Beijing Show: Rolls-Royce lengthens Phantom

SUPER-LUXURY brand Rolls-Royce used the Beijing motor show to stage the world debut of its Phase II extended-wheelbase Phantom limousine flagship and a ‘six senses’ Ghost concept.

The BMW-owned British car-maker saved the unveiling of its Ghost EWB for its largest market after launching the Phase II Phantom at Geneva last month in sedan, coupe and Drophead convertible bodystyles.

Providing an extra 250mm of legroom over the already roomy standard Phantom, the EWB comes with the same Phase II updates as the rest of the range.

Exterior updates are subtle and include redesigned bumpers, standard LED headlights and rectangular lower light strips replacing the original’s circular units, while under the skin a new eight-speed automatic transmission and revised differential help reduce combined fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by around 10 per cent.

Inside, Rolls-Royce has updated the enlarged 8.8 inch multi-function display to provide eight programmable function shortcuts three-dimensional satellite-navigation maps with landscape topography plus the image from a full complement of external cameras that ease parking.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars CEO Torsten Muller-Otvos said he was “confident that (the Phantom EWB) would continue to retain its position at the very pinnacle of the ultra-luxury goods marketplace for many years to come”.

When the Phase II Phantom was unveiled at Geneva, executive chairman of Australian Rolls-Royce importer Trivett, Greg Duncan, told GoAuto the first two demonstrator examples would arrive in Australia soon, after which customer cars would be built to order.

He said that due to the strong Australian dollar, Phase II Phantom prices would not increase for local buyers, meaning the EWB’s substantial list price of $1,250,000 should remain static.

Long-wheelbase versions of luxury cars are important in the Chinese market, and most European premium and luxury brands offer extended versions of even their smallest sedans.

Reflecting this trend and the importance now placed on China by the car industry, Rolls-Royce also gave China the world debut of its other long-wheelbase product, the Ghost EWB, at last year’s Shanghai show.

On the subject of the Ghost, Rolls-Royce proffered a ‘Six Senses’ concept version of its entry-level car designed to “encapsulate the richness of experience that comes as standard with any Rolls-Royce and takes it to a new level of sensory indulgence”.

Described by Mr Muller-Otvos as being able to “draw you into somewhere that transcends the interior of a car”, the concept features specially chosen designs and materials to showcase Rolls-Royce craftsmanship at its best.

Pearlescent white paintwork, a new alloy wheel design and deep walnut burr interior veneers with diagnonal brown oak cross-banding are intended to please the eyes, while a one-off audio system with ‘exciter’ speakers in the leather headlining stimulates the ears.

The sense of smell is treated to the aroma of leather with a hint of wood, while a drinks chiller provides something for the tastebuds and surfaces of chrome, soft-grain leather, smooth veneers and deep lambswool carpets keep fingertips and feet happy.

Mr Muller-Otvos said the Six Senses concept “redefines a simple truth”.

“A Rolls-Royce is always so much more than the sum of its beautiful parts.”