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ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS CELEBRATES BESPOKE AT FESTIVAL OF SPEED

July 10, 2024 No Comments

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars celebrates a highly Bespoke presence at this year’s Festival of Speed. Displayed on the Festival’s Laundry Green, adjacent to Goodwood House, a beautifully commissioned Phantom Extended, Ghost, Spectre, as well as the latest expression of Cullinan, will each provide a unique expression of the marque’s peerless craftsmanship.

“The Festival of Speed, set in the remarkable grounds of the historic Goodwood Estate, is an important highlight in our annual calendar. It is the ultimate celebration of motorsport, located only a stone’s throw away from the marque’s headquarters in West Sussex. We are delighted to unveil a highly Bespoke collection of motor cars, which have been created especially for the occasion and exemplify the talent, creativity and ingenuity of our artisans, designers and engineers at Rolls-Royce. The latest iteration of our super-luxury SUV, Cullinan, will also make its UK public debut at the event. Alongside Cullinan Series II, we are proud to showcase Spectre, our all-electric super coupé, presented in a vivacious two-tone, as well as a highly Bespoke Phantom Extended and a unique expression of Ghost. We are looking forward to welcoming media, clients and our trusted dealer partners to the event.”
Boris Weletzky, Regional Director, United Kingdom, Europe and Central Asia

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars celebrates a highly Bespoke presence at this year’s Festival of Speed. Displayed on the Festival’s Laundry Green, adjacent to Goodwood House, a beautifully commissioned Phantom Extended, Ghost, Spectre, as well as the latest expression of Cullinan, will each provide a unique expression of the marque’s peerless craftsmanship.

ROLLS-ROYCE CULLINAN
When Cullinan first launched in 2018, it built a new legacy for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, with a bold and uncompromising generation of super-luxury consumers. It reframed super-luxury motoring, enabling Rolls-Royce clients to experience the marque’s hallmark ‘magic carpet ride’ on any terrain and in every corner of the world.

Earlier this year, the marque unveiled Cullinan Series II, an evolution of the world’s pre-eminent super-luxury SUV. This motor car makes its UK public debut at the Festival of Speed 2024.

One of the key themes in Cullinan’s evolution is verticality, which echoes the illuminated skyscrapers in the megacities where Cullinan is increasingly at home. This is perhaps most apparent in the new lamp treatment, where tall daytime running light graphics ensure Cullinan Series II is easily identified, day and night.

The marque’s signature figurine, the Spirit of Ecstasy, features inside the motor car for the very first time and is displayed in miniature inside the new Clock Cabinet in the fascia. This unique inset vitrine displays both an analogue timepiece and the up-lit Spirit of Ecstasy figurine. Constructed from solid stainless steel, the Spirit of Ecstasy is placed on her own stage with a matte black back panel and high gloss side panels to create a reflection effect.

Cullinan Series II illustrates the extensive scope of the marque’s Bespoke capabilities and talented craftsmanship. For the first time ever on a series car, Placed Perforation, the practice of creating artworks through tiny perforations in the leather, is available. Designers at the marque’s headquarters created a pattern inspired by the constantly changing shapes and shadows of the clouds over the Home of Rolls-Royce.Cullinan Series II also continues Rolls-Royce’s exploration of textiles with a new rayon fabric made from bamboo, named Duality Twill.

A contemporary expression of Cullinan, finished in a minimalist yet sophisticated hue, Emperador Truffle, will be on show at the event. Inspired by richly-veined brown marble, Rolls-Royce colour specialists developed this unique paint finish especially for Cullinan Series II. An Arctic White Coachline provides a clean contrast to the exterior hue. Inside, the elegant yet minimalist style continues, with a Cashmere Grey and Chartreuse leather colourway, the latter with the intricate Placed Perforation pattern.

ROLLS-ROYCE SPECTRE
2023 was a momentous year for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; it marked 20 years since production began at the marque’s Goodwood manufacturing facility and, in Q4 of 2023, client deliveries for Spectre, the marque’s first fully electric motor car, began. Since then, Spectre has been on a remarkable Bespoke journey.

For this year’s Festival of Speed, a striking expression of the marque’s electric super coupé has been created. Presented in two-tone Peony Pearl and Black Diamond, this vibrant expression of the marque’s genre-defining motor car exudes modern luxury and symbolises the dawn of a bold new era for Rolls-Royce. To embolden the exterior and highlight Spectre’s dynamic presence and prowess, 23-inch wheels are fitted to the motor car. The exterior is completed with a trim, Black Coachline. Peony Pink and Arctic White are the primary and secondary interior colours chosen to complement the exterior.

The interior cabin is a celestial cosseting haven, with a spellbinding Starlight Headliner, Starlight Doors, which incorporate 4,796 softly illuminated ‘stars’, and a tone-on-tone starlight pattern on the rear waterfall seat. An extra special clock vitrine, delicately embellished with shooting ‘stars’, creates a serene yet magical essence.

This year marks the 120th anniversary of the meeting of The Hon. Charles Stewart Rolls and Henry Royce and, in a gentle nod to commemorate this significant year, each of the one-of-one Phantom, Ghost and Spectre motor cars created for the event, features a painted ‘sound wave’ design on the lid of the centre console. Each ‘sound wave’ conveys a different inspirational quote from the marque’s founding fathers, whose vision underpins everything that the company is today and strives to achieve.

Bespoke is Rolls-Royce; an ethos which permeates every commissioned creation, from exquisite motor cars to luxurious accessories. This extends from glamorous cellarettes and champagne chests, to personalised umbrellas and picnic hampers. To complement the Peony Pearl Spectre, an elegant Escapism Luggage Collection has been designed and created. Beautiful in form, yet relaxed and contemporary, this luggage collection is crafted from the highest quality leather and durable canvas, ideal for those who travel for enriching experiences and spontaneous moments of discovery.

In addition to Spectre’s presence on the stand, this motor car will ascend the famous Hillclimb course at Goodwood during the Festival’s Supercar Run.

ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM
Phantom is an icon of legendary standing, which defines the barometers of luxury. A masterpiece of transcendent perfection, Phantom Extended offers tastemakers a serene and spacious realm to recharge before taking on the world. Its exquisite features and elevated nuances epitomise Rolls-Royce’s artisanship, solidifying it as an icon in the marque’s history.

For this year’s Festival of Speed, a modern interpretation of Rolls-Royce’s pinnacle motor car has been designed and created by the marque’s highly skilled designers, engineers and artisans. This magnificent expression is finished in a striking two-tone of Diba Teal and Black Diamond, with a Black Coachline. Inspiration for this motor car comes from the French Riviera, a location internationally renowned for its glamourous lifestyle, unrivalled views and stunning scenery. There is also a strong connection between the marque and the area; in 1912, Sir Henry Royce built Villa Mimosa in the village of Le Canadel, where he subsequently spent every winter until his death in 1933.

Phantom offers clients an unprecedented opportunity: a chance to showcase eclectic works of art, sculpture, or objects of self-expression in the Gallery. This unique single piece of uninterrupted glass, spans the entire fascia and means patrons can enjoy, admire and appreciate their favourite artwork from the sanctuary of Phantom’s sumptuous cabin. For this year’s commission, Rolls-Royce’s artisans spent over 35 hours creating a beautiful monochrome leather Gallery, with an embroidered wave pattern, which features 47,319 stitches. This pattern is once again a gentle nod to the French Riviera and is replicated throughout the motor car on the door card and picnic tables.

Innovation meets exquisite craftsmanship with the Kinetic Luggage Collection which complements the luxurious motor car. Presented in Black leather, with Arctic White panelling and Diba Teal stitching, the collection has been meticulously designed and crafted by Rolls-Royce’s talented artisans.

ROLLS-ROYCE GHOST
Ghost is a study in reduction, minimalism and simplicity. Its purity provides the ideal blank canvas for Bespoke commissions, with clients able to exercise their ambitious creativity and express their personal tastes almost entirely free of technical and aesthetic constraints.

That purity presents possibility. It creates potential as boundless as the owner’s imagination, emboldening them to bring colour, energy and vibrancy to their commission and to allow beautiful materials, expert craftsmanship and exquisite details speak for themselves, subtle and unadorned.

Presented in Blue Crystal over Black, the expression of Ghost created in honour of the occasion, oozes timeless elegance and sophistication. A Charles Blue Coachline elegantly resolves the exterior and illustrates the extensive scope of the marque’s Exterior Surface Centre.

Beautifully crafted leather Key Wraps have been designed and created for the Ghost, Phantom and Spectre.

CO2 EMISSIONS & CONSUMPTION.

  • Spectre: WLTP: Power consumption: 2.6-2.8 mi/kWh / 23.6-22.2 kWh/100km. Electric range 329 mi / 530 km. NEDC: CO2 emissions 0 g/km.
  • Phantom : NEDC combined: CO2 emissions: 345 g/km; Fuel consumption: 18.7 mpg / 15.1 l/100km. WLTP combined: CO2 emissions: 362-351 g/km; Fuel consumption: 17.7-18.2 mpg / 15.5-16.0 l/100km.
  • Cullinan Series II: NEDCcorr (combined) CO2 emission: 348 g/km; Fuel consumption: 18.6 mpg / 15.2 l/100km. WLTP (combined) CO2 emission: 377-368 g/km; Fuel consumption: 17.1-17.5 mpg / 16.5-16.1 l/100km.
  • Ghost: NEDCcorr (combined) CO2 emission: 343 g/km; Fuel consumption: 18.8 mpg / 15.0 l/100km. WLTP (combined) CO2 emission: 359-347 g/km; Fuel consumption: 17.9-18.6 mpg / 15.2-15.8 l/100km.
Source: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars PressClub

The third instalment of the ‘Models of the Marque’ series celebrates the Rolls-Royce 20 H.P. – the ‘Twenty’. Launched in 1922, this transformative motor car was the first Rolls-Royce expressly designed for owner-driven motoring.

  • A brief history of the Rolls-Royce 20 H.P. – known as the ‘Twenty’ – launched in 1922
  • A transformative motor car for the marque, it was the first Rolls-Royce ever designed expressly to be owner-driven rather than chauffeured
  • Third in a series celebrating landmark models from each decade of the marque’s history, from its foundational years in the 1900s to the contemporary Goodwood era
  • Year-long retrospective marks the 120th anniversary of the first meeting between Henry Royce and The Hon. Charles Stewart Rolls in 1904


“The legendary 20 H.P., known simply as the ‘Twenty’, was launched on 6 October 1922. Designed by Henry Royce, it ranks among the most important and transformational models ever produced by the marque. Its technology was highly advanced for the time and set the mechanical template for generations of Rolls-Royce motor cars that followed it. Smaller, lighter and less complex than its predecessors, it was also the first Rolls-Royce specifically intended for owners to drive themselves, rather than chauffeured use, reflecting the changed world in which Rolls-Royce found itself operating after 1918. More than a century later, its influence can still be seen in contemporary automotive engineering and design, including the models we build at Goodwood today – a remarkable motor car with an extraordinary legacy.”
Andrew Ball, Head of Corporate Relations and Heritage, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

A CHANGED WORLD
Even before the Armistice was signed in 1918, Henry Royce was preparing for what he knew would be a very different post-war world. He reasoned that, given the likely difficulty of recruiting, retaining or affording a mechanic or chauffeur as they had done previously, some customers would no longer be able or willing to run the marque’s most popular pre-1914 model, the 40/50 H.P. ‘Silver Ghost’. He needed to create a motor car that was simpler to maintain – and, even more importantly, that the owner could more easily drive themselves. At the same time, Royce knew these discerning clients would expect and accept nothing less than the Rolls-Royce standards of excellence they were accustomed to – and neither would he.

THE ‘TWENTY’
On 6 October 1922, Rolls-Royce unveiled its new ‘small horsepower’ motor car, the 20 H.P., the first Rolls-Royce ever designed expressly to be owner-driven rather than chauffeured. It was immediately obvious that the ‘Twenty’, as it quickly became known, represented a huge technical leap forward. Its straight-six cylinder, 3.1-litre engine was less than half the size of the Silver Ghost’s 7.5-litre unit: however, the new model also weighed around 30% less. This meant the performance gap between them was far less than the raw numbers might suggest. Indeed, with its light controls and more advanced steering, braking and suspension systems, the ‘Twenty’ made the Silver Ghost seem rather outdated, although the larger model remained significantly ahead of its direct competitors.

The ‘Twenty’ quickly became a firm favourite both with established Rolls-Royce owners and those new customers for whom, as Royce had predicted, purchase price and ongoing running costs were more important considerations than they had been a few years earlier.

In letters to the motoring press, one happy owner praised it as ‘a charming piece of mechanism’ while another declared, ‘I have never handled anything as sweet-running’. A company advertisement quoted an expert assessment of the car as ‘everything a motorist can want… motoring with a high degree of refinement and its simplicity of construction will delight the driver’. After taking delivery of his car, a contented customer wrote to the company from his home in France declaring: ‘I drove my 20 H.P. here from Liverpool and am very satisfied with the running of the engine, not having to change gear between Liverpool and Versailles’.

WEIGHTY ISSUES
Like all Rolls-Royce models of the era, the ‘Twenty’ was produced as a ‘rolling chassis’, on which owners commissioned bespoke bodywork from an independent coachbuilder. Royce had always intended that it should primarily be an owner-driver car and hoped coachbuilders and customers alike would embrace this by keeping their creations as svelte and lightweight as possible.

However, he was unable to change the habits of a lifetime among some customers. Many owners persisted in specifying their preferred style of solid, formal coachwork that was both heavier and produced greater wind resistance. To Royce’s understandable irritation, these massive, overbuilt bodies inevitably compromised performance.

Ever the pragmatist, Royce knew there was only one way to improve the weight-to-performance ratio. In 1929, the ‘Twenty’ was replaced by the 20/25 H.P., powered by an enlarged capacity engine, followed in 1935 by the 25/30 H.P. with a 4.25-litre powerplant. The ‘small horsepower’ era finally came to an end with the Wraith of 1938. These later iterations, all direct developments of the ‘Twenty’, add further lustre to its record and reputation.

A LASTING INFLUENCE
The ‘Twenty’ had a profound influence on Rolls-Royce long after production ceased in 1929, by which time no fewer than 2,940 examples had been built. In particular, the straight six-cylinder engine – with detachable cylinder head and overhead valves – would provide the template for Rolls-Royce engines for years to come. Open the bonnet of any six-cylinder Rolls-Royce right up to the Silver Cloud model (1955-9) and their shared heritage is clear to see, albeit with many internal improvements. And when the by-then venerable Silver Ghost was replaced with the new Phantom in 1925, its engine also adopted the essential ‘Twenty’ pattern.

‘MODELS OF THE MARQUE’: THE 1920s – ROLLS-ROYCE 20 H.P. THE ‘TWENTY’

July 4, 2024 No Comments

Lilium Completes Successful Tests of its Revolutionary Electric Jet Propulsion System

June 28, 2024 No Comments

Lilium Completes Successful Tests of its Revolutionary Electric Jet Propulsion System

 Lilium N.V. (Nasdaq: LILM), a leading electric aircraft manufacturer and pioneer in Regional Air Mobility (RAM), has successfully completed the first series of tests of its electric jet propulsion unit. For the first time, the electric engines were taken up to maximum thrust on the propulsion unit test bench, representing a landmark achievement on the journey to zero operating emissions flight and an important step towards verifying safety of flight of the Lilium Jet. The tests performed have demonstrated the expected level of performance and reliability, bolstering Lilium’s confidence in the maturity of its electric jet propulsion system.

Testing of the propulsion unit, comprising two engines within a propulsion mounting system, was carried out at Lilium’s dedicated propulsion unit test bed, located at Lilium’s headquarters near Munich. The test bed has been designed for aerodynamic and electrical performance evaluation of Lilium’s jet technology.  

The successful first test of the propulsion unit follows comprehensive testing of the engine, developed and built in collaboration with Lilium’s team of suppliers, including Denso and Honeywell for the e-motor, Aeronamic for the compressor fan, and SKF for the electric motor bearings.

Stephen Vellacott, Lilium’s Chief Technology Officer, said: “Completion of the first engine test is a significant achievement for Lilium, demonstrating once again Lilium’s credentials as a world leader in the development of electric jet propulsion technology. Over the past years, we have invested heavily in the technology and secured extensive IP rights. We now move a step closer to first manned flight and beyond that to the era of commercial electric flight.” 

Daniel Wiegand, Lilium Co-Founder and Chief Engineer for Innovation & Future Programs, remarked: “For my fellow co-founders and myself, the first test run of the Lilium Jet propulsion unit marks another high point in our journey. It was our shared belief in the radical potential of electric jet technology that brought us together in 2015 and continues to drive Lilium on the way to transforming regional aviation. This latest milestone brings us closer to first manned flight and our goal of commercial entry into service.” 

Gearing up for series production  

Lilium continues to gear up for initial series production of the Lilium Jet propulsion unit at its propulsion assembly line near Munich. Aerostructures supplier Aernnova recently completed the first build of the Lilium Jet propulsion mounting system, the structure that houses the propulsion and vectoring systems and forms the rear part of the wings and front aerofoils. Earlier this month, the Spanish industrial engineering and technology group Sener delivered the first set of servo-actuators for the Lilium Jet. The servo-actuators enable the propulsion units to be rotated, allowing the aircraft to transition from vertical flight mode (during take-off and landing) to horizontal flight and vice versa. Propulsion units coming off Lilium’s production line in the coming months will be used for ground testing and integration in the first flight aircraft. 

PJE

ROLLS-ROYCE ANNUAL RALLY

June 23, 2024 No Comments

ROLLS-ROYCE JOINS ENTHUSIASTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD FOR THEIR ANNUAL RALLY

In the year the marque celebrates its 120th Anniversary, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars joins the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club (RREC) for its Annual Rally and Concours d’Elegance at Burghley House, Lincolnshire, on 21-23 June 2024.

  • Rolls-Royce Motor Cars joins the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club (RREC) for its Annual Rally and Concours d’Elegance at Burghley House, Lincolnshire, on 21-23 June 2024
  • Examples from the full Goodwood portfolio – Phantom, Ghost, Cullinan and Spectre – will be on display
  • Rolls-Royce’s presence at the world’s largest gathering of enthusiasts and historic Rolls-Royce motor cars reaffirms the close and friendly ties between the two organisations as the marque celebrates its 120th anniversary

“We’re delighted to support the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club’s Annual Rally again this year – especially as we celebrate the 120th anniversary of the marque in 2024. We’ve always enjoyed working with the RREC, whose knowledge and love of historic Rolls-Royce motor cars is unparalleled. They are crucial custodians of the marque’s rich heritage, which continues to inform and inspire so much of what we do at the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood today. We’ll also be displaying beautiful examples of our contemporary Bespoke craft, underlining the continuity between the motor cars designed and built by Henry Royce himself, and those we’re creating for today’s clients.”

Andrew Ball, Head of Corporate Relations and Heritage, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

In the year the marque celebrates its 120th Anniversary, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars joins the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club (RREC) for its Annual Rally and Concours d’Elegance at Burghley House, Lincolnshire, on 21-23 June 2024.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is a regular guest at the event, which is the largest annual gathering of historic Rolls-Royce motor cars, their owners and admirers anywhere in the world, and is regarded as one of the most glamorous and spectacular in the entire motoring calendar. Hundreds of Rolls-Royce and Bentley cars will be on display in front of Burghley House, one of the finest stately homes in Britain, which dates from the 16th Century.

Amid all the historic motor cars spanning more than a century, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars will present Bespoke examples from all the model families being designed and hand-built at the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood: Phantom, Spectre, Ghost and Cullinan. Spectre, the first-ever Rolls-Royce with an all-electric drivetrain, is expected to be of particular interest – as it is the motor car which fulfils The Hon. Charles Rolls’ prophecy of an electric future for the motor car, when he said in 1900, “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.”

Find more

Source: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars PressClub

Greener Skies: Private Aviation Contribution

June 20, 2024 No Comments

Greener Skies: Private Aviation Contribution

In the realm of private aviation, the drive towards sustainability is more robust than ever. Manufacturers and operators alike are exploring innovative ways to reduce the sector’s environmental impact.

A significant stride in this direction is the development and implementation of hybrid propulsion systems. These systems, that combine the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) with electric power, aim to significantly lower the carbon emissions associated with private flights, heralding a new era of eco-friendly air travel.

Another crucial strategy for enhancing sustainability within private aviation involves the more efficient utilization of flight capacity, notably through the booking of empty leg flights. These flights, which typically occur when a jet needs to return to its base or relocate for its next charter without passengers, present an opportunity to maximize the efficiency of the private jet market. By filling these empty legs, operators can offer more attractive pricing to passengers while also reducing the carbon footprint by avoiding unnecessary flights.

Collaboration, innovation, sustainable technologies and emission-free flight dominated the opening keynote session at the 2024 European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE2024).

In his welcome remarks, NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen underscored the importance of bringing industry leaders together. “EBACE is the place to be to talk about the big issues and challenges and opportunities that our industry has,” Bolen said. “As we bring every segment of the community together from all over the world, we’re going to have an opportunity to help shape the future of flight.”

Bolen then introduced EBAA’s new Secretary-General, Holger Krahmer, who began his new leadership position five months ago after a decade of serving in European Parliament.

“Safeguarding a competitive and fair European single market for business aviation operators is essential,” Krahmer said. “There is hope for a more business friendly environment, but we must remain vigilant. Our role in business aviation is more crucial than ever before.”

Krahmer also took a moment to highlight EBAA’s new membership in the industry’s CLIMBING. FAST. advocacy campaign, which is aimed at showcasing business aviation’s commitment to economic opportunity, sustainability and innovation, as well as achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. “At EBACE, we’re spearheading a surge of aviation and carbon-free flight.”

John Santurbano, director of the Maastricht Upper Area Control Centre, EUROCONTROL – and an important partner in the business aviation sector – discussed the importance of maintaining safe air traffic management within a complex airspace and how ATC innovations are resulting in reduced aircraft emissions.

“In the future we should not ask if we will fly, but how we will fly,” Santurbano said. “That’s why we should adapt and reach carbon-free goals for 2050.” He spoke about vertical flight efficiency as a method for reducing carbon emissions and efforts to mitigate emissions from aircraft contrails.

 

PJE

Iceland, known as the land of fire and ice, is a captivating destination with its stunning landscapes, rich history, and unique culture. In 2024, this Nordic island nation continues to enchant travellers worldwide.

From witnessing the mystic dance of the Northern Lights to trekking across ancient glaciers, beautiful experiences will allow travellers to connect deeply with Iceland’s wild beauty and rich heritage, making every journey unforgettable. And these journeys are not about ticking boxes, but about forging personal connections with the natural world and creating memories that last a lifetime.

Each adventure is heartfelt and deeply personal, making you feel truly valued and connected, and reflect Iceland’s spirit—wild, dramatic, and profoundly beautiful.

While it honors the paths forged by its founder, it also embraces the future, offering eco-friendly travel options and continuously updating its journeys to reflect the best of Iceland.

Best places to visit in Iceland
The Blue Lagoon
Golden Circle
Reykjavik
The Northern Lights
Vatnajökull National Park
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Landmannalaugar
The Westfjords
Whale Watching

The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa located in a lava field near Grindavík. The warm, mineral-rich waters are renowned for their healing properties and milky blue hue. Visitors can soak in the rejuvenating waters while surrounded by Iceland’s breathtaking natural beauty.
Best time to visit: The Blue Lagoon can be enjoyed year-round due to its geothermal nature. However, it’s particularly magical during the winter months when you can soak in the warm waters while surrounded by snow-covered landscapes.

Golden Circle

A must-see for any visitor to Iceland, the Golden Circle is a popular tourist route that covers three iconic attractions: Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall. Explore the historic site of Thingvellir, marvel at the erupting geysers of Geysir, and witness the powerful cascade of Gullfoss.

Best time to visit: The Golden Circle attractions are accessible throughout the year. However, the summer months (June to August) offer the most daylight hours for exploration. If you want to avoid crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to May) or autumn (September to October).

Reykjavik

Iceland’s vibrant capital city, Reykjavik, offers a blend of modern amenities and Icelandic charm. Take a stroll through the colourful streets lined with quaint shops, cafes, and art galleries. Don’t miss landmarks like Hallgrímskirkja Church and the Harpa Concert Hall. And be sure to sample Icelandic cuisine at one of Reykjavik’s many restaurants.
Best time to visit: Reykjavik is a year-round destination, with each season offering its own unique charm. Summer (June to August) brings long daylight hours and mild temperatures, perfect for outdoor activities. Winter (December to February) offers the chance to see the Northern Lights and enjoy cosy cafes and cultural events.

The Northern Lights


Witness the magical display of the Northern Lights dancing across Iceland’s night sky. Iceland is one of the best places in the world to witness the mesmerising Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis. Head away from city lights to dark, remote locations for the best chance of seeing this natural wonder illuminate the night sky with swirling ribbons of green, blue, and purple.
Best time to experience: The best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland is during the winter months, from late September to early April. The long, dark nights provide optimal viewing conditions, especially during periods of high solar activity.

Vatnajökull National Park

Explore the largest national park in Iceland, home to Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier. Discover dramatic ice caves, rugged mountain landscapes, and powerful glacial rivers. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, glacier climbing, and ice cave exploration amidst this breathtaking wilderness.
Best time to visit: Vatnajökull National Park is best visited during the summer months (June to August) when hiking trails are accessible and weather conditions are most favourable. However, guided glacier tours and ice cave exploration are available in the winter months as well.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon 


Marvel at the otherworldly beauty of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where shimmering icebergs float serenely against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Take a boat tour to get up close to the icebergs or soak in the tranquillity of this stunning natural wonder.
Best time to visit: Like Vatnajökull National Park, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is accessible year-round. Summer offers the chance to see icebergs under the midnight sun, while winter provides a magical backdrop of snow and ice.

Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Often referred to as “Iceland in miniature,” the Snaefellsnes Peninsula offers a diverse range of landscapes, from volcanic craters to black sand beaches. Visit the iconic Kirkjufell mountain, explore lava fields, and keep an eye out for wildlife such as seals and seabirds along the coastline.

Best time to visit: The Snaefellsnes Peninsula can be visited year-round, but summer (June to August) is ideal for hiking and exploring the diverse landscapes. Spring and autumn offer quieter conditions and the chance to see migrating birds.
Landmannalaugar


A paradise for hikers and nature lovers, Landmannalaugar is a remote highland region famous for its colourful rhyolite mountains, hot springs, and epic hiking trails. Trek through surreal landscapes of lava fields, geothermal vents, and steaming hot springs for an unforgettable adventure.
Best time to visit: Landmannalaugar is only accessible by road during the summer months (late June to early September) when the Highland roads are open. This is the best time for hiking and camping in the area.

The Westfjords

Escape the crowds and discover the raw beauty of Iceland’s Westfjords region. With its dramatic cliffs, fjords, and remote fishing villages, this rugged area offers a glimpse into Iceland’s untamed wilderness. Hike along coastal trails, visit bird cliffs teeming with seabirds and immerse yourself in the tranquillity of nature.
Best time to visit: The Westfjords are best visited during the summer months (June to August) when roads are clear of snow and outdoor activities are in full swing. However, if you’re seeking solitude and dramatic winter landscapes, the region can be visited in the offseason as well.

Whale Watching

Go on a whale-watching excursion from ports such as Reykjavik or Husavik for the chance to encounter majestic marine life such as humpback whales, minke whales, and orcas. Experienced guides will take you out to sea for an unforgettable wildlife encounter.
Best time to see: Whale-watching tours operate year-round from ports such as Reykjavik and Husavik. The summer months (June to August) offer the best chance to see a variety of whale species, including humpback whales and minke whales. However, some species, like orcas, can be seen during the winter months as well.

Iceland is sure to captivate your imagination and leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

PJE

Iceland, the land of fire and ice

June 19, 2024 No Comments

ROLLS-ROYCE ‘MODELS OF THE MARQUE’: THE 1910s – THE ROLLS-ROYCE 40/50 H.P. ‘SILVER GHOST’

June 5, 2024 No Comments

ROLLS-ROYCE ‘MODELS OF THE MARQUE’:
THE 1910s – THE ROLLS-ROYCE 40/50 H.P. ‘SILVER GHOST’

Monday 3 June, Goodwood, West Sussex

  • A brief history of the Rolls-Royce 40/50 H.P. – generally known as the ‘Silver Ghost’ – launched in 1906
  • Legendary performances in the great motor trials of the early 20th Century cemented Rolls-Royce’s reputation as creators of ‘the best car in the world’
  • Second in a series celebrating a landmark model from each decade of the marque’s history, from its foundational years in the 1900s to the contemporary Goodwood era
  • The selected motor cars represent significant developments in design, construction, engineering and technology that continue to influence the marque’s products today

“Of all the famous nameplates borne by Rolls-Royce motor cars since 1904, few are as celebrated, significant, evocative and enduring as the ‘Silver Ghost’. Formally launched in 1906 as the 40/50 H.P., it was the first model to be awarded the soubriquet of ‘the best car in the world’ that Rolls-Royce retains to this day, setting unmatchable standards for performance and reliability, proven in the era’s toughest road trials. It was also a stupendous commercial success, with almost 8,000 examples built in the UK and US over an 18-year period – an unimaginable product lifespan in the modern age. That so many Silver Ghosts still survive in full working order – and, indeed, regularly perform the same feats they achieved more than a century ago – is a lasting monument to Henry Royce’s engineering genius.”

Andrew Ball, Head of Corporate Relations and Heritage, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

 

By 1906, just three years after its foundation, Rolls-Royce was already something of a victim of its own success. Demand for its motor cars was such that its line-up had quickly expanded from the original twin-cylinder 10 H.P. to include three-cylinder 15 H.P., four-cylinder 20 H.P. and six-cylinder 30 H.P. models. Henry Royce had even produced the first ever V8 passenger motor car, known as the ‘Legalimit’ since the 3.5-litre engine was governed to keep it below the 20mph speed limit then in force in Britain – only three of these were ever made, and it remains the only Rolls-Royce model of which no examples survive. This proliferation of models reflected a trend across the luxury automotive sector, as competing manufacturers chased an ever more finely segmented client base.

However, for Rolls-Royce, it caused major manufacturing headaches, since many parts were not interchangeable between models. The problem was compounded by Henry Royce’s entirely laudable policy of continuous improvement; his constant adjustments and refinements went all the way down to the smallest components. This created variations between – and even within – production series, to the extent that often only a handful of individual motor cars would be entirely identical.

As with almost any manufacturing process, more complexity and variability meant increased costs. This was anathema to the highly astute, commercially driven Managing Director, Claude Johnson. Having decided radical change was needed, he proposed the marque should focus all its energies on producing just one model. Charles Rolls enthusiastically agreed, but insisted it should be positioned at the top end of the market, where Rolls-Royce was already gaining a reputation as the very best motor car available.

Though a ruthless perfectionist and tireless innovator, Royce was also a pragmatist. He saw the logic of his colleagues’ single-model approach and duly produced a completely new motor car, the 40/50 H.P.

As with all Rolls-Royce models of the time – and indeed until the 1950s – the 40/50 H.P. was a rolling chassis, upon which the client commissioned bodywork from an independent coachbuilder. At its heart was a new six-cylinder, 7036cc engine (from 1910, the capacity was increased to 7428cc). Royce’s groundbreaking design effectively divided the engine into two units of three cylinders each; combined with a harmonic vibration damper on the crankshaft – a feature still used by modern manufacturers – he effectively eliminated the vibration problems caused by resonate frequencies that had bedevilled six-cylinder engines up to that point.

This technical achievement alone would have been sufficient to make the 40/50 H.P. a historically significant motor car. But it was the marketing genius of Claude Johnson that assured its immortality.

When the 40/50 H.P. was launched, new motor cars were taxed based on their horsepower. In general, this meant higher-value motor cars attracted heavier duties than lower-priced models. Since many of the more powerful motor cars on the market were imported, the tax also helped protect domestic British producers.

To provide a universal basis for these tax calculations, the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) developed the ‘tax horsepower rating’. This was derived not from actual engine output, but by an esoteric mathematical formula based on three engine measurements, all the more arcane when expressed in the prevailing imperial units: an assumed mechanical efficiency of 75%; a mean cylinder pressure of 90lbs per square inch; and a mean piston speed of 1,000 feet per minute. Since these differed from engine to engine, in reality, the resulting figure was almost entirely arbitrary, but could be applied by manufacturers and bureaucrats alike. Using this formula, the new Rolls-Royce was tax-rated by the RAC at 40 horsepower; in fact, it developed 50. Hence it was given the prosaic ‘40/50 H.P.’ designation on launch, so clients would know both the level of duty they would have to pay and how much power they could expect.

As an engineer, Royce was probably quite comfortable with this functional naming convention, but not so Claude Johnson. To his showman’s mind, it lacked distinction, resonance, romance and glamour; and it certainly failed to properly suggest the desirable, best-in-class motor car envisioned by Charles Rolls.

Accordingly, some 50 of the early motor cars were given suitably imposing names, either by Johnson or by their proud owners. In an inspired moment, Johnson dubbed the twelfth chassis, number 60551, the ‘Silver Ghost’, in homage to its almost supernatural quietness and smooth ride. Painted silver and adorned with silver-plated fittings, it was widely exhibited by Rolls-Royce at motor shows, and Silver Ghost would go on to become the name by which the 40/50 H.P. was generally known, as it is today.

But chassis 60551 was more than just a showpiece. Out on the road, it dominated the gruelling, high-profile reliability trials that represented the pinnacle of motoring endeavour at that time and were thus central to Johnson’s relentless promotional activities. In the process, it perhaps did more than any other early Rolls-Royce model to establish the marque’s international reputation for performance and engineering excellence.

Its extraordinary run of success began with the 1907 Scottish Reliability Trial, in which it covered some 2,000 miles without a single breakdown, the only delay being for a minute to re-open a closed fuel tap. Immediately afterwards, it covered 15,000 miles non-stop, driving day and night except for Sundays, setting a new world record for continuous travel.

In 1911, impelled by his own pursuit of perfection and Johnson’s insatiable appetite for publicity, Royce unveiled a new version of the Silver Ghost. Known as the ‘London to Edinburgh’ type, it was designed for the RAC’s flagship reliability trial, a return run of almost 800 miles between the two capitals. In an age long before motorways, the route consisted almost entirely of poorly surfaced A- and B-roads; to add to the challenge, cars were locked in top gear from start to finish.

Chassis number 1701 won the event at an average speed of 19.59mph, returning a then-unheard-of fuel efficiency of over 24 mpg. To prove it had not been modified in any way, it achieved 78.2mph on a half-mile speed test conducted soon after the Trial; later that year, fitted with a lightweight streamlined body, it attained 101.8mph at the fabled Brooklands circuit in Surrey, becoming the first Rolls-Royce in history to exceed 100mph.

But arguably the 40/50 H.P.’s greatest sporting triumphs came in 1913. A ‘works team’ of three Silver Ghosts, plus one privately entered car, all specially prepared to the same specification for the rigours of high-speed endurance motoring, gained first and third places in that year’s Alpine Trial, which started and finished in Austria. Customers immediately demanded a Silver Ghost offering similar performance, so Rolls-Royce released a production model of the competition cars; formally named the Continental, these were generally known as ‘Alpine Eagles’. The Continental itself then scored a landmark win in the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix, driven by the newly appointed Rolls-Royce agent for Spain, Don Carlos de Salamanca. His victory by three minutes helped Rolls-Royce break into a Spanish market that had long been dominated by French marques.

These faultless performances, together with the quietness and smoothness of operation implicit in its name, secured the Silver Ghost’s reputation as ‘the best car in the world’. It proved an enormous commercial success for Rolls-Royce, with 6,173 examples built in Britain, and a further 1,703 at the marque’s American factory in Springfield, Massachusetts, between 1907 and 1925.

Thanks to these relatively large volumes over a long production run, the Silver Ghost has one of the largest surviving populations of early Rolls-Royce models. This longevity is a testament to Royce’s engineering and the marque’s build quality. Even more impressive, however, is that some are still capable of the performances they achieved when new. In 2013, 47 Silver Ghosts, including one of the original team, retraced the 1,800-mile route of the 1913 Alpenfahrt, while in 2021, chassis 1701 repeated its record-breaking London-Edinburgh run; locked in top gear, just as it had been 110 years earlier.

Lilium: advanced discussions with the French government

May 15, 2024 No Comments

Lilium is in advanced discussions with the French government to expand its industrial footprint with high-volume facilities in France

Lilium N.V. (NASDAQ: LILM), developer of the first all-electric vertical take-off and landing (“eVTOL”) jet and global pioneer in Regional Air Mobility (“RAM”), today confirmed that it is in advanced discussions with the French government on plans to expand its high- volume production capacity with an industrial footprint in France and on potential government subsidies and loan guarantees. This follows a French government announcement of the talks at the Choose France Summit in Versailles on May 13.
  • Lilium is keen to leverage France’s unique aerospace heritage and vast supplier base in aerospace and electrification to expand its high-volume production capacity of the Lilium Jet
  • Discussion of industrial footprint expansion into France, potential government subsidies and loan guarantees expected to be concluded in the coming weeks
  • Lilium expansion could create up to 850 new direct jobs in France
  • Lilium Jet production expected to boost French export volumes as vast majority of produced Jets would serve other countries

Lilium is currently evaluating several possible sites in France, including in the aerospace and battery production hotbeds of Nouvelle Aquitaine, to expand its industrial footprint, with discussions expected to conclude in the coming weeks. Among the many reasons to choose France, Lilium is attracted by France’s well-established aerospace industry, expertise in electric mobility, highly skilled workforce, and supportive government environment. With an estimated total future investment of up to €400 million over several years, Lilium would have the potential to create up to 850 new direct jobs with this expansion of its industrial footprint.

Founded in 2015, Lilium is a world-leading pioneer in the field of eVTOL technology and electric regional air mobility; and the only manufacturer worldwide with a certification basis for eVTOL aircraft in both Europe and the United States.

Initial production of the Lilium Jet began in 2023 at Lilium’s headquarters site close to Munich, Germany. With entry into service of the Lilium Jet planned for 2026, Lilium is preparing for larger-scale production to meet expected global market demand.

Lilium has an order pipeline consisting of over 780 Lilium Jets including binding orders and MoU agreements from operators in the United States, South America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. According to estimates by Morgan Stanley as of 2021, the global eVTOL market could be worth $1 trillion in global revenues by 2040. The planned new high-volume production facilities in France will serve the global market.

Lilium is currently working with multiple Tier 1 suppliers, including established French players such as Saint-Gobain, Michelin, Expliseat, and Ratier-Figeac. By expanding its manufacturing operations in France, Lilium expects to further leverage France’s unique heritage and vast supplier base in aerospace and electrification.

Lilium (NASDAQ: LILM) is creating a sustainable and accessible mode of high-speed, regional transportation for people and goods. Using the Lilium Jet, an all-electric vertical take-off and landing jet, designed to offer leading capacity, low noise, and high performance with zero operating emissions, Lilium is accelerating the decarbonization of air travel. Working with aerospace, technology, and infrastructure leaders, and with announced sales and indications of interest in Europe, the United States, China, Brazil, the UK, the United Arab Emirates, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Lilium’s 1000+ strong team includes approximately 500 aerospace engineers and a leadership team responsible for delivering some of the most successful aircraft in aviation history. Founded in 2015, Lilium’s headquarters and manufacturing facilities are in Munich, Germany, with teams based across Europe and the U.S. To learn more, visit www.lilium.com.

Private Jets Europe featured in the Prestigious Winners Guides 2023

March 15, 2024 No Comments

After winning, last year, the award “Best Luxury Private Jet Charter Broker in Romania, Private Jets Europe is listed now among the best in its industry.

Embark on a captivating journey through unparalleled luxury experiences with the Luxury Lifestyle Awards Hospitality & Lifestyle Guide 2023, where the dedicated profile page for Private Jets Europe appears on page 180.

Luxury Lifestyle Awards, the global authority on luxury and excellence, proudly announces the release of its highly anticipated Winners Guides 2023. These guides showcase the best of the best in the realms of Real Estate, Hospitality & Lifestyle, and Sustainability.

As you peruse this refined guide, you will discover the leaders who have redefined the very essence of luxury in the hospitality and lifestyle sectors. From exquisite resorts and hotels to world-class dining establishments, from avant-garde fashion and beauty brands to innovative wellness and eco-conscious offerings, each page unveils the transformative power of unparalleled excellence.

Prestigious Winners Guides 2023: A Celebration of Excellence in Real Estate, Hospitality, and Sustainability.

PJE Travel Cards 2024

March 10, 2024 No Comments
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