SPIRIT
The Seasonal Review of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Sunningdale
Celebration and Innovation The evolution of the Rolls-Royce brand over the last eight years has resulted in a huge success story for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Sunningdale, which had no previous history of the Rolls-Royce brand in the local area. From a small one car showroom on the London Road the dealership has invested in space and facilities. It now provides a comfortable and elegant showcase for the evolving cars and delivering discrete customer services.
but development of this iconic model does not stop here. The 102EX Experimental Electric Car has opened up a huge debate on the alternative drivetrain technology and where the future of Rolls-Royce may lead. At Sunningdale we have invested in our premises to provide much needed space without compromising the character of the building which has a special place in the village feel of leafy Sunningdale. We are still one of only six Rolls-Royce dealerships in the United Kingdom, and we are pleased to be playing a pivotal role in establishing the contemporary Rolls-Royce brand. Purchasing any Rolls-Royce is an exceptional experience.” Combining visionary engineering and advanced technology with the finest materials and hand built craftsmanship, Rolls-Royce cars indulge and delight with their unique blend of dynamism and opulence, refinement and quality.
Christine Clarkin, Franchise Manager of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Sunningdale said; ”This is the most exciting time to be part of the Rolls-Royce journey. 2011 is a year of celebration with the centenary of the Spirit of Ecstasy and the success story that is Ghost with the introduction of an Extended Wheelbase model later in the year. The Phantom range of Short and Extended Wheelbase Saloon, Drophead, and Coupe is now well established as the best luxury car in the world
Rolls-Royce now apply the same uncompromising philosophy of excellence to their selection of pre-owned cars through a comprehensive Provenance Protection Plan, including warranty, service and roadside assistance. Only the finest examples of the marque gain the coveted Provenance seal of approval and you can seek guidance and assurance at Sunningdale. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Sunningdale brings you this seasonal review to update and inform you with a guided tour in words and pictures of the investment in luxury facilities and the latest details of this compelling range of motor cars.
CONTENTS n
Light and Space
n
Revealing the Ghosts
n
Celebrating the Centenary
n
A world First – the ultra luxury 102EX
n
Trust in Provenance
n
Protecting your investment n
One
Light Space and
Discuss the performance and engineering of the car with experienced people, who will also efficiently manage the infrequent, but important, aftersales needs of your car.
Much more than a showroom, the space created provides a centre of excellence for customer service. A clean and elegant area embracing the latest intelligent technology to review your purchase options.
Through the looking glass – sparkling clear glass throughout the interior provides excellent light to view the perfect design features of the cars.
n
Two
The character of the Sunningdale building has been retained with unique, custom made windows and doors on London Road, Sunningdale.
You don’t just buy a Rolls-Royce you commission it, like a piece of fine art or a super yacht. Purchasing any Rolls-Royce is an exceptional experience. Combining visionary engineering and advanced technology with the finest materials and hand built craftsmanship, the cars indulge and delight with their unique blend of dynamism, quality, opulence and refinement..
The elegant showroom now embodies every element of discreet customer service and provides a comfortable showcase for the evolving Rolls-Royce range of cars and services.
Rolls-Royce delivers the finest luxury motor cars in the world from their unique, environmentally friendly factory in Goodwood. The investment and the expansion in Sunningdale reflects that status with individuality and deep rooted, exemplary customer service.
n
Three
Revealing the Ghosts
“ Simplicity is the hardest design principle to follow.” Ian Cameron, Chief Designer
Following the launch of Ghost in 2009, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Sunningdale took every opportunity to show customers and guests this next generation of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; at the Sunningdale showroom, the Hempel Hotel in London, the contemporary Lightbox Gallery in Woking and on tour around the South of England. In January 2010 the first cars were delivered from the Sunningdale dealership. Ghost’s flowing lines are dominated by its majestic ‘Yacht Line’ styling. While incorporating classic Rolls-Royce design cues, Ghost exudes contemporary touches including self-righting wheel centres and the Xenon headlamps that frame the latest evolution of the Rolls-Royce grille.
n
Four
“ Ghost is as refined and cosseting as anything this marque has ever produced.” Charles Coldham, Interior Designer
The interior design team has come up with a contemporary ambience while staying true to Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ traditions of fine materials. Ghost is the most powerful car that Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has ever produced. The company has its roots in engineering and the sophistication of Ghost stems from its engineers’ desire to get the smallest details correct. The car is built around a steel monocoque body, which means there is no separation of chassis and body. The advantage of this construction is a reduction in exterior dimensions while preserving interior space. Consequently while Ghost is 400mm shorter overall than the Phantom saloon its interior space is comparable.
The car rides on a bed of air, the air suspension system in Ghost is so sensitive that it can detect even the smallest of changes to stability and road conditions. There are also a series of complex electronic aids to keep it composed on virtually any surface. These include Anti-Roll Stabilisation, Dynamic Brake Control and Dynamic Stability Control, including Dynamic Traction Control and Cornering Brake Control. These individual technologies work together under dual Integrated Chassis Management systems, meaning that even when subjected to a vigorous test Ghost remains perfectly poised. The car is powered by a 6.6 litre twinturbo V12 engine, unique to the model. Featuring direct injection, it produces 563bhp – 0-60 mph in just 4.7 seconds.
“ Nothing should distract from the pleasure of driving Ghost.” Helmut Riedl, Engineering Director Ghost is more driver-focused than any Rolls-Royce car before it. The driver sits in a slightly elevated position behind the wheel, described as the authority position. This makes the view of the road much clearer. For ease of manoeuvring, cameras located around the car serve a number of purposes. Rear, front, side and top view cameras can combine to give a fish-eye view at blind junctions or provide ground images with obstacle recognition and reverse path prediction when parking. There is a ‘Night Vision’ camera to detect pedestrians and objects up to 300 metres away. ‘Lane Departure Warning’ alerts the driver should the car start to drift out of its current lane. ‘High Beam Assistance’ automatically manages the operation of
dipped and main beam lights while driving at night. Active Cruise Control with ‘Stop & Go’ creates a relaxing driving experience whilst ‘Active Brake Intervention’ allows hill descent at a constant speed. “ The balance of refinement and dynamic ability is astonishing.” Helmut Riedl, Engineering Director
Flawless leather is an absolute requirement for the interior of a Rolls-Royce. All seats and interior panels are hand-stitched and the veneers are chosen for their intricacy and interest.
The Latest Model “ Whether you’re in the mood to drive or be driven the Ghost Extended Wheelbase is the perfect choice.” Ian Cameron, Chief Designer
surprising, since under its bonnet sits the same twin turbo 6.6-litre V12 engine as the Ghost. Even though it is 17cm (6.7inches) longer, the engineers have ensured the same exceptional driving dynamics. So when you press the accelerator you’ll unleash a seemingly endless reserve of power, while experiencing the ‘magic carpet ride’ Rolls-Royce is famous for. Once inside the rear passenger compartment, it is immediately apparent where every centimetre of the additional length has been added. The extra legroom invites you to stretch out, while the abundance of space gives you more room to work, entertain or just relax and appreciate exquisite craftsmanship in every detail.
The new Ghost Extended Wheelbase is designed to be as enjoyable to drive as it is the be driven in. Which is hardly
n
Five
Celebrating the Centenary The 2011 Spirit of Ecstasy Centenary celebrations were launched in London on 6th February 2011, marking the exact centenary of the world’s most famous hood mascot.
A new badge has also been developed to authenticate the Collection and a Rolls-Royce twin coachline is accentuated on Collection cars thanks to a hand-painted Spirit of Ecstasy insignia.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars have commissioned the Spirit of Ecstasy Centenary Collection, a bespoke collection of Phantom models. One hundred cars are being built and delivered to customers bearing a suite of features inspired by the legendary flying lady, complimentated by a range of exclusive exterior colours, wood veneers and leather options.
The Rankin Collection
Collection cars start with the famous icon, cast in silver, each Spirit of Ecstasy will feature a base complete with a black gold plated bezel bearing the commemorative inscription ‘Spirit of Ecstasy Centenary - 2011’, a legend repeated on the cover of the plate when the mascot is lowered. The design is finished with a set of six hallmarks, two of which have been designed specifically for Rolls-Royce.
n
Six
Rolls-Royce has formed a unique collaboration with world renowned British photographer Rankin to produce 100 contemporary images to mark the Centenary. Rankin took inspiration from the ageless beauty, power, grace and effortless speed in addition to the sculptural forms, materials and textures of the Spirit of Ecstasy and the intrigue that surrounds her. The work features a selection of women of different ages and cultures, symbolising the femininity of the Spirit of Ecstasy. Some of the early images can be viewed alonsgside the 102EX on its global journey culminating in a public exhibition at the end of the year.
A World First 102EX Phantom Experimental Electric
This is the car that took the world by surprise, the Rolls-Royce 102EX Phantom Experimental Electric car. It is the world’s first battery electric vehicle for the ultra-luxury segment and continues a tradition of experimental cars running through the model generations. With 102EX it is the company’s intention to carefully test the opinions and reactions to alternative drivetrain options of a range of owners, enthusiasts, members of the public and the media. The car also known as the 2011 Phantom EE will serve as a working test bed, giving owners, VIP’s, the media and enthusiasts the opportunity to experience the car and feed back their thoughts directly. The Phantom EE features the ground-breaking aluminium spaceframe and the 6.75-litre V12 petrol engine and 6 speed gearbox have been replaced by a lithium ion battery pack and two electric motors mounted on the rear sub frame. These motors are connected to a single speed transmission with integrated differential. Each motor is power rated to 145kW, giving the Phantom EE a maximum power output of 290kW and torque of 800Nm available over a wide band. This compares with 338kW for the standard Phantom with maximum torque of 720Nm, delivered at 3,500rpm. Pre-launch tests suggests the car should run to a range of up to 200km. Delivered on an effortless wave of torque, 0-60mph will be achieved in under eight seconds (5.7 seconds in standard Phantom) with top speed limited to 160mph. Whether all-electric or another alternative drive-train option is right for Rolls-Royce will become clearer when the test programme is complete at the end of the year. To enable you to be part of this ground breaking experience, Rolls-Royce Sunningdale has started the process with an event at the fabulous Chewton Glen Hotel, with a limited number of customers and guests road driving the car for the first time. Christine Clarkin, Franchise Manager at Sunningdale also has limited spaces available for guests at Salon Prive 22nd-24th June, Syon Park and Goodwood Festival of Speed in July and the Goodwood Revival in September.
Rolls-Royce Sunningdale Exclusive Register To be part of this ground breaking experience you are invited to join the Rolls-Royce Sunningdale Exclusive Register, which also gives you exclusive access to events organised by the dealership and those in partnership with Luxury Network members providing exclusive introductions. Please register by email to info@rrmc-sunningdale.co.uk and you will be sent regular updates of forthcoming events.
n
Seven
Trust in Provenance There is now an established and maturing market for pre-owned Phantom Saloons, Drophead Coupe, Coupe, Extended Wheelbase and Ghost. The Provenance programme is constantly evolving as the market place extends and continues to deliver exceptional peace of mind and one to one customer care at authorised Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers, of which Sunningdale is one of only six in the UK. Each Provenance Rolls-Royce offers the reassurance of an independently obtained vehicle history and mileage verification, together with a protection plan that provides 24 hour roadside assistance, servicing and warranty up to the car’s sixth birthday. The Provenance Protection Plan is transferable from owner to owner and starts when the original Rolls-Royce new car warranty has ended.
Protecting your investment
Kevin Green heads up the parts operation at the dealership. Only genuine Rolls-Royce parts and accessories are used, any replacements will ensure that your car continues to perform just as it did the day it left Goodwood. ‘Front of House’ at Sunningdale is Customer Relations Manager, Jonathan Hart. Jonathan is new to the role and takes over from James Stock. He will be working alongside Christine Clarkin and Daniella Angel in the new showroom at Sunningdale providing continuity and offering technical advice for customers and visitors.
Taking delivery of your Rolls-Royce is one of life’s great pleasures. But thanks to our personalised aftersales care and the comprehensive support we offer at Sunningdale, this is only the beginning. A new Rolls-Royce motor car comes with four years inclusive service and maintenance regardless of mileage and the exceptionally skilled team at Sunningdale are on hand six days a week to keep it in perfect running order. We have four Rolls-Royce factory trained technicians, two of whom, John Farrell and Jon Arrow each have over eight years experience working with the marque. All of our Rolls-Royce technicians receive ongoing training to keep up with changes and the newest technology.
Jonathan has a thirteen year career in the motor industry encompassing both the tecnhnical and customer service side of the business. He joins Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Sunningdale with great enthusiasm for the brand and the desire to maintain the very high standards set by his predecessor, James. To ensure that customers receive a level of service to exceed their expectations, Sunningdale has a comprehensive range of aftercare services. These include collection and delivery of cars anywhere in the UK, loan cars and covered transportation (charges can be obtained on application) and regular contact with Jonathan while the car is in the workshop or bodyshop. Alongside our on-site smart repair service which provides quick attention to scuffed alloy wheels, minor dents, paint and leather trim repairs Kevin and Jonathan are able to offer many ways to further bespoke your treasured Rolls-Royce.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Sunningdale, Sytner Group, London Road, Sunningdale, Berkshire, SL5 0EX Telephone: +44 (0)1344 871200 Fax: +44 (0)1344 871222 Email: info@rrmc-sunningdale.co.uk Web: www.rolls-roycemotorcars-sunningdale.co.uk Showroom hours 9.00am - 6.00pm Monday to Friday Saturday & Sunday: By appointment n
Eight