Rolls-Royce debuts The Spirit of Ecstasy" - The first in a series of fascinating films
UK luxury car-maker Rolls-Royce has, on 13 December, released the first of a series of short films – the House of Rolls-Royce – that depict how it turned itself into the world’s greatest and most respected luxury automobile manufacturer. Viewable from www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com, the opening episode, titled “The Spirit of Ecstasy”, relates the humble beginnings of Rolls-Royce in a fascinating yet enduring fashion. The use of stunningly-designed 3D animations in the film, through the digital space of magically-sculptured objects and environments, speaks volumes of Roll-Royce’s extensive embracement of technology in every aspect of its business. Exclusively narrated by Academy Award winning actress Kate Winslet, “The Spirit of Ecstasy” exudes an aroma of glitz that is typical of Rolls-Royce’s upmarket image.
Torsten Müller-Ötvös, the Chief Executive Officer of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, remarked: “The film – “The Spirit of Ecstasy” – has stood on the prow of every Rolls-Royce since 1911, representing “the best” of everything, whilst silently guiding through life those exceptional people who have made our world turn. This is a story that inspires greatness and needs to be told.” He added: “Our world-wide search for the perfect voice of the Spirit of Ecstasy led us back to West Sussex, England, where both Kate Winslet and Rolls-Royce, two British icons reside. Kate Winslet brings her great talent to this role.”
The premiere not only heralded the beginning of Rolls-Royce’s goals to re-establish the standards of high-end luxury automobiles, it offered a sneak yet hushed preview of the New Rolls-Royce Phantom that will be introduced in the later part of 2017.
“The Spirit of Ecstasy” is a well-blended production of art and animation, combining history and literature in a highly visual form. Using cutting edge motion and 3D scanning techniques, the film retells the story of the muse who had guided and inspired the world’s most celebrated luxury house for the past 105 years, and brings back to life one of the most fascinating legends in the mythology of Rolls-Royce.
The story in the film begins in the milieu of Belle Époque London, where artists and inventors, scientists and engineers, aristocrats and bohemians collaborate and compete in the industrial heat of the early 20th Century. The period of that industrial movement echoes the path of today’s Rolls-Royce patrons; visionary men and women who dare to take risks and innovate to achieve their successes.
Narrating the very start of Rolls-Royce, the film traced back to year of 1904, where founders Charles Rolls and Henry Royce were relentless in their quest to create “the Best Car in the World”. Upheld by a simple principle of “taking the best that exists and making it better”, both Rolls and Royce ventured into the unknown realm of their time to make, test, and perfect the kind of automobile that has become today’s unparalleled combination of pace, elegance, engineering, comfort and handcraftsmanship.
Following the successful launch of “The Spirit of Ecstasy”, the remaining episodes of the video series, or what is more affectionately known as the House of Rolls-Royce, will consecutively unfold over the year and beyond as the renowned marque continues in its quest to create landmark moments in in the history of luxury automobiles. The House of Rolls-Royce will be one of the new platforms in the virtual space to engage Rolls-Royce customers and followers.
In addition to exclusive sneak previews of subsequent episodes of the House of Rolls-Royce, Rolls-Royce customers will be invited to attend exclusive Rolls-Royce gatherings around the world. Further news on such events will come next year.
Rolls-Royce to build run out Phantoms
Rolls-Royce will be replacing the Phantom lineup with all new cars in the not too distant future. But, before they do so, they will be celebrating the success that is the Phantom by making a final few examples that actually, as they promised, contain parts of the assembly line with them.
These cars, called the Zenith Collection, are based on the 2 door Phantoms. Upgrades to them will include a component from the assembly line, which will be housed in a special polished and laser-engraved aluminium case, on the dashboard. Rolls Royce definitely isn’t stopping there; the cars will also have special paint jobs, armrests, CNC milled cupholders, mini fridges and picnic baskets.
Only 50 will be built, and all of them already have owners. The firm should make another 50 eventually, but based on the Saloon version.
Rolls Royce designs a suite of elegant luggage
As the world leader in the art of true luxury conveyance, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has extended its expertise to design a suite of elegant luggage to complement Wraith, the most powerful Rolls-Royce ever created. The collection, conceived by Rolls-Royce Bespoke Designer Michael Bryden and designed in the Rolls-Royce Bespoke Design Studio led by Director of Design Giles Taylor, comprises two Grand Tourer valises, three Long Weekender bags and one Garment Carrier, meticulously designed to be housed in the luggage compartment of a Rolls-Royce Wraith. Like every Rolls-Royce motor car, they can be commissioned to the customer’s exacting specifications; particular attention to detail has therefore been paid to the area that most often comes into contact with the owner. This ensures the experience is an entirely effortless one.
The handles have been designed to ensure an even weight distribution, meaning no undue pressure is placed on the hand. An invisible stitch, a skill honed in the world of Haute Couture and used on the steering wheel of Wraith, has been applied to ensure a perfectly smooth and tactile finish.
The Wraith Luggage Collection consists of six pieces, each carefully considered to reflect the unparalleled design aesthetics of Rolls-Royce motor cars. The latest technologies and materials are blended with traditional crafts and techniques, leading to an elegantly executed and thoroughly contemporary luggage collection, designed exclusively for Wraith, the ultimate gentleman’s gran turismo.