Watch the Unveiling LIVE!
By Shin Takei × Vaughn Lowery
July 27, 2017 was an epic day in London. No it’s not about Brexit or the revival of the Beatles. It’s the introduction of the eighth Rolls Royce Phantom which started in 1925 with the first Phantom. Owned by those who seek extraordinary luxury the Phantom has been labelled the Best Car in the World. The actor, dancer entertainer Fred Astaire owned a Phantom I. Throughout its history those demanding the highest luxury drove a Phantom.
History of Phantom (1925-2016)
The Phantom VIII features an all-aluminum chassis architecture that will be shared by all future models. It gives “A Magic Carpet Ride” for the passengers because it’s lighter, stiffer, quieter and technologically advanced. As you enter the “Suite”, the “Embrace” feature senses your presence and softly closes the door after you. You are then in front of “The Gallery” a full-width art work that can be commissioned that spans the entire dashboard. Of course, there are champagne coolers and crystal flutes and wine chillers and glasses that you can enjoy in your individual suite. The Suite is the chamber of the most luxurious surrounding inside any car and one you would want in your house.
An all-new 6.75 Liter Twin Turbo V12 powers the Phantom VIII and is quieter and smoother than ever. We have yet to drive or ride in one yet, but we will be reporting on it as soon as we get out hands on one. For more information, visit Rolls Royce Motor Cars Official.
Introducing the architect behind the new Phantom VIII, Giles Taylor.
Giles Taylor is Director of Design for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars since 2011. The recently launched PHANTOM is his latest addition to the Rolls-Royce family, as well as the unique coachbuild “Sweptail” Phantom present here today on the concept lawn.
Mr. Taylor brings to Rolls-Royce Motor Cars an exceptional design skills and a comprehensive understanding of British values and heritage that are so crucial to the marque. He has successfully continued to maintain the outstanding design ethos that has defined Rolls-Royce for more than a century.
Mr. Taylor is a Court Steward of the Guild of Coachmakers of London. Prior to Rolls Royce he worked as a chief designer for Jaguar Cars, England over 14 years where he was responsible for the XK sports and XJ range. He graduated with a Master of Design from the Royal College of Art, London in 1992 and prior to Jaguar he designed for Automobiles Citroën in Paris. Born 1968 in Somerset, UK. Married with two children. Graduate of Coventry University with a BA (Hons) in Transportation Design and a MDes (RCA) in Vehicle Design from the Royal College of Art.
Career
Seymour-Powell Design
1989 Student
Ford Motor Company
1990 – 92 Sponsor and employer whilst studying at the RCA in London
Citroen Automobiles (PSA)
1992 – 97 Employed as an exterior designer at the Velizy Centre de Creation
Created the original concept for the exterior design of the Citroen Xsara to production – launched in 1996. Created the original exterior design concept for the Citroen C3.
Jaguar Cars
1999 – 2003 Design Manager for New XJ Interior
2002 – 2006 Chief Designer for New XK
2005 – 2009 Chief Designer for New XJ
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
April 2011 Head of Exterior Design
June 2012 Design Director
