2018 Rolls-Royce Phantom (Generation VIII)

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5 New Luxury Cars Coming To South Africa In 2018

There may be plenty of new crossovers heading to our shores (be sure to check out 10 of the most significant plus five additional high-performance versions), but that doesn’t mean traditional luxury cars are a thing of the past. No, there are a few super-premium models coming to South Africa in 2018. And we’ve listed five below…

1. Audi A7 Sportback

Boasting a far sharper design than its predecessor, the fresh-faced A7 Sportback will come standard with a new mild hybrid system that boasts a “recuperation performance” of up to 12 kW when braking. At launch, a 3,0-litre V6 TFSI producing 250 kW and 500 N.m (allowing a sprint from zero to 100 km/h in a claimed 5,3 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h) will do duty, mated to a seven-speed S tronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive. Expect a local arrival in the second quarter of 2018.

2. Rolls-Royce Phantom

The new, eighth-generation Rolls-Royce Phantom is scheduled to touch down in SA in the second quarter of the year, running on new aluminium “spaceframe” underpinnings. Powered by a “completely new” (are you seeing a theme here?) 6,75-litre V12 engine, linked to a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission, that now employs two turbochargers contributing to a low-end torque output of 900 N.m at just 1 700 r/min (up from the old car’s 720 N.m) and peak power of 420 kW (again, up from 338 kW), the Phantom should sprint to 100 km/h in about 5,3 seconds.

3. Lexus LS

Also expected in the second quarter of 2018, the fifth-generation Lexus LS shares its underpinnings with the LC 500 coupé. The Japanese brand’s flagship sedan draws its urge from a new 3,5-litre twin-turbo V6 that delivers 310 kW and 600 N.m of torque to either the rear or all four wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission. The result is a claimed 0-100 km/h time of 4,5 seconds (in all-wheel-drive models, that is).

4. Mercedes-Benz CLS

The third-generation CLS is the first Mercedes-Benz to adopt the Stuttgart-based brand’s “new design idiom”, but also shares much with the E-Class on which it is based (and even gains some S-Class tech). Initially, just a trio of 3,0-litre six-cylinder mills will be offered, with each sending their oomph to all four wheels: the CLS 350d 4Matic (210 kW and 600 N.m), CLS 400d 4Matic (250 kW and 700 N.m) and electrified CLS 450 4Matic (270 kW and 500 N.m). Bank on an arrival in SA in the final quarter of 2018.

5. Audi A8

The fourth-generation Audi A8 is due on local shores in the second quarter of the year, sporting a fresh design and a bunch of semi-autonomous technology features. All models will ship standard with quattro all-wheel drive, with a 210 kW 3,0 TDI and 250 kW 3,0T FSI on the cards. Later, we can expect a 320 kW 4,0 TDI and 338 kW 4,2 TFSI to be added to the line-up, with the flagship 6,0-litre W12 likely hot on their heels. A plug-in hybrid variant has also been developed.

http://www.carmag.co.za/news_post/5-new-luxury-cars-coming-to-south-africa-in-2018/
 
New Rolls-Royce Phantom arrives in SA

The world's most luxurious car has arrived in South Africa. Following the Phantom’s recent global debut in London, the luxury marque’s new flagship was presented to local customers last week by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Sandton, the local importers.

They won’t reveal the price (if you have to ask, you can’t afford it and all that) but it’s in any case academic as the 2018 allocation of SA-bound Phantoms is already sold out. However, if you do happen to become a Bitcoin gazillionaire anytime soon, here’s what you need to know about the eighth-generation Phantom if you wish to put your name on next year’s waiting list.

Like its predecessors going all the way back to the first Phantom of 1925, the latest Rolls-Royce flagship is a spare-no-expense luxury limousine built for the most well-heeled members of society. The motoring world’s most powerful status symbol comes with all the sheepskin-carpeted luxury and magic carpet ride of its forebears, but offers a beguiling new feature aimed at luring more owners from the back seat into the front.

It’s called ‘The Gallery’, and it’s a personalised dashboard that allows owners to commission an individual work of art behind the pane of hermetically sealed glass - you can specify an oil painting, crushed flowers, rippled velvet … whatever your vivid imagination comes up with.

The new Phantom has also been thoroughly revised beneath its imposing façade. Monocoque construction has given way to an all-aluminium spaceframe which makes the car lighter and 30 percent more rigid than its predecessor, which was already the world’s most rigid car. This frame, which will carry every future Rolls-Royce, improves both driveability and refinement.

Rolls-Royce has designed the Phantom to be the most silent car in the world with two-layer glass all round, more than 130kg of sound insulation, and noise-damping foam under the tread of the tyres. It’s one of the smoothest-riding too, with air suspension and a forward camera that reads the road ahead and pre-emptively adjusts the suspension for every bump.

Four-wheel steering makes the big car easier to turn, too, and as always those Rolls-Royce logos in the wheel hubs stay upright no matter how fast the car’s moving.

The design is unmistakably Phantom but the pantheon grille’s now even taller, and it’s flanked by new laser headlights that are capable of illuminating the road 600 metres ahead.

Under the huge bonnet, the 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12 generates 420kW and 900Nm to whisk this luxury missile along in swift silence. It drives the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic satellite-aided transmission that uses GPS location to ensure that it’s always in the right gear for what’s coming up around the bend, based on how spirited your driving is.

Sitting inside the world’s best luxury car you’re surrounded by finely-finished chrome, luxury cowhide, and high gloss wood veneer (there isn’t a plastic panel to be found), with your feet resting on plush sheepskin floor mats.

The huge car comes with the well-known trappings: brollies stored in the rear doors, a rear fridge to stash your favourite champagne and crystal glasses, rear doors that whisk closed at the touch of a button (the valet will love this), heating for not only the seats but the armrests too, and immense space. There’s stretch-out legroom for the tallest of adults, with picnic tables and DVD entertainment for the rear passengers.

The Phantom can be personalised with a vast number of bespoke features and there’s no such thing as a ‘stock’ car, which is why Rolls-Royce won’t quote even a ballpark price.

The only feature you don’t get is a sunroof. That’s because of the starlight headliner: a ceiling infused with twinkling LEDs that light up like a starry sky – in your own choice of constellations if you like.

https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/latest-launches/new-rolls-royce-phantom-arrives-in-sa-12990461
 
Rolls-Royce Phantom - Truly Bespoke

Rolls-Royce recently launched its new Phantom in South Africa. More than ever before, the levels of personalisation and luxury on offer in the Phantom appear to shift the iconic machine out from the realm of the "mere" automobile, into that of the luxury timepiece.

While the new Phantom is powered by a massively powerful 6.75L twin-turbo V12 engine and boasts such high-tech features as a satellite-aided transmission and rear-wheel steering, advanced tech, power outputs and acceleration figures are rarely discussed when it comes to the Phantom. One gets the sense that this kind of "pub-talk" is simply not relevant for prospective buyers of the newcomer. And neither is the price... "Don't even ask," said the Rolls-Royce representative. He then quickly added that South Africa's first-year allocation of Phantoms are already spoken for.

Spanning nearly the full width of the Phantom facia is "The Gallery", which can be individually specified with unique art by buyers.

But what Rolls-Royce does like discussing when it comes to the Phantom is the level of personalisation on offer. “Phantom is the epitome of effortless style, an historical nameplate that occupies its very individual space in the luxury constellation”, said Marek Letowt, General Manager of Rolls-Royce Motor Sandton at the unveil. He continued: “Every one of our customers – each a connoisseur of true luxury – asks for something even more individual and unique, and we are proud to present new Phantom as a modern yet timeless masterpiece which allows you to make your motor car truly as unique as your fingerprint.”

The most eye-catching piece of design is called "The Gallery". When speccing their new Phantom, owners will be able to commission an individual work of art that spans the width of the dashboard and sits behind a single pane of hermetically sealed glass. Have a look at the video to witness the staggering attention to detail that goes into a Phantom interior.

https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/rolls-royce-phantom---truly-bespoke/44596/
 
Rolls-Royce Phantom 2018 UK review

Should I buy one?

You could argue that the Mercedes-Benz S-Class has a more cultured secondary ride than the Phantom and the Bentley Mulsanne is a bit more clinical in its vertical suspension movements. There’s no doubt these cars offer greater appeal for the driver, too, and are substantially less expensive to buy.

The paradox is that even as the person at the wheel, you won’t ache to be back in those cars like you will the Phantom. Its anechoic properties are unrivalled, and with 130kg of sound-deadening materials, it possesses an ability to make motorway speeds feel pedestrian in a way that is genuinely spooky – and addictive.

Simply, if four-wheeled indulgence with an almost unlimited budget is the brief, the Phantom’s fitness for purpose is unimpeachable and unmatched. Sheer opulence aside, the ride comfort, composure and refinement engineered into this gargantuan all-new chassis are spellbinding at times.

The controls, both physical and digital, are also presented in such a way that only the ones you actually require are at hand at that moment, and nothing more to needlessly complicate matters. In a world of cars that seek to do everything for us, this is an uncommon and tremendously welcome trait. Factor in a fabulous array of materials and the Phantom is old-school but not old-fashioned, for which you’ll love it.

There’s rather lot more to Phantom VIII than we can say here, and so a full road test beckons. Rest assured that with one or two minor caveats, on which we’ll duly elaborate, it hits new heights for luxury at a time when that quality is being delivered more convincingly than ever.

Rolls-Royce Phantom

On sale Now Price £360,000 Engine V12, 6.75 litres, twin-turbocharged petrol Power 563bhp at 5000rpm Torque 664lb ft at 1700rpm Gearbox 8-spd auto Kerbweight 2560kg Top speed 155mph 0-62mph 5.1sec Fuel economy 20.3mpg CO2 318g/km Rivals Bentley Mulsanne, Mercedes-Benz S-Class

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-revie...rst-drives/rolls-royce-phantom-2018-uk-review

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The 2018 Rolls-Royce Phantom Is a $550,000 Ultra-Luxury Car - Doug DeMuro

[video=youtube;TBIkJSpqcFs]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBIkJSpqcFs[/video]
 
For comparison:

Here’s a tour of the most expensive Rolls-Royce Sedan from 1973 - Doug DeMuro

[video=youtube_share;4vsMe5jDpNc]https://youtu.be/4vsMe5jDpNc[/video]
 
Rolls-Royce Privacy Suite adds isolation for rear passengers

Rolls-Royce has shown a new option at the Chengdu motor show that allows owners to create a completely private space in the rear of their car, sealed off from both the outside world as well as the driver.

The Privacy Suite option adds a privacy screen between the rear passenger area and the two front seats, as well as increased acoustic insulation to block out sound from the passenger area for added privacy. An intercom system allows communication between the front and rear occupants, at the rear passengers' discretion. The driver can call the rear compartment, but the occupants can choose to reject the call.

The privacy screen is made of electrochromatic glass, which can be rendered opaque at the flick of a switch.

Rolls-Royce has also fitted a small opening in the divider to allow objects to be passed between the front and rear areas. This is illuminated so that the objects can be seen before being passed through.

The windows are fitted with privacy glass as well as full curtains, allowing occupants to be shielded from the outside world, as well as the option of blocking the view out of the windows.

Rolls-Royce has mounted two 12.0in monitors to the dividing structure between the front and rear, with device connectivity as well as access to the car’s infotainment system.

The option is part of Rolls-Royce's customisation programme; the company has previously told Autocar that almost every car it produces has some bespoke element fitted at the customer's request.

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/rolls-royce-privacy-suite-adds-isolation-rear-passengers

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Rolls-Royce Phantom Tranquillity

Created for those who conceive and achieve the impossible, Tranquillity is an expression of Phantom's standing as the rarest and most desired object in the luxury world. This Collection is strictly limited to just 25 examples worldwide and available as both Phantom and Phantom Extended Wheelbase, which discerning collectors have already purchased.

For the precious few who commission a Phantom, the realisation of their personal vision represents a moment that sees them view the world from a rare place. Rolls-Royce Phantom Tranquillity is a statement piece for the visionaries who push beyond accepted limits. Named and crafted to celebrate the feeling of euphoric tranquillity one achieves within the car, this unique Phantom beautifully curates objects and inspirations from worlds beyond earthly bounds.

Within Tranquillity's Gallery is a design inspired by the X-Ray coded aperture masks used on the British Skylark space rocket. High energy radiation passes over and through the distinctive perforated pattern, creating a coded shadow on the layers beneath. The properties of the original radiation sources were mathematically reconstructed from this shadow and rendered in highly reflective stainless steel, 24-karat gold plating and space grade aluminium.

Space exploration is further manifested with a unique first for Rolls-Royce; the incorporation of meteorite within the Volume Controller, further enhanced with a polished gold grip that matches the gold finish in the Collection Gallery, creating a distinctive accent feature. This remarkable application of authentic Muonionalusta meteorite, which fell to earth in Kiruna, Sweden in 1906, is complemented by detailed engraving of the location and date of its discovery.

Inspired by the light and dark sides of the Moon, the interior colourway of Arctic White or Selby Grey leather integrates unique veneer combinations of gloss and satin, both with an exclusive metallic effect. Black gloss runs from the fascia onto all the centre consoles, while a satin finish is used for the upper glovebox and door armrests. Black gloss elements are highlighted with elegant stainless steel Pinstripes.

In both the Light and Dark variants, Bespoke Audio Speaker Frets are finished in yellow gold, complementing the additional gold elements throughout the car. These unique elements are inspired by the historic NASA 'Voyager' satellites that carried into space two gold records with sounds and images that portrayed the diversity of life and culture on Earth, for any intelligent extra-terrestrial life that might find them.

A unique embroidery detail on the Extended Wheelbase door panel matches the pattern on the Collection Gallery with tone-on-tone stitching for a subtle, crafted detail. A Bespoke 'Technical' yellow gold, vapour blasted and engraved titanium clock complement the interplanetary motif alongside an engineered titanium Spirit of Ecstasy with yellow gold accents.

https://www.netcarshow.com/rolls-royce/2019-phantom_tranquillity/

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DRIVEN: Rolls-Royce Phantom

There are certain spheres of the automotive industry that are so far removed from the general players they can almost be viewed as separate trades. Think of hypercars from the likes of Koenigsegg, Pagani and Bugatti. These are more than merely dream cars; in terms of monetary value and performance, they're simply in a league of their own.

But what if you crave the ultimate the industry offers in terms of luxury rather than outright performance? Here there are just a few players, and none of them quite stands out as much as the impressive, gargantuan Rolls-Royce Phantom.

Summary

BMW should be congratulated for its handling of this company and for appreciating the unique products it makes. I didn't notice any BMW switchgear in the Phantom's cabin; it feels as bespoke as it is.

The sumptuous, spell-binding experience from behind the wheel makes the Phantom unlike any other car I’ve driven. In the same way I find myself yearning to sample a given hypercar over and over again to tease out its intricacies, the Phantom makes me want to indulge at the other end of the spectrum, enjoying the top echelon of luxury and refinement while watching the landscape fly past in silence. This is a truly special automobile.

Model: Rolls-Royce Phantom

Price: POA
Engine: 6,75-litre, V12 turbopetrol
Power: 420 kW at 5 000 r/min
Torque: 900 N.m at 1 7 000 r/min
0-100 km/h: 5,3 seconds
Top Speed: 250 km/h
Fuel Consumption: 13,9 L/100 km
CO2: 318 g/km
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Maintenance Plan: 4-year/unlimited km

https://www.carmag.co.za/car-reviews/driving-impressions/driven-rolls-royce-phantom/

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Wait, what? Rolls-Royce Phantom handed bold bodykit and more power!

The Rolls-Royce Phantom isn't the sort of vehicle you'd typically see tuned. But that hasn't stopped Spofec, a division of Novitec, from coming up with this kit.

The package includes a redesigned front bumper with an integrated front spoiler, which ostensibly reduces front-axle lift at high speeds. In addition, a set of rocker panels with raised flaps aft of the front wheel arches adds to the aggression appearance. At the rear, a redesigned single-piece bumper has been added, accompanied by a subtle spoiler.


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Stretched Bulletproof Rolls-Royce Phantom Costs A Cool R55 Million

There is a handful of individuals out there who not only want to travel in comfort and style but in complete safety too. This is where German tuner Klassen step in and get to work on a Rolls-Royce Phantom.

The Roller is stretched by 105 cm between the axles and the roof is raised slightly to give the occupants ample space inside.

It is then kitted out with Level-9 (B7) ballistic protection which will protect the occupants against almost any gunfire they may encounter as well as a small explosion.


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One-of-a-kind Rolls-Royce 'Mahlangu' Phantom is Proudly South African

Globally renowned artist and South African treasure, Dr Esther Mahlangu, has lent her unique touch to a one-off Rolls-Royce Phantom set to reside in the Western Cape.

Inspired by the famous body of work created by the now 84-year-old Mahlangu, regional director of Rolls-Royce motor cars Middle East and Africa, César Habib, and CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars South Africa, Justin Divaris, conspired to source a buyer for a one-of-a-kind Phantom that would, quite literally, serve as a rolling work of art. With a buyer secured and his personal preferences consulted, the team collaborated with Dr Mahlangu to create a bespoke piece that would then be shipped to Rolls-Royce’s Goodwood-based production line to be set behind a sheet of glass in the Phantom’s “gallery” facia.


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'Mahlangu' Rolls-Royce Phantom making a splash across Cape Town

Ndebele art is making a splash across Cape Town thanks to the work of traditional artist, Dr Esther Mahlangu.

This week Mahlangu attended the unveiling of the “Mahlangu” Rolls-Royce Phantom, a luxury vehicle from the British manufacturer that features
hand-painted inserts and panels by the artist.

Mahlangu also had her past work showcased at the Investec Cape Town Art Fair at the CTICC this week. The exhibition was titled Abstractions of a Culture: Towards a Retrospective.

Mahlangu’s work is also available to view in a new solo exhibition at the Melrose Gallery Cape Town.

The exhibition Disrupting Patterns features geometric patterns and paintings, created with a chicken feather.


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