Hi-Tech New Phantom Flies The Flag For Rolls

Sumptuous new limo gets bespoke platform, advanced suspension

- James Batchelor

IT doesn’t happen very often, but Rolls-Royce has launched a brand new car: the eighth-generation Phantom. 

Where previous Rolls-Royces in recent years have been reliant on BMW underpinnings, the Phantom VIII sweeps in a new bespoke scalable platform. This will underpin every Rolls for the foreseeable future: the next Ghost saloon, Wraith coupé, Dawn drophead convertible and the Cullinan SUV.

Compared with the outgoing model, the new Phantom is lighter but up to 30 per cent more rigid. There’s a new double-wishbone front axle and five-link rear axle with self levelling air suspension and even four-wheel steering. In addition, a new piece of technology should make Rolls’ famous ‘Magic Carpet Ride’ even more floaty. The ‘Flagbearer’ set-up uses a stereo camera system, built into the windscreen, that scans the road and adjusts the suspension accordingly at speeds of up to 62mph.