Rolls-Royce reveals Phantom VIII

Rolls-Royce has revealed the Phantom VIII in London. The car is based on an aluminium spaceframe rather than a monocoque. According to Rolls-Royce, the new architecture is 30 percent more rigid than that of the Phantom VII.

The Phantom VIII carries forward the car's traditional design. Apart from minor tweaks, its profile is comparable to the outgoing Phantom. The car retains its long hood, strong shoulder line that drops off at the rear and suicide doors. However, it gets revised front and rear bumpers and as new LED headlights and tail lights.

While the basic layout of the dashboard has not changed, there are minor styling tweaks. These include a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, i-Drive-based infotainment screen, now positioned in the centre of the dashboard and the Rolls-Royce timepiece now moved to the passenger side. The car also gets a new 7x3 head-up display. Rear seat passengers can use aircraft-style tray tables, screens behind the front seats, drink cabinets with glassware and reclining seats. Other features include various driver assist programmes, night vision, active cruise control, collision warning, pedestrian and cross-traffic warning, lane departure warning and WiFi hotspot.

The new Phantom is powered by a 6.75-litre, twin-turbocharged V12 engine that produces 563 BHP @ 5,000 rpm and 900 @ 1,800 rpm. The engine is mated to an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission. The Phantom VIII also comes with 22-inch "Silent-Seal Tires" that have a foam layer inside, which is claimed to reduce tyre noise by 9 decibels. Additionally, there is 6 mm double-layer sound insulation, which weighs 130 kg. The car comes with a new double-wishbone front suspension at the front and a five-link setup with air-suspension at the rear. 

Rolls-Royce has not yet revealed any plans to launch the Phantom VIII in India.