Rolls-Royce VISION NEXT 100 is for the oligarchs of the future [w/360° video]
Rolls-Royce VISION NEXT 100 is really pushing "the boundaries of the possible"?
Rolls-Royce VISION NEXT 100 was just revealed and if you follow us on Facebook, you should probably know this already. Since the brand was resurrected in 2003 with the release of the Phantom and with BMW as a parent, it has achieved many and great successes. It was also about time to follow the steps of BWM and release it VISION NEXT 100 variant. This ‘Vision Vehicle', also called 103EX, is actually one of the four announced by the BMW Group in March as it launched its centenary celebrations – THE NEXT 100 YEARS.
In other words, the how the car defines the future of luxury mobility. We see many styling cues with BMW's version that are most certainly pleasing the eye. The ultimate concept car is as innovative as possible, but at the same time expresses the design history of the Rolls-Royce. It has an exciting and extremely appealing vision of autonomous and spacious luxury mobility.
SEE ALSO: BMW Showcases the Unique VISION NEXT 100 Vehicle
Envisioned as highly authentic luxury mobility, the car is created with the aim to answer the expectations of the future wealthy customers. So the design has to be personal, but at the same time to keep the Rolls-Royce's hallmarks. The goal was achieved with the application of four key tenets: Personal Vision, Effortless Journey, Grand Sanctuary and Grand Arrival.
The Personal Vision
The first maxim imbues the spirit of the great coachbuilt cars of the past. The aim is to make the hand-built chassis of the future with the help of most advanced materials and powered by a zero emissions powertrain. In addition, the Rolls-Royce VISION NEXT 100 will use advances in technology which will herald the return to authentic coach building.
The Effortless Journey
The Spirit of Ecstasy, was modeled back in 1911 by the sculptor and artist Charles Sykes, on Eleanor Thornton. Ever since then she has silently guided every Rolls-Royce and its occupants. Today, the ‘Voice of Eleanor' will be a main part in the Rolls-Royce VISION NEXT 100. She will be digitally connected to every aspect of the driving experience. In other words, ‘Eleanor' is the virtual assistant and chauffeur, which will make sure to deliver the second key tenet: The Effortless Journey.
Oh, what is more, the company has enhanced the effortlessness even more with the ‘magic carpet ride'. This is a blend of powerful zero-emission drivetrain and advanced suspension, which helps the RR almost float across the road surface.
The Grand Sanctuary
The Grand Sanctuary is the way Rolls-Royce imagines the future cabin, which must be defined by simplicity. The futuristic lounge atmosphere, the coach door and clamshell canopy offer not only luxury but also silence. Everything inside is made of the most expensive and best materials on the market such as the Macassar wood paneling.
At the center of the cabin is the sofa, but probably the most interesting and strangely applied design element is the unique deep-pile ivory wool carpet woven especially in London. Of course, there are styling cues emblematic for Rolls-Royce, like the analogue clock that hovers in a central position above the screen. It serves both as a reminder of Sir Henry Royce's as an electrical pioneer making electric dynamos, and of time as the ultimate luxury.
The Grand Arrival
The last tenet is probably the most important one, because it gives us clues how the Rolls-Royce operates and why it has certain design. For instance some of the key features which are emblematic for the brand have been kept, namely the Spirit of Ecstasy, the Pantheon grille, the long bonnet and the iconic proportions of the entire vehicle (5.9 metres long and 1.6 metres high).
Most certainly the car looks futuristic with its polished metal of the grille, the suspended laser-headlight hoops, the coach doors and the pronounced rear shoulder, encircling the rear of the glass canopy.
The dividing line of the design actually allows for a classic two-tone design scheme: the upper section is entirely made of dark glass, while the lower one is more dramatic and includes ‘Crystal Water' color scheme. The wheels are dramatically big, measuring 28-inches. They have been hand-built from 65 individual pieces of aluminium!
Rolls-Royce's vision of the next 100 years definitely impresses us! And although it might look ridiculous, if it ever comes to life it would be "driven" only by the "chosen ones".
By the way you can meet the voice of the original Spirit of Ecstasy, Eleanor Thornton, and have a 360° experience of the Rolls-Royce VISION NEXT 100.
Video Source: YouTube
Source: Rolls-Royce
