirit of Ecstasy statuette that sits on the hood of the car! The entire vehicle gets a layer of lacquer once it’s ready to show the world.

Once meticulously assembled, the video ends with the father taking his son for a spin in the newly fabricated vehicle, and even stopping in a corner to bust out the drink caddy fitted into the back of the car. The father and son then share a glass of orange juice together, making memories that will undoubtedly be more valuable than a $28 million car can ever be!

Designer: ND Woodworking Art

The post ‘Father of the year’ builds a stunning Rolls-Royce Boat Tail replica out of wood for his son to drive first appeared on Yanko Design.

Honda Electric Pickup + more edgy car designs that would leave every Grand Tour fan wanting more!

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Through the years, some cars have reached iconic status, they’ve captured a place in everyone’s hearts and people reminisce about them to date, whether it’s the Back to the Future DeLorean, the beloved Porsche 911, or off-late, the Tesla Cybertruck. What do three British men, some iconic cars, and their legendary antics with these iconic cars have in common? Just one of the most popular automotive shows in the world, the Grand Tour! The thing about the Grand Tour is it surpasses the cars – they have become every auto enthusiast’s dream to tinker with the best cars, in the best places, with your friends (though I always root for Richard Hammond, and I do wish he would win more!) and even I would swap places with them instantly! Automotive Designers have given some of our favorite wheels creative and enduring makeovers, and we’ve collected a few for you that we totally approve of – the best part is figuring which of these designs would be picked by Jeremy Clarkson, James May, and Richard Hammond, and what their take on each would be. Any guesses?

The Ridgeline EV concept comes from the mind of California-based Rene Garcia, a concept designer at ILM who’s previously worked on The Mandalorian, Thor: Ragnarok, The Avengers, and the Transformers anthology. Garcia began designing the vehicle as a Dakar rally truck, but gradual iterations slowly turned it into a conceptual pickup truck for Honda. Designed to handle pretty much anything you can throw at it, the EV comes with its own winch-hook on the front, a frunk behind it, suicide-style rear doors that give you access to the car’s spacious interiors, and an expandable truck-bed on the back that even comes equipped with tools and emergency medical kits.

Al Yasid reimagines the Dodge Demon in white silver body and yellow hue for the front bumper – much like the 68 Porsche 908. The choice of yellow comes from the designer’s current bent towards this color from the palette that he likes the most. With tweaking to the front align with over fenders – who would not fall in love with this muscle car! If you notice closely, the Dodge cross grill (air dam) has been modernized, and the rear window aero piece has that attractive shooting brake-like look courtesy of the roof spoiler. Al Yasid points to his love of shooting brakes by saying, “That “roof spoiler” was actually done to give a slight illusion of a shooting brake while not being one hah!” In a fun twist, the yellow front resembles a duck’s bill for those who love a biological inspiration on their ride, but to me, the yellow is a pure throwback to Bumblebee, our favorite transformer ever!

The Pandemax Concept by Radek Štěpán is unconventional, to say the least. It has a distinct Star Wars-inspired aesthetic and those all-terrain tires and that high ground clearance really implies the car could easily work on the roughest of alien terrain. Designed to be a sort of explorer vehicle or manned rover, the Pandemax comes with two seats at the absolute front of the vehicle, with a panoramic windshield that lets the explorers get a full view the terrain and landscape ahead of them. Sure, a few questions come to mind too, especially regarding driver safety and the center-of-gravity, given that the drivers are sitting outside the car’s wheelbase. However, it’s a neat aesthetic exploration of an interplanetary vehicle if you ask us. I’m especially loving the Cybertruck vibe, and I’m sure the driver gets a hell of a view!

The direct competitor for the Apple Car is obviously going to be Tesla who’s got a strong foothold in the self-driving electric car market. According to some sources, the Apple Car will not have any driver’s seat or even driving controls which could be a bummer for motorheads who love the feel of controlling their machine. The Apple Car will look like anybody’s guess, but to give a close idea of what it may be like, Ali Cam’s Apple Car 2076 is a good reference point to take home some inspiration. Adopting Apple’s sharp design aesthetics, the car looks like a mouse shaped like a car at first glance, but then you realize it’s actually a minimal car concept. Loaded with advanced driving systems Ali envisions the blueprint far in the distant future – the year 2076 to be precise. The choice of year apparently is the 100the anniversary of Apple ever since it was founded by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne.

2020 saw the Italian automaker introduce the halo supercar MC20 and to spice things up designer Salvatoreandrea Piccirillo has come with an electric Gran Turismo supercar concept, he likes to call Maserati Neptune. The designer penned this concept render in collaboration with FCA Group as a part of his training course at IED Transportation Design. The concept borrows the driving position from the 250F Formula One racer and the negative space down the bottom middle is something that’s unique. Maserati Neptune is powered by the Formula E racecar platform with the battery positioned behind the front wheels. The Gran Turismo car has a splitter located at the front and a big diffuser on the rear, giving it a very speed demon-like character. Salvatoreandrea has designed the concept keeping the driving pleasure, sportiness, and comfort in mind – and that’s evident from what we see here.

The star of the Back to the Future series is going to shine again, without a doubt. To fuel our imagination and prep us all for the 2021 DeLorean DMC-12, designer Ángel Guerra has awe-inspired automotive design with his version of the DeLorean 2021. He summed up the motivation for this concept in his words – “This is a thank you to an icon and a movie that marked my childhood. This is, too, a new DeLorean for my son’s generation.” As his tribute to the iconic design, Ángel has mustered up this super dope DeLorean for the 40th anniversary of the brand that captured the imagination of an entire generation. The gull-winged car has a lot of character – making it look nothing shy of a supercar of the current generation. Nothing is overdone and every little edge or curve seems well-thought-out. Perhaps, it comes from his culmination of childhood dreams and the subconscious desire to own a DeLorean one day. In fact, his automotive design journey was triggered by the dream-like cars of the 80s and the designs of the following decades.

The Boat Tail, a coupé born from the patrons’ enduring love for the sea and taste for nautical design, was designed specifically to celebrate the hand-craftsmanship and relative history of yacht building. Three coupés inspired by nautical shipbuilding design have been built under the modern coachbuilding department at Rolls-Royce. Merging today’s advanced technology with the trusted bespoke coachwork of yesteryear, the Boat Tail’s hand-formed chassis cradles a 19-foot bonnet that covers the car’s 6.75-liter V-12 engine. The stone azure coat of the Boat Tail slopes to a wisped finish around the rear and borders the motorcar’s painted pantheon grille.

This all-electric car is actually Vecchia’s first automotive design project. It reimagines the popular Fiat 126 model from 1972 to fit in our current scenario where vehicles are headed towards a fuel-less future. Fiat 126 is a four-passenger rear-engined city car, introduced by the brand at the Turin Auto Show as a replacement for the Fiat 500; it was one of the most successful models with a total production of almost 4.7 million units. Vision 126 has a balanced aesthetic of vintage and modern. While the concept has square headlights to resemble the original model, making it slightly slimmer would slightly more modern look and take off some visual bulk from the front. Vision features radial vents in a way where they are integrated within the steel cap which is similar to the original wheel design.

The Bertone-designed Stratos Zero further escalated the car’s face value a notch higher. Decades have passed, but the edgy four-wheeler is still alive in the subconscious of automotive enthusiasts like Shane Baxley. Having his feet deep in the Hollywood community (his work features in movies like Captain Marvel and The Predator), Shane is creative in designing automotive concepts. His latest work is the Bertone Stratos Bax – a remake of the Bertone Stratos Zero in an upbeat modern makeover that’s utterly desirable. Renders of Baxley’s latest concept are jaw-dropping, as I already want to open the gull-winged doors of this beastly supercar and drive it on the open roads. He has contoured the ride’s ultra-sharp edges just at the right places in the right proportions to give it that hot appeal. The flowing design and the fat tires with the hollowed-out rim lend it a very street-legal racer DNA, ready for any challenger on the other side of the lane!

Looking like something either out of a videogame or a movie about videogames, this is MCLExtreme, an amped-up vision of what a fully-electric F1 will look like in 2050, courtesy McLaren. Sparing literally no detail, and quite literally painting an incredible picture in the process, McLaren’s vision for 2050 has quite a few interesting predictions. A completely electric drivetrain is a given, considering Formula One’s gradual drift towards it. The cars won’t just be electric, they’ll charge wirelessly too. The track will supply power to the cars at strategic intervals as they drive in circles. However, where it gets interesting is that McLaren says that in order to charge effectively, drivers will have to slow down to gather more energy. Drive slow and you charge more, drive fast and you save time. The concept of the pit-stop doesn’t exist in 2050 either. The car’s tires will be crafted from a much more durable and self-repairing material that makes them last longer and eventually repair over time, therefore never needing replacing.

Rolls-Royce takes inspiration from luxury yachts to create this bespoke handmade coupé!

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Luxury can mean a lot of things–spending the summer floating by on a yacht in the Mediterranean, it could mean strolling around town in a bespoke Rolls-Royce, or it might mean reviving the Rolls-Royce coachbuilding team to design cars that make you feel like you’re on a yacht. Comparable to luxury shipbuilding yards like Feadship in the Netherlands, the reestablished coachbuilding team at Rolls Royce designs motorcars using the vision of the patrons who commission them. Finding laps of luxury and inspiration on the sea, the coachbuilding team’s commissioned debuts, designed and built-in confidentiality, are three built-to-order Rolls-Royce motorcars called Boat Tails inspired by the build and structural anatomy of yachts.

The Boat Tail, a coupé born from the patrons’ enduring love for the sea and taste for nautical design, was designed specifically to celebrate the hand-craftsmanship and relative history of yacht building. Three coupés inspired by nautical shipbuilding design have been built under the modern coachbuilding department at Rolls-Royce. Merging today’s advanced technology with the trusted bespoke coachwork of yesteryear, the Boat Tail’s hand-formed chassis cradles a 19-foot bonnet that covers the car’s 6.75-liter V-12 engine. The stone azure coat of the Boat Tail slopes to a wisped finish around the rear and borders the motorcar’s painted pantheon grille.

Inside, the Boat Tail comes equipped with technologies and comforts that have never before graced the luxury-ridden Rolls-Royce interior. Among other hors d’oeuvres and apéritifs to bedeck the Boat Tail’s rear butterfly trunk, revealed through twin side-hinged compartments, champagne is stored in ice, and caviar is kept cool in trunk refrigerators and ice-boxes. Blooming from the same trunk cabin, a high-tensile fabric parasol provides shade and locks in place on stainless steel poles and aluminum connectors, stretching over carbon-fiber frame stays to remain in place even in the windiest of conditions.

Rolls-Royce carries a rich coachbuilding history that dates back to the 20th century. Progressing past their 2017 bespoke car building platform, Rolls-Royce built the one-off Boat Tail for an unnamed client, firmly establishing their specialized coachbuilding department for the 21st century. The many Rolls-Royce coachbuilders of the past would begin with the chassis, dedicating their expertise to the frame, motor, and suspension, before handing it off to different coach makers who would design the rest of the car’s body and interior according to the patron’s specifications. Today, Rolls-Royce announced a permanent coachbuilding department made up of skilled engineers and designers to roll out built-to-order motorcars that surpass the coachbuilding endeavors from the past, planting it distinctly in a motorcade fleet of its own.

Designer: Rolls-Royce

A rear-side parasol opens up from the Boat Tail’s twin butterfly trunk compartments for additional shade and weather protection.

The two-door coupé slopes to a gradient finish in stone azure blue.

Luxe additions like caviar and cooled champagne grace the inside of the Boat Tail’s trunk.

Gleaming aluminum panels line the Boat Tail’s sides and top.

Equipped even with coordinated watches for the bespoke model’s owners, Rolls-Royce made it happen with the Boat Tail.

Creators behind the Boat Tail call it the trip and the destination, equipped with all the amenities one might need for a highway rendezvous that culminates with a cliffside picnic.

A high-tensile fabric parasol provides shade and protection whenever rain comes.