Volocopter Completes Inaugural eVTOL Flight at the Palace of Versailles

Volocopter, a pioneer in sustainable air mobility, has successfully executed the world’s first electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) flight test at the World Heritage site of the Palace of Versailles. This significant flight marks the culmination of this summer’s comprehensive operational validation test campaign at the Aerodrome of Saint-Cyr-l’Ecole and Versailles. Volocopter and its partners plan to return to Paris later this year to conduct a pilot of our eVTOL aircraft over the heart of Paris.

At the break of dawn in Versailles, the Volocopter aircraft ascended against the historic panorama of the Grand Trianon and its gardens. This momentous flight was commemorated with the company’s enduring Parisian collaborators, Groupe ADP and the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC), who tirelessly coordinated the event. The flight’s success serves as a profound endorsement of confidence in the aircraft’s safety and the Volocopter brand by the French and European aviation authorities, partners, and spectators of our numerous global flights.

“I am elated with the dedication and professionalism of the Volocopter team who spent months to get where we are today. Every new location and flight take tremendous effort from us, our partners, and authorities. The sustainable air mobility community is still at the start line, but today’s flight in this exceptional environment was the perfect closing ceremony to our summer, as we look forward to returning to Paris very soon.” Dirk Hoke – CEO Volocopter

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Volocopter Completes Inaugural eVTOL Flight at the Palace of Versailles

August 28, 2024 No Comments

For more than a century, the Spirit of Ecstasy has symbolised elegance and human achievement, inspiring countless works of art, from music to photography and moving image. In 2024, the year the marque celebrates its 120th anniversary, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars pays homage to its timeless muse in a unique Private Collection, named Phantom Scintilla.

“Speed with silence, the absence of vibration, the mysterious harnessing of great energy, and a beautiful living organism of superb grace.”
Claude Johnson, Managing Director, Rolls-Royce Limited – Original brief for a Rolls‑Royce figurine (1910)

“The unveiling of a Private Collection is always a landmark moment. These rare and collectable motor cars, limited to just a handful of examples worldwide, are true masterpieces. They illustrate the boundless ingenuity and skill of the creatives and craftspeople at the Home of Rolls-Royce and stimulate ideas among our clients for their own commissions. They also affirm Rolls-Royce’s status as an authentic luxury house. We do not simply build motor cars — we create rare, complex and exquisitely crafted super-luxury products that are highly prized by collectors today and will be cherished long into the future.

Crafting exquisite Bespoke products and shaping extraordinary experiences directly responds to the requirements of today’s super-luxury consumers. This approach will continue to shape our business. We will grow our global network of VIP-only Private Office outposts, where our designers collaborate directly with our clients to co-create the most extraordinary motor cars, wherever they are in the world. We will expand our home in Goodwood to grow the scale of our Bespoke offering, and we will continue to craft the most intricate and sophisticated experiences and Bespoke luxury goods in the world. Phantom Scintilla, which honours our enduring muse, the Spirit of Ecstasy, is the perfect expression of these principles.”
Chris Brownridge, Chief Executive, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

For more than a century, the Spirit of Ecstasy has symbolised elegance and human achievement, inspiring countless works of art, from music to photography and moving image. In 2024, the year the marque celebrates its 120th anniversary, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars pays homage to its timeless muse in a unique Private Collection, named Phantom Scintilla. Based on Phantom Extended – the ultimate canvas for personalisation – this magnificent collection celebrates the ethereal beauty, grace and legacy of the Spirit of Ecstasy.

Limited to just ten examples worldwide, Rolls-Royce Phantom Scintilla’s design evokes the wonder of the Spirit of Ecstasy’s fleeting presence: its exquisite interior features were inspired by the apparent movement of her robes, as the motor car glides by.

Graceful Bespoke embroidery flowing throughout the interior captures the Spirit of Ecstasy’s elegant dynamism, culminating in a complex Gallery artwork. Carefully curated design features allude to the figurine’s origins with their references to Parian Marble: it was in this famed material that, more than 2,000 years ago, an unknown genius of Classical Greece sculpted The Winged Victory of Samothrace, the statue that inspired Claude Johnson’s original idea for a Rolls‑Royce mascot.

Phantom Scintilla derives its name from the Latin word for ‘spark’ – a bright flash, witnessed only for an instant. This refers to Claude Johnson’s first flash of inspiration for a mascot, the aforementioned Greek statue, and captures the Spirit of Ecstasy’s ethereal grace – something glimpsed only for a moment as the motor car passes by, but which leaves a lasting impression.

A NEW CHAPTER TO AN OLD STORY

In 1910, Rolls-Royce Managing Director Claude Johnson commissioned sculptor and illustrator Charles Sykes to create a Rolls-Royce mascot. Johnson already had an inspiration in mind: on a trip to Paris, he had visited the Louvre and been greatly impressed by the Greek marble statue of a deity descending from the heavens – The Winged Victory of Samothrace, which dates from 190 BCE.

Sykes, however, felt the statue was too domineering to be a suitable subject. Having often travelled in Silver Ghosts, he believed a more delicate, ethereal figure would better express the marque’s grace, silence and subtle power. It is now generally accepted that he took his inspiration for what would become the Spirit of Ecstasy from Eleanor Thornton, Lord Montagu’s secretary and paramour. In creating Phantom Scintilla, the Bespoke Collective has reclaimed some of Johnson’s original inspiration, by introducing new materials and subtle references to the captivating vision of The Winged Victory of Samothrace.

MATERIAL MAGIC

The famed statue is sculpted in Parian marble, a fine-grained white marble quarried during the classical era on the Greek island of Paros. Known for its purity and radiance, this material allows light to penetrate to a depth of several centimetres, giving it a lustre that appears to come from within.

For Phantom Scintilla, the Spirit of Ecstasy figurine has been given a ceramic finish that skilfully alludes to the texture of Parian marble, while retaining its familiar femininity and ethereality – a Rolls-Royce icon that finally unites the visions of both Johnson and Sykes.

“We were fascinated with the qualities of Parian marble, and this material became the subject of our research for many months. To create a clear and elegant connection to the famed statue, we developed a ceramic finish that captures the translucence and purity of this unique stone, and perfectly embraces the ethereal nature of our icon”.
Celina Mettang, Bespoke Colour and Material Designer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

EXTERIOR: GREEK INSPIRATION

Phantom Scintilla’s exterior is presented in a two-tone Bespoke finish. The upper body is in Andalusian White, with the lower body in Thracian Blue, inspired by the colours of the sea around the island of Samothrace, whence the statue of The Winged Victory of Samothrace originates. A subtle metallic flake mimics the sparkle of sunlight on the water. The hand-painted double Coachline and Wheel Pinstripes in Spirit Blue complete the graceful exterior.

INTERIOR: EXPRESSIVE MOVEMENT

The interior is filled with design elements, textures and a continuous graphic inspired by the Spirit of Ecstasy’s expressive, dynamic form – the result of an intense collaboration between Bespoke designers and artisans. The graphic moves through the cabin, embracing the occupants in an uninterrupted flow of energy.

“We wanted to create a single graphic that almost appears as a watercolour artwork – we call it ‘painting with thread’. To create a luminescent effect, we used four different colours, thread thicknesses and stitch orientations. In doing so, we covered areas never explored in a Rolls-Royce before, achieving the most extensive density of embroidery ever seen in a Rolls-Royce motor car.”
Katrin Lehmann, Bespoke Colour and Material Designer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

The lead artisan tasked with bringing this idea to life, Brienny Dudley, experimented with a variety of stitches and hues before selecting the tatami stitch, which was applied over six layers, interlacing in varying degrees of density and complexity. The full interior composition comprises 869,500 stitches and takes over 40 hours to complete.

“Translating this design into a three-dimensional form was a wonderful creative challenge, requiring more than two and a half years of close collaboration with our Bespoke design team to achieve the right level of detail, texture and tactility in the embroidery. Having two canvases – leather and fabric – added another level of complexity, as these materials respond to stitching in different ways. 36 individually embroidered panels had to be carefully curated so that they aligned perfectly, creating a seamless, flowing motif through the interior suite.”
Brienny Dudley, Bespoke Craft Specialist, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

The embroidered motif on the doors – the most complex door design ever seen on a Rolls-Royce – is made of 633,000 stitches combining Blue Grey, Arctic White, Spirit Blue, Powder Blue and Pastel Yellow thread, complemented by illuminated perforations. By night, the embroidery takes on a mesmerising, luminescent sparkle and appears to glow from within. The seats are upholstered in a twill fabric with a subtle reflective sheen, providing an additional complexity to the material interplay within the interior. 236,500 stitches applied in Blue Grey, Arctic White and Spirit Blue thread continue the complex graphic spanning across the four doors.

‘CELESTIAL PULSE’ GALLERY ARTWORK

The centrepiece of Phantom Scintilla is a Bespoke artwork in the Gallery which runs the full width of the front fascia. Entitled Celestial Pulse, the work consists of seven ribbons, each individually milled from solid aluminium, before being adorned with the same finely-grained ceramic finish as the Spirit of Ecstasy figurine. The edges are polished to a mirror shine so that they catch the light, creating a sense of movement and fluidity.

Claude Johnson’s original brief for a Rolls-Royce mascot is displayed on an embossed plate concealed in the glove compartment. These words, written in 1910, wonderfully capture the essence of the Phantom Scintilla Private Collection: ‘Speed with silence, the absence of vibration, the mysterious harnessing of great energy, and a beautiful living organism of superb grace’.

‘FLEETING MOMENT’ STARLIGHT HEADLINER

Phantom Scintilla’s Bespoke Starlight Headliner features an animation inspired by the Spirit of Ecstasy’s flowing gown. 1,500 fibre-optic ‘stars’, all placed and fitted by hand in a unique pattern, illuminate in sequence, adding to the sense of motion. The design is completed with a further 4,450 perforations deliberately made larger than usual to reveal glimpses of a metallic silver fabric beneath, creating a subtle interplay of light.

GRACEFUL DETAILS

The sense of movement continues on the rear picnic tables, with a delicate graphic capturing the Spirit of Ecstasy’s fluidity of motion. The motif is applied with the masking technique on top of the glossy iridescent surface, then hand-sanded and coated with a matte finish, creating the illusion of two subtle, shifting colours. The full wood set is rendered in Arctic White and finished with a lacquer mixed with iridescent metallic particles. To achieve the effect, craftspeople apply up to 19 coats of lacquer – a process that takes more than 190 hours per motor car.

The Private Collection name is engraved on the polished stainless-steel treadplates. As a finishing touch, each commission is supplied with a Bespoke car cover.

The Rolls-Royce Phantom Scintilla Private Collection is available exclusively through the marque’s international Private Office network.

CO2 EMISSIONS & CONSUMPTION.

Source: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars PressClub

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ROLLS-ROYCE PRESENTS PHANTOM SCINTILLA PRIVATE COLLECTION: A TRIBUTE TO THE SPIRIT OF ECSTASY

August 22, 2024 No Comments

EBAA to Produce Future Editions of EBACE

Brussels, Belgium & Washington, DC, 19 August 2024 – Today, the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) and the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) announced that EBAA has purchased NBAA’s interest in the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE). With the purchase, EBAA has become the sole producer of all future editions of EBACE, including EBACE2025. Financial terms of the purchase agreement were not disclosed.

“EBACE is well recognised as the premier business aviation event in Europe, bringing together the latest aircraft, newest technologies, industry visionaries and innovators, policymakers and key decision-makers,” said EBAA Secretary General Holger Krahmer. “EBAA is looking forward to building upon this amazing platform, establishing the new EBACE as the leading hub for Europe’s business aviation professionals in ways that reflect the unique nature of business aviation in Europe.”

“NBAA and EBAA enjoy a very strong relationship, forged over decades of working together to promote business aviation in Europe, the United States and around the world,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “We look forward to continuing that relationship as we work together in all aspects of business aviation, including safety, sustainability, innovation, workforce development and security.”

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About EBAA
The European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) is the leading organization for operators of business aircraft in Europe. Our mission is to enable responsible, sustainable growth for business aviation, enhance connectivity and create opportunities. EBAA works to improve safety standards and share knowledge, to further positive regulation and to ease all aspects of closely tailored, flexible, point to point air transportation for individuals, governments, businesses and local communities in the most time-efficient way possible. Founded in 1977 and based in Brussels, EBAA represents +700 members companies, corporate operators, commercial operators, manufacturers, airports, fixed-based operators, and more, with a total fleet of +1,000 aircraft. Learn more about EBAA.

About NBAA
Founded in 1947 and based in Washington, DC, the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) is the leading organization for companies that rely on general aviation aircraft to help make their businesses more efficient, productive, and successful. The association represents more than 10,000 company and professional members and provides more than 100 products and services to the business aviation community, including the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), the world’s largest civil aviation trade show. Learn more about NBAA.

EBAA to Produce Future Editions of EBACE

August 19, 2024 No Comments

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars unveils Spectre Semaphore, a Bespoke one-of-one commission that will make its global debut at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, on 16 August, during the 2024 Monterey Car Week in California. This highly Bespoke expression of Rolls-Royce Spectre captures the bold new codes of luxury being established by the marque’s confident, youthful client base.

The exterior coachwork is finished in Bespoke Semaphore Yellow – the colour from which this commission takes its name. This solid hue is further elevated with a unique artwork on the bonnet, inspired by the informal elegance of coastal California. Named ‘Marbled Paint Spill’, the graphic is an abstract tribute to the Golden State and its diverse environment. From the sunshine of Southern California to the eastern silver mountain tops, the Bespoke artisans have brought this inspiration to reality.

To create this motif, Rolls-Royce craftspeople applied silver lacquer and multiple layers of clearcoat for a seamless finish. The bonnet alone is the product of over 160 hours of design, development and production. The bright yellow colourway extends into the motor car’s interior. A combination of Bespoke Lemon Yellow and Citrine Yellow is used across the seats, Starlight doors and above the instrument panel. It blends into the contrasting Grace White and Slate Grey hues with Lemon Yellow stitching. The marque’s designers also leveraged the digital Bespoke potential offered by the SPIRIT operating system by complementing the dials to the motor car’s yellow colourway.

Spectre Semaphore maximises the interior suite’s contemporary design with a clean, high-polish Bespoke painted wood set. Coloured to match the grey material accents, the Cashmere Grey paint is infused with silver mica flakes, which creates a vivacious sparkle under direct light. Only one Rolls-Royce Spectre Semaphore will be built. It will be displayed on 16 August at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, as part of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ presence at Monterey Car Week 2024.

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.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars unveils Spectre Semaphore

August 9, 2024 No Comments

It is both surprising and unfortunate that in the business aviation sector, approximately 44% of private jets fly completely empty, carrying neither passengers nor cargo. An empty-leg flight is when a private jet flies without passengers or cargo. This happens when the plane must return to its home base or move to another location for its next charter. Theoretically, this offers travellers a chance to experience the luxury of private flying for less money.

Numerous operators and charter brokers concentrate their marketing strategies on filling empty legs to ‘democratize’ private aviation, thereby making it more accessible. While there are advantages from financial and environmental standpoints, the service may be unsatisfactory if clients are not fully informed before booking. Logistically and from a service standpoint, numerous complications can arise, making the process more challenging than it appears. So, what is the reality of empty legs, and what can actually occur?

While empty leg flights can provide significant savings, it’s crucial to be aware of their limitations. Such flights may have strict restrictions on changes, cancellations, or may require adherence to fixed itineraries.

Make sure you understand the terms and conditions of booking an empty leg flight to prevent unexpected issues. Keep in mind that a “discount” does not imply “inexpensive” – booking an economy seat on a commercial airline will always be more cost-effective. Even with a 75% discount, a 90-minute empty leg flight can still cost several thousand dollars off the original charter price.

Below are the top tips to ensure you are well-informed before inquiring about an empty leg flight.

When considering booking an empty leg flight, it’s crucial to understand that the schedule is determined by the aircraft’s repositioning requirements. Therefore, the dates, routes, and times may vary more than those of standard commercial flights. Hence, booking empty leg flights could offer better opportunities if you have flexible travel dates. Openness to various options can enhance your likelihood of securing an appropriate empty leg that matches your itinerary. If you’re open to arranging your plans around an unconfirmed flight to enjoy the benefits of private flying at a lower cost, then opting for an empty leg flight could be an excellent choice. However, when travelling for an important event, the desired flights may not always be available on your preferred travel dates.
Securing the best deals on empty leg flights requires both good timing and flexibility. However, planning ahead can also provide an edge. Due to their popularity, empty leg flights are frequently snapped up quickly.
Explore dedicated platforms or specialized providers that focus on empty leg flights;
Familiarise yourself with the seating capacities of private jets to better suit your needs. If you have a group ready to travel and willing to pay for their seats, be aware that operators may require booking the entire jet, unlike semi-private flights. Therefore, maximising the number of passengers can help ensure you enjoy the lowest cost per seat.
As a niche segment of the air travel market, there may be only one flight available between your chosen departure and arrival cities in the month you plan to travel. There’s no guarantee that the return flight will be on an empty leg, so it’s essential to have a backup plan.
Make sure the advertised empty legs are actually real and updated, sometimes they are not always accurate and sometimes don’t even exist.
Without agreed permits and a secured crew, there is no absolute guarantee that an empty leg flight will proceed. It’s also important to remember that empty legs rely on the primary charter proceeding without any alterations to the aircraft’s scheduled itinerary. Consequently, there is always a risk of last-minute delays or cancellations, even just a few hours before departure.
Be mindful of the final price, as hidden costs may be added to the flight by some providers. Many brokers often fail to disclose additional taxes, fuel surcharges, landing fees, and other expenses necessary for the flight’s operation. When flying in winter, it’s also advisable to check if the operator reveals their de-icing costs before booking. Additionally, Wi-Fi is typically billed after the flight based on the amount of bandwidth consumed.
Always review the terms and conditions prior to flying. Operators may not provide any protection in the event of an AOG (Aircraft on Ground) situation due to maintenance issues. If you have strict travel plans and need to be at a specific location for an event, it’s advisable to consider booking a traditional charter, even if an empty leg flight seems to align with your schedule.

A proficient broker will always recommend a contingency plan and strive to secure availability for an urgent flight departing from the same or a nearby airport. It’s important to remember that empty leg flights, from an operator’s viewpoint, are merely incidental to their core business of passenger transport. Consequently, they are bound by the same limitations as any private jet charter.

Typically, the availability of empty leg flights increases during the peak travel seasons and significant holidays, as jets are frequently repositioning. By remaining adaptable and keeping an eye on available flights, you can take advantage of outstanding deals for luxury travel at substantially reduced prices.

In conclusion, empty leg flights are ideally suited for those with flexible schedules who enjoy spontaneous trips. However, it’s wise to have a backup plan to avoid any potential disruption to your vacation.

Understanding Empty Leg Flights

August 6, 2024 No Comments

MODELS OF THE MARQUE: THE 1930s THE ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM III

August 2, 2024 No Comments

The fourth in the ‘Models of the Marque’ series showcases the Rolls-Royce Phantom III. Launched in 1936, it was the first model to be powered by a V12 engine, setting the template for every Rolls-Royce up to and including the modern era. It was also Sir Henry Royce’s last major design before his passing in 1933.

A brief history of the Rolls-Royce Phantom III launched in 1936
The first Rolls-Royce motor car powered by a V12 engine
Sir Henry Royce’s last major design before his passing in 1933
Naming of the marque’s first all-electric model, Spectre, was inspired by ten experimental Phantom IIIs built from 1934 to 1937
Fourth in a series celebrating landmark models from the marque’s history
Year-long retrospective marks the 120th anniversary of the first meeting between Henry Royce and The Hon. Charles Stewart Rolls in 1904

“Launched in 1936, Phantom III has a special place in the pantheon of great Rolls-Royce motor cars. It was the first to be powered by a V12 engine, setting the template for every Rolls-Royce up to and including the modern era, while also incorporating suspension and chassis technology that secured the marque’s enduring reputation for both peerless comfort and outstanding performance. There is a certain poignancy to this motor car, too. Production ceased in 1939 and, despite its technical advances and immense potential, never resumed, leaving a question of what might have been. It was also Sir Henry Royce’s last major design, which his death in 1933 meant he never saw completed. But, visionary that he was, he had established fundamental technical and design tenets that still hold true today.”
Andrew Ball, Head of Corporate Relations & Heritage, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

As early as 1930, Sir Henry Royce realised that his large-horsepower, in-line six-cylinder Rolls-Royce engines were reaching their technical limits. In simple terms, there wasn’t much more power or torque he could feasibly extract from them. He realised that Rolls-Royce risked losing ground to its American rivals, who were already busily producing luxury cars with much more powerful engines in V8, V12, and even V16 configurations.

Royce had a wealth of experience in designing V12 aero engines, and Rolls-Royce was equally adept at making them. It was therefore a logical and natural progression for Royce to create a V12 engine for the successor to Phantom II, which had appeared in 1929.

Royce’s new engine represented significant technical progress. The new V12 was shorter than Phantom II’s in-line six-cylinder unit, with a capacity of 7.3 litres compared to its predecessor’s 7.6 litres. These more compact dimensions allowed a shorter bonnet and larger passenger compartment, giving coachbuilders more scope than earlier Rolls-Royce rolling chassis. Most importantly, however, the new engine delivered the increased power Royce was seeking. In its initial form, it produced 165 H.P., compared to the 120 of Phantom II, rising to 180 in later motor cars.

The chassis, too, was a major leap forward in design. In another first for the marque, Royce equipped Phantom III with independent front suspension, an innovation that considerably increased both ride comfort and steering control. Characteristically, his design team also incorporated a great number of smaller engineering advances that owners and passengers would probably never notice but greatly reduced the transmission of noise, vibration and harshness caused by poor road surfaces. Taken together, these developments made the Phantom III one of the quietest and smoothest-riding cars of the 1930s. When fitted with Royce’s preferred lightweight coachwork, it was capable of reaching 100 miles per hour.

Royce saw experimental versions of the engine completed, but his death in April 1933 came a year before the first test cars were ready. Ten of these experimental Phantom III motor cars were built between 1934 and 1937 under the codename Spectre, a storied name that lives on today in the marque’s first all-electric model.

The first production Phantom III chassis, sporting a saloon-with-division body built by H. J. Mulliner, was delivered in August 1936. In all, 710 examples were produced, before Rolls-Royce ceased its motor car production in 1939; the last Phantom III was purchased in June 1940.

The directors of Rolls-Royce knew that, once peace returned, they would be operating in a very different world – and that there would be no place in it for a motor car like Phantom III. Perhaps even more so than in 1918, the marque would have to focus its energies on models that were more in keeping with the time, while continuing to build upon the standards of quality and refinement expected of a Rolls-Royce. So, despite its technical brilliance, superlative performance and immense potential for further development, its brief but transformative life was over. Yet its influence would be felt in every Rolls-Royce motor car right up to and including the V12-powered models still being built at Goodwood today. An enduring testament to both the excellence of Phantom III’s design and engineering, and the visionary talents of its creator.

Source: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars PressClub

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has appointed Automobile Bavaria as its official dealer in Romania

August 2, 2024 No Comments

The new dealership will operate under the name Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Bucharest. Automobile Bavaria becomes first authorized Rolls-Royce dealer in Romania since the foundation of the brand 120 years ago.

As an authorized dealer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Bucharest will have the capability to offer the complete range of products and services directly. Clients in Romania will enjoy enhanced access to the Rolls-Royce portfolio and services, supported by the exceptional commitment and support for which Automobile Bavaria is renowned.

Rolls-Royce is set to open a showroom worth nearly 1 million euros in the north of Bucharest. This marks also the first time the British luxury car manufacturer will establish an authorized dealership in Romania. BMW’s brand is distributed in Romania through Automobile Bavaria, which also manages the official Rolls-Royce service center in Bucharest.

Consequently, Romania is poised to become the third country in the Balkans, alongside the Czech Republic and Turkey, to inaugurate an official Rolls-Royce showroom, located within the Automobile Bavaria complex in Băneasa. Automobile Bavaria has been inaugurated as a Rolls-Royce service partner in 2010. The new dealer Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Bucharest forms part of Schmidt Premium Cars, as does Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Munich.

The announcement was made during a press conference held at the British ambassador’s residence in Bucharest. The event was attended by Giles Portman, the British Ambassador to Bucharest, Michael Schmidt Owner of Automobile Bavaria, Frank Tiemann – Head of Corporate Communication for Central/Eastern Europe and Central Asia Rolls at Royce Motor Cars, Leonhard Georg Pfeffer, CEO Automobile Bavaria, Cristian Bednar -Brand Manager at Rolls-Royce Authorised Service Workshop Bucharest and Ciprian Bercea – Marketing & Digitalization Director at Automobile Bavaria, along with members of the Romanian press.

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Rolls-Royce Motor Cars London kicks off the summer sporting season by inviting patrons to enjoy one of the most sought-after highlights in the sporting summer season

July 11, 2024 No Comments

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars London kicks off the summer sporting season by inviting patrons to enjoy one of the most sought-after highlights in the sporting summer season: a day at The Hurlingham Club Tennis Classic.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is fortunate to have personal relationships with its clients around the world, and an intimate understanding of the unique and remarkable world in which its patrons live. It is therefore fitting that the marque serves a gentle presence at some of the world’s most luxurious locations and events, where existing owners and those wishing to learn more about the brand can enjoy the Rolls-Royce experience in a different, yet highly appropriate setting.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars London kicks off the summer sporting season by inviting patrons to enjoy one of the most sought-after highlights in the sporting summer season: a day at The Hurlingham Club Tennis Classic. Speaking on the eve of the event, Claus Andersen, Brand Director of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars London, said, “Crafting and delivering unforgettable experiences is a cornerstone of our commitment to clients. Hosting patrons and media at The Hurlingham Club is just one of the many highly personal encounters and memorable experiences we offer, and is indicative of the marque’s unique approach to connecting with its audience.”
Claus Andersen, Brand Director, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars London

Since its opening in 1869, The Hurlingham Club, with its croquet and tennis lawns, and beautifully manicured gardens, has been a sought-after destination, renowned for its sporting prestige, lifestyle events and social occasions. Located on the River Thames, only a few miles away from the marque’s flagship showroom in the heart of Mayfair, The Hurlingham Club, is a glorious place to meet old friends and new.

Rolls-Royce Spectre, the marque’s ultra-luxury all-electric super coupé, will be making its debut at the event, accompanied by an exquisite collection of other Rolls-Royce motor cars which showcase just some of the marque’s legendary Bespoke possibilities.

Source: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars PressClub

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 120^th 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

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