Revealed: Rolls Royce Phantom VIII

In 1925, Rolls Royce PLC released the very first of their flagship, the Phantom. Phantom was always the luxurious, high end vehicle used by celebrity figures and the Royal Family. The longest running Phantom was the VI which ran from 1968-1990. Updated in 2003, the Phantom became what we all know and love today, that classy, pricey land yacht. And now, there's a new one.

Here it is. The Rolls Royce Phantom VIII. The latest flagship vehicle in the Rolls Royce range comes some 14 years after the VII and its their biggest yet. Just look at that, it's got all the class and statement anyone could ever need yet, so elegant! As the complete replacement for the current car, the first BMW-Rolls-Royce built Phantom, the new Phantom's foundations are in the form of their Aluminium Spaceframe platform. The overall length of Phantom VIII is 227.2 inches which, believe it or not, is 2.8 inches shorter than the previous version. Rolls Royce will still be offering their extended wheel-base version for those who enjoy the extra leg room.

Rolls Royce describes the Phantom as a "Magic Carpet Ride" with their new suspension system consisting of Aluminium, Electrical Air Springs and Active Dampers. No more cringing at speed bumps and pot holes, the new Phantom has a Road Scanning System on board so get you seamlessly over those road blemishes as comfortably as possible. The powerhouse under the mile-long bonnet is a 6.6 Litre, Twin-Turbo V12. 563bhp puts its power in the same bracket as the Dawn, Ghost and the Wraith however, top end torque sits at 664lb-ft. The Rear Wheel Drive boat uses an 8-speed ZF gearbox and Rolls Royce boldly claim it will do 0-62 in 5.1s. Curb weight is heavier than its predecessor at 5,862lbs. On board equipment and extra sound proofing add to the weight.

So on the inside there have been a few changes. One major development on the interior is that you can do whatever you want. Honestly. I mean sure it will cost you but it can be done. If you want the veneer on your land yacht to match that of your sea yacht, get a sample and take it to the guys at Rolls Royce with a bit of extra cash and they'll do it. Even if you're buying one for you Nan and you want the interior to match her wallpaper, sample and money, done. One noticeable and frankly, fantastic update inside the Phantom, is the instrument cluster and infotainment system. The analogue, classy yet dated dials from the VII are no more. Rolls have gone for a dual screen in the cockpit to make setting comforts and entertainment that little bit easier. Not to mention the modern face lift it gives to the cockpit. Many owners of the previous car were getting tired of the previous set up, one of those owners being YouTube sensation, Salomondrin. I'm sure he'll be pleased.

So what's new on the outside? Not much by the looks of it, could that be a good thing? The Phantom still sports the historic, tall nose that we all recognise. Height and width remain the same, the grille however is taller. The beloved 'Spirit of Ecstasy' sits proudly on the front of the hood giving the Phantom VIII that proper Rolls-Royce statement. The headlights and taillight units have been updated. Frosted glass headlights add attitude to this monster and Rolls Royce say the laser main beams have a range of 650 yards. Phantom VIII has smoother sides, as opposed to the previous slab design, giving it a sleek, modern feel. The rear doors still hang on rear hinges to add to the statement. Rolls Royce have added a waft line to the base of the doors which sits nicely breaking up the solid colour.

There you have it then, 14 years after it's predecessor and 92 years on from the original, we're presented with the Rolls Royce Phantom VIII. It's got class, elegance and most certainly,road presence. I for one can't wait to get up close and personal with it. Rolls Royce are definitely moving forward with their designs and their presentation and it makes us all the more eager to see what they do with 'Project Cullinan SUV'.

I hope you enjoyed this insight into the Rolls Royce Phantom VIII, you can let us know what you think by commenting below and any questions or requests, feel free to get in touch!