1929 - Rolls-royce Phantom on 2040-cars

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Rolls-Royce readying Wraith convertible

For seven years, Rolls-Royce got by on the Phantom line alone, expanding on the original saloon with a long-wheelbase version, a coupe and the convertible. But now that the Ghost is part of the family, Goodwood seems to be following a similar expansion.
What started with the Ghost sedan has since been joined by the extended-wheelbase model and the Wraith fastback coupe. And now we're receiving spy shots of a Wraith-based convertible undergoing testing.
Potentially to be called the Wraith Drophead Coupe like its larger Phantom-based counterpart, the cabrio is likely to borrow much from the Wraith fastback - including its 6.6-liter twin-turbo V12 producing 624 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque - but with a folding cloth roof mechanism to let the wind and engine note in, although the prototype pictured here is wearing a makeshift hardtop.

Rolls-Royce rolls out specials at Dubai show

True to style, Rolls-Royce arrived at the Dubai Motor Show this year with some new special-edition wheels. Leading the charge was the Golf Edition of the Ghost. Ordered up specially by the local importer, the Golf edition "takes its inspiration from the fairways to appeal to discerning sportsmen, incorporating design cues and materials that evoke the history of this gentleman's sport." What that translates to in practical terms (as if a Rolls-Royce could ever be considered "practical") is a two-tone paint job of dark green and beige and a three-tone interior treatment of light cream, dark green, and deep red. The cabin is also augmented by the requisite starlight headliner, custom picnic tables, and lambswool floor mats. Tartan-lined door pockets, mahogany and persimmon wood veneers, and other special touches round out the unique treatment aimed at golf enthusiasts. The special Ghost was joined as well by the one-of-a-kind Tiger edition of the Phantom Coupe. This unique take on Goodwood's big two-door boasts a rather unsubtle paint scheme of dark and light orange, complimented by a tiger-motif coachline. Fortunately things are relatively more toned-down inside, with tan and beige leather and a proliferation of custom accents to conjure the large striped feline. The pair follow hot on the heels of the 1001 Nights edition of the Ghost that was introduced in the UAE mere weeks ago. Rolls also took the occasion to showcase the new Dawn convertible and the Wraith Inspired by Music edition at the Dubai show. Both are based on the same architecture, the former with a fabric top and the latter – revealed this past summer – with a fixed roof and trim drawn from the recording industry. Scope out the lineup in the image gallery above and the press release below. Related Video: ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS REDEFINES SUPER- LUXURY BESPOKE MOTORING AT THE DUBAI INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW Rolls-Royce Motor Cars reaffirmed its mantle as the undisputed pinnacle of Bespoke automotive luxury with the unveiling of Phantom Coupe Tiger, Ghost Golf and Wraith 'Inspired by Music' at the Dubai International Motor Show, on a day that also saw the Rolls-Royce Dawn make its first public appearance in the region.

Even Aston Martin and Rolls-Royce have designed flying taxis

Think British-built taxi cabs and you're likely to think of the classic, black London taxis. However, there are British companies eager to take taxis to the skies — bearing vaunted nameplates. Aston Martin has created the Volante Vision Concept, which isn't a sports car, but a luxury VTOL aircraft. It is the product of a joint venture with Cranfield University, Cranfield Aerospace Solutions and Rolls-Royce, and Aston says it's a "near-future study" that previews a flying autonomous hybrid-electric vehicle. It's meant for both urban and inter-city travel. The hybrid powertrain would come courtesy of Rolls-Royce Electrical, which has already provided such systems for marine and train use. The Volante Vision Concept's design language has been overseen by Marek Reichman, who stated the following: "We are at the beginning of a new generation of urban transportation; vertical mobility is no longer a fantasy. We have a unique chance to create a luxury concept aircraft that will represent the ultimate fusion of art and technology. We have used forms and proportions that express the same devotion to design, engineering and beauty that shape our cars." The leather interior bears familiar, winged Aston Martin badging — though this time the wings are especially appropriate. Beyond working with Aston Martin, Rolls-Royce plc has also designed a flying taxi of its own. Similarly VTOL, Rolls-Royce's hybrid-electric taxi has rotating wings and uses a gas turbine engine paired to hybrid tech; it is designed to carry four or five passengers and offers a 500-mile range with a top speed of 250 mph. And Rolls, of course, as a major supplier of aircraft engines, knows a thing or two about flying. Rolls says that if there is a business case for the flying taxi, it could see production in the early-to-mid-2020s. The Rolls-Royce concept was presented Monday at the Farnborough Air Show. Related Video: Featured Gallery Aston Martin / Rolls-Royce Flying Taxis Image Credit: Aston Martin, Rolls-Royce plc Design/Style Aston Martin Rolls-Royce Technology Emerging Technologies Autonomous Vehicles Commercial Vehicles Future Vehicles Luxury Special and Limited Editions air taxi