It has been more than a decade since the seventh-generation Rolls-Royce Phantom made its debut, a model that has been synonymous with opulence, luxury and of course, rap music. Rolls-Royce is set to reveal the eighth generation of its popular nameplate later this month (some say on July 27), but leaked photos have already made their way onto the internet.
These come from Autohome, and appear to be photographs of the Phantom’s digital brochure. As you can see, the styling changes appear to evolutionary rather than revolutionary, with defining Phantom cues still very much present.
The trademark grille continues to be a feature, as is the retractable Spirit of Ecstasy bonnet ornament above it. However, said grille appears to be lose some width to accommodate the wider and sleeker-looking headlights.
The lower apron also appears more dynamic than before thanks to the wider intake with what appears to be chrome “wings” within them. Also note the expanded number of vents, including a pair of slits near the bottom of the grille.
A side view reveals what is likely the long-wheelbase version of the new Phantom, which largely retains the Phantom’s familiar profile. The rear doors continue to be rear-hinged as before, so you can still continue to use the slang “suicide doors.”
These photos make it hard to ascertain if there will be any changes to the car’s dimensions, although with the new Phantom expected to ride on the same CLAR platform as the latest G11/12 BMW 7 Series, we expect some revisions. Like the 7er, the switch to an aluminium-intensive platform should make the Phantom lighter when weighed on the scales.
Meanwhile, the interior receives a more thorough revision, where the air-con vents are now positioned lower than before. We reckon the vacated space will accommodate the Phantom’s new touchscreen infotainment that is hidden away behind a bespoke panel on the main dashboard. The dash-mounted clock is moved to the right likely to accommodate this revision.
The current Phantom’s three-spoke steering wheel also gets an update here, and it appears the instrument cluster has gone the digital route rather than analogue dials from before. Referring back to previous spyshots of the new Phantom’s interior, most of what is said above is certainly coherent. However, we’ll have to wait for the official reveal before our assumptions are validated.
GALLERY: 2018 Rolls-Royce Phantom spyshots
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It is good that BMW maintained the name of Phantom and did not do drastic design changes, maintaining the largely square design.
Heritage. You are the King.
When you get older, you prefer elegant traditional designs over futuristic fluidic supermodern designs.
Imagine Lee Kuan Yew drives a Lamborghini to work.
Thanks for reminding me to buy a RR effigy, delivered later to LKY by combustion tonight…lol