Designed without compromise
Unmistakable from any angle, Rolls-Royce motor cars display peerless quality, luxury and engineering. Elegant yet dynamic; when a Rolls-Royce drives by the world stands still.
Contact us to experience the ultimate luxury motor car.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited, Asia Pacific Office (Singapore Branch), 1 Harbourfront Avenue, #15-02 Keppel Bay Tower, Singapore 098632Tel: +65 6838 9674 Fax: +65 68389671
www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com© Copyright Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited 2013. The Rolls-Royce name and logo are registered trademarks.
In 2003, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars produced what was to become an iconic, ultra-luxury model
– Phantom. No other brand had ever created a motor car at this level or with this degree of
commitment, engineering and craftsmanship. It was unchartered territory. And arguably no other
motor car has the proportioned stance that gives Phantom its strong sense of authority and
peerless comfort. For many, Phantom remains the most inspirational, uplifting sight in motoring.
That momentum has been brought through a truly remarkable range of cars: Phantom
Extended Wheelbase, Phantom Drophead Coupé and Phantom Coupé. With the expansion of
the Rolls-Royce range to include Ghost, Ghost Extended Wheelbase and now Wraith, the brand’s
appeal has been signifi cantly broadened among customers
across Asia.
To maintain our position as the most prestigious marque
in the world of motor cars requires a consistent ethos
that fi ts the brand’s distinguished clientele: the drive for
perfection, the marriage of time-honoured craftsmanship
and cutting-edge engineering and technology, and a highly bespoke philosophy. It is said that
a Rolls-Royce owner does not “buy” a motor car – he or she “commissions” it. This mark of
exclusivity, or seal of personalisation, ensures every Rolls-Royce is unique.
For many owners, a Rolls-Royce dealership is a partnership that extends beyond mere
order slips. It is a collaborative experience that elevates a motor car to the level of art. It was
with this notion that the fi rst showroom in the Asia Pacifi c region was opened in Singapore,
followed closely by Sydney, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Seoul. In total, Rolls-Royce has 25 showrooms
in 14 countries, where customers can design their perfect motor car.
Rolls-Royce in Asia Pacifi c
“Small things make perfection, but perfection is no small thing”.– The late Sir Henry Royce
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Dealers’ Listing
AUSTRALIA / NEW ZEALAND
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
Melbourne
Eureka Tower
80 City Road
Southbank
Victoria 3006
Tel +61 3 8866 3188
Fax +61 3 8866 3100
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
Sydney
75-85 O’Riordan Street
Alexandria
New South Wales 2015
Tel +61 2 8338 3998
Fax +61 2 8338 2169
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
Perth
354 Scarborough Beach
Road
Osborne Park
Western Australia 6017
Tel +61 8 9231 5999
Fax +61 8 9231 5911
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
Queensland
179 Nerang Road,
Southport
Queensland 4215
Tel +61 7 5509 7197
Fax +61 7 5532 0177
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
Auckland
7-15 Great South Road
Newmarket
Auckland 1049
Tel +64 9 969 3350
Fax +64 9 969 3354
HONG KONG
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
Hong Kong
Shop 4, G/F
Wu Chung House
213 Queen’s Road East
Wanchai
Tel +852 2870 1692
Fax +852 2893 7388
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
Macau
Shop A2, G/F, FIT Center
Avenida Commercial De
Macau
Tel +853 2872 3631
Fax +853 2872 3632
INDIA
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
Ahmedabad
E-Block Ajanta Corporate
House
Titanium Square, Thaltej
Crossroad
S.G Highway
Ahmedabad 380054
Tel +91 79 4035 9999
Fax +91 79 4035 9995
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
Mumbai
48 Atria Millennium Mall
Dr. Annie Besant Road
Worli
Mumbai 400018
Tel +91 22 2481 3326/
3335
Fax +91 22 2481
3336
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
Chandigarh
City Emporium Mall
Plot No. 143 A
Industrial Area Phase 1
Chandigarh 160002
Tel +91 99 1133 2203
Fax +91 172 5101000
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
Hyderabad
6-3-569 Opposite RTA
Offi ce
Khairatabad
Hyderabad 500082
Tel +91 40 4465 6565
Fax +91 44 4291 1100
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
New Delhi
A-19 Mohan
Co-operative Industrial
Estate
Mathura Road
New Delhi 110044
Tel +91 11 4343 0000
Fax +91 11 4343 0055
INDONESIA
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
Jakarta
51 Jl. Sultan Iskandar Muda
Arteri Pondok Indah
Jakarta 12240
Tel +62 21 725 9000
Fax +62 21 7278 6000
JAPAN
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
Osaka
1-13-40, Nishi-honmachi
Nishi-ku
Osaka-shi
Osaka 550-0005
Tel +81 6 4393 8823
Fax +81 6 6541 8850
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
Tokyo
2-7-17 Shiba
Minato-ku
Tokyo 105-0014
Tel +81 03 5413 2100
Fax +81 03 5413 2288
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
Yokohama
2-2-1 Minato Mirai
Nishi-ku
Yokohama-shi
Kanagawa 220-8172
Tel +81 45 680 4500 /
0120 188 250
(Free dial for Japan)
Fax +81 45 680 4501
KOREA
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
Seoul
100-17 Cheongdam-dong
Kangnam-Ku
Seoul 135-100
Tel +82 2 512 5834
Fax +82 2 512 0557
MALAYSIA
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
Kuala Lumpur
Ground Floor, Quill 9
112 Jalan Semangat
Petaling Jaya
Selangor 46300
Tel +60 3 7960 2333
Fax +60 3 7960 2072
PHILIPPINES
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
Manila
Blk 15, 2nd Floor FGC
Building
Rizal Drive, Crescent Park
West
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig,
Metro Manila 1634
Tel +632 856 7555
SINGAPORE
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
Singapore
29 Leng Kee Road
Singapore 159099
Tel +65 6475 3113
Fax +65 6479 4333
TAIWAN
Roll-Royce Motor Cars
Taichung
No. 403, Sec. 4
HeNan Road
NanTun District
Taichung City 40874
Tel +886 4 3600 8333
Fax +886 4 3600 8555
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
Taipei
No. 39, JiHu Road
NeiHu District
Taipei City 11492
Tel +886 2 2658 3333
Fax +886 2 2657 3388
THAILAND
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
Bangkok
999 Rama 3 Road
Bangkhlo, Bangkholaem
Bangkok 10120
Tel +66 08 7560 3737
Fax +66 2670 6090
Boutique Showroom
2nd Floor, Siam Paragon
991 Rama 1 Road
Bangkok 10330
Tel +66 2610 6788-9
Fax +66 2610 6787
VIETNAM
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
Hanoi
Ground fl oor, HCO Building
44B Ly Thuong Kiet
Hoan Kiem
Hanoi 10000
Tel +84 43 786 8462
Fax +84 43 786 8459
2 Foreword The View From Here
The word “pinnacle” is used the world over to describe the Rolls-Royce brand.
Ever so often, the word “Rolls-Royce” is used to denote excellence, even in
reference to things that have no connection with motor cars.
A century ago, four Rolls-Royce Silver Ghosts embarked on the Austrian Alpine Trials, the
most arduous test of automotive endurance of that time. Performing faultlessly over 1,820
grueling miles (about 3,000km) of near impassable mountain terrain, the Rolls-Royce works
team and privateer James Radley cemented the marque’s reputation for peerless reliability
and mechanical excellence.
The company proudly retains this reputation to date, and that defi ning moment in our history
is beautifully retold in this issue of Pinnacle. Also in this issue, we celebrate a decade of success
at our manufacturing plant in Goodwood. This is a place where, it is said, the art of creating motor
cars truly takes form – virtually all of the cars that leave this hallowed ground for the Asia Pacifi c
are adorned with some form of bespoke element. We identify with
the artistic values of our matchless artisans, and we pay tribute
to them while celebrating craftsmanship in every issue of Pinnacle.
Rolls-Royce continues to maintain its leading position in the
super luxury market thanks to the infl uence of our iconic Phantom
and Ghost models. But we are not ones to rest on our laurels. We are
staying true to the philosophy of our founder Sir Henry Royce: When
it does not exist, design it. Our designers and engineers now bring you
the most powerful and dynamic Rolls-Royce ever – Wraith.
Seating four in unparalleled comfort behind a twin-turbo V12 engine
capable of producing 624bhp and 800Nm of torque, this two-door,
fastback coupé is destined to change the ultra luxury market. Pinnacle
goes on the world’s fi rst drive.
The brand’s appeal is steadily widening across Asia. Five years ago, in the regions outside
the Chinese mainland, we had a presence in only nine cities. By the end of this year, we will
potentially be represented in 26. Our approach is to grow sustainably with partners who
will deliver the best that Rolls-Royce customers deserve.
That said, we have no interest in having a Rolls-Royce on every corner in Asia’s metropolises.
Rolls-Royce motor cars are highly bespoke and exclusive creations, and will always remain so.
I hope you enjoy this issue of Pinnacle.
Paul Harris
Regional Director, Asia Pacifi c
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
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4 Contents The Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Owners’ Magazine
DOSSIER8 New dealerships and showrooms10 Wraith events around the world12 Festival of Speed
AURA14 Always Perfect The First TimeBen Oliver gets in the driving seat of Wraith for a world exclusive drive.
19 A Celebration of PerfectionRolls-Royce craftsmen work their magic in creating a highly bespoke collection of cars to commemorate the marque’s 10th anniversary at Goodwood.
INDULGE22 Wanderlust with a PurposePay it forward and help the needy even when you’re on a luxurious holiday.
VISIONARY26 The Simplicity of StyleFamous Belgian architect Jean-Michel Gathy talks about his design philosophy.
MASTERPIECE28 Emblems of MajestyFabergé eggs seem to be making a comeback.
ON THE COVERWraith, the most powerful Rolls-Royce motor car ever created, made its debut this year.PHOTOGRAPHY TAN MENG CHOON
VANTAGE30 An Intangible LuxuryRolls-Royce Motor Cars Regional Director Paul Harris talks about the importance of time.
JOURNEYS32 A Road Trip Like No OtherGlen Watson takes part in the 2013 Centenary Alpine Trial in Austria.
PASSION38 A Fortuitous IronyInterview with a Chinese Rolls-Royce motor car owner.
GLITTERATI40 Launches & CelebrationsAsia’s elite were out in force at these exclusive Rolls-Royce events.
THE ROLLS-ROYCE FAMILY44 Vehicle specifi cations of Rolls-Royce motor cars.
LAST LOOK48 Touching Ecstasy Wraith’s rotary touchpad brings power and control to your fi ngertips.
Wraith: Power Redefi ned • An Epic Journey Through Austria • Charitable Getaways
32 22
6 Contributors The Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Owners’ Magazine
Publishing Agent
Caroline NguiGroup Editor-in-Chief
Joanna Lee-MillerGroup Editor
Editorial & Creative
Dora TaySenior Editor
Alywin ChewEditor
Annabelle BokSub-Editor
Jayson OngSenior Art Director
Stephanie TeoArt Director
Publisher
Pinnacle is a publication for owners and enthusiasts of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and is published by SPH Magazines Pte Ltd on behalf of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited, Asia Pacifi c Offi ce (Singapore Branch).
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited, Asia Pacifi c Offi ce (Singapore Branch) 1 Harbourfront Avenue #15-02 Keppel Bay Tower Singapore 098632 www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com
Editorial Advisors
Brenda PekHead of Marketing, Asia Pacifi c
Hal Serudin Corporate Communications Manager, Asia Pacifi c
Pinnacle is published by SPH Magazines Pte Ltd (Registration No: 196900476M) for BMW Asia (Registration No: 198502157D) on behalf of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited (Registration No: 03522604). Copyright of the materials contained in this magazine belongs to SPH Magazines Pte Ltd and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited. Nothing in this publication shall be reproduced in whole or in part in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written consent of SPH Magazines Pte Ltd and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited. Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of SPH Magazines Pte Ltd nor Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited and no liabilities shall be attached thereto. All rights reserved. Editorial enquiries should be directed to asiapacifi [email protected]. While every reasonable care will be taken by the Editor, no responsibility is assumed for the return of unsolicited material. All information is correct at time of printing. MCI (P) 154/08/2013. Printed in Singapore by KHL Printing Co Pte Ltd (Registration No: 197801823M). For advertising enquiries, please e-mail [email protected].
Dennis PuaManaging Director
Christopher ChanGeneral Manager
Sales & Client Management
Kaz LimAssociate Account Director
Stanley [email protected] Account Manager
Christine ChionhAssistant Manager, Business Development & Client Management
Publishing Services
Matthew Joseph [email protected]
LIM SIO HUI is a design
and travel journalist who
roams the world to
report on the latest in
design and architecture.
She writes for Blouin
Artinfo, Travel + Leisure,
The Business Times
newspaper, and is the
author of the insider
tome on her hometown,
Graffi ti Travel Guide:
Singapore.
BEN OLIVER is a
contributing editor and
columnist for CAR
magazine as well as
other major publications
around the world. He has
interviewed everyone
from the heads of the
world’s most prominent
car companies to the
former head of the CIA.
He is also a partner in a
public relations company
and a recording studio in
London’s Mayfair.
KAREN FONG has
spent the last few years
travelling across Asia and
reviewing the latest in
spa, wellness and luxury
travel as an editor for
AsiaSpa magazine. Having
lived in Canada, Hong
Kong and Singapore,
her appreciation for the
fi ner things in life drew
her away from a career
in advertising to one in
luxury publishing.
GLEN WATSON’s love of
automobiles progressed
from toy cars to the
real thing when he was
just eight. Since earning
a degree in journalism
from Toronto’s Ryerson
University, he has
test-driven luxury and
sports cars on roads and
racetracks around the
world – despite the fact
that he has lived on a car-
free island in Hong Kong
since 1996.
KARL PESKETT is
a highly respected
international motoring
journalist from Australia.
When not road-testing
the latest sports or luxury
vehicle, he can be found
interviewing the CEOs
of car manufacturers.
With experience in radio,
television, print and online
media, Karl’s passion and
enthusiasm for the car
industry makes him the
perfect fi t for Pinnacle.
8 Dossier New Dealerships
01 Regal Motor Cars Corporation was appointed as the offi cial dealer for Hanoi.
02 Barbagallo Group was appointed as the new Perth Dealer.
03-04 The announcement of the new Manila dealer (right) was closely followed by the opening of another new dealership in Taichung, Taiwan.
01
03
02
04
The Real Deal
The appointment of a new Rolls-Royce dealership is always big news, especially when it is in a brand new market.
This past June, British Bespoke Automobiles was tapped as the offi cial importer-dealer for the Philippines. The company will be responsible for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Manila, with the goal of importing Phantom, Ghost and Wraith models.
The arrival of Rolls-Royce in the Philippines is a validation of the country as one of Asia’s fastest growing economies.
A new Manila showroom – with a bespoke lounge and expertly staffed aftersales facilities – is scheduled to open early next year, though an interim facility will be operational by the fourth quarter of 2013.
Another fi rst took place in Hanoi with the appointment of Regal Motor Cars Corporation as Te
xt D
aven
Wu
the offi cial Rolls-Royce dealer for the city. The move is a timely one, refl ecting the company’s Asia Pacifi c plan for sustainable growth on the heels of growing interest in the Rolls-Royce brand.
A dealership in Vietnam has long been on the cards, thanks to its rising economy, the steady growth of local entrepreneurs, and thriving appreciation for the craftsmanship and attention to detail that Rolls-Royce is renowned for.
An offi cial showroom for the new Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Hanoi is scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2013.
Over in Perth, Rolls-Royce’s expansion plans in Australia continued with Barbagallo’s appointment as a Rolls-Royce dealer. Founded in 1967, the Barbagallo Group has an exceptional track record and extensive experience in automotive luxury retailing.
Showrooms
01
03
02
04
Show and Tell
This is proving to be a busy year for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, as it celebrates the opening of four sleek showrooms in Asia.
The goal of the new spaces is to ensure, more than ever, that customers will have greater choice of and accessibility to Rolls-Royce’s latest product offerings.
The company continues to expand its presence in India with the opening of its third showroom in Hyderabad, the country’s fourth largest city. The 5,400 sq ft three-car space also features a bespoke lounge where customers can personalise the various detailings of their cars in privacy. The Hyderabad showroom is part of an ambitious expansion plan in India that includes new showrooms in Chandigarh and Ahmedabad.
Over in Singapore, the re-opening of the showroom on Leng Kee Road coincides with record Te
xt D
aven
Wu
country sales in 2012 and the company’s tenth anniversary. The 5,350 sq ft showroom, one of the largest in Southeast Asia, can hold up to eight cars. Those currently on display include the Phantom and Ghost family cars and Rolls-Royce’s latest – Wraith.
The strength of the super-luxury car market in Japan – where Rolls-Royce has seen increased demand, and where Phantom Series II is one of the company’s bestsellers – is refl ected by new, upgraded showrooms in Tokyo and Yokohama alongside a brand new showroom in Osaka.
Finally, the new Rolls-Royce boutique in Bangkok’s exclusive Siam Paragon is the fi rst in Asia to be set in a luxury retail hub. The boutique complements the seven-car showroom in Rama 3, which is the fi rst in Asia Pacifi c to feature two levels and secure underground parking for customers.
01-04 Rolls-Royce unveils new showrooms in Osaka, Hyderabad, Singapore and Bangkok as part of its global expansion plans.
10 Dossier Wraith Events
01
PowerPlay
Bold lines, sumptuous interiors, powerful delivery, dramatic refi nement.
These words are barely adequate descriptions of the full impact of one’s fi rst encounter with Wraith.
The latest model in Rolls-Royce’s range of ultra-luxury models, Wraith is the most powerful automobile ever to display the famous Spirit of Ecstasy fi gurine. The elegant fastback styling of the two-door coupé is complemented by satellite aided transmission, voice activated connectivity and Canadel panelling to create not just an unparalleled drive of immense power (0-100km/h in 4.6 seconds), but also one that bears all the hallmark attributes of Rolls-Royce luxury, refi nement and craftsmanship.
Wraith made its global debut to universal applause in March at the blue-chip Geneva Motor Show. Since then, it has taken to the road in a series of high-profi le Te
xt D
aven
Wu
events, winning new fans at every stage.At the prestigious Goodwood Festival of Speed in
the United Kingdom, with Goodwood House and the manufacturing plant as a dramatic backdrop, Wraith dominated the Goodwood hill climb with its twin-turbo V12 engine during the Supercar Run.
In London, Wraith was showcased in a bespoke window display at luxury department store Harrods, while its arrival in Belgium marked an incredible century since the fi rst Rolls-Royce sale to a Belgian customer in 1913. And in Italy, the shores of Lake Como recalled Rolls-Royce’s past glories when the elegant grounds of the Concorso d’Eleganza, Villa d’Este hosted the unveiling of the gran turismo.
At every stage, Wraith’s reception has been nothing less than overwhelming. In Australia, it made its national debut at a closed-door event at the Sydney
02
04
05
03
Overseas Passenger Terminal in the iconic Sydney Harbour. In Bahrain, the limited allocations for 2013 were completely sold out on the fi rst day of its debut. Wraith’s Japanese debut at the Yokohama Concours d’Elegance saw the select group of guests bowled over by the super-luxury model’s effortless power delivery, style, and craftsmanship.
A similarly enthusiastic reception greeted the coupé at the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Academy in both Guangzhou and Beijing Art Zone. That did not come as much of a surprise, seeing as one in every four cars produced at Goodwood is being driven on Chinese streets. In Singapore, the Southeast Asian debut of Wraith came hot on the heels of record sales for Rolls-Royce, a true testament to the marque’s enduring allure among car enthusiasts in the region.
01 Wraith gets a spectacular reveal at the Geneva Motor Show.
02 Wraith on a revolving platform during its launch in Singapore.
03 Wraith makes for a unique window display at Harrods in London.
04 Wraith launched in Sydney on the harbourfront, with the famous Opera House in the background.
05 Wraith at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
12 Dossier Festival of Speed
01
Rolls-Royce at Goodwood
They came in record numbers – 196,000 to be exact – and they found Rolls-Royces almost everywhere they looked. The Festival of Speed, based around the 1.9km-long Goodwood hill climb in West Sussex, is now widely considered to be the world’s premier car culture event.
Despite the temperature exceeding 30ºC, well-known musicians, sportsmen and politicians mingled with motor sport legends and a hugely enthusiastic public. Together they watched a priceless collection of cars take to the hill.
This year was the event’s 20th anniversary, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ involvement was bigger than ever. Every group on the hill climb – whether it comprised new or historic Formula One machines, Le Mans prototypes or pre-war classics – was led by
a stunning black Phantom Coupé pace car.Wraith – the most powerful Rolls-Royce ever –
made its general public debut in the Supercar Paddock. It was surrounded by the latest sports cars including the McLaren P1 and Eric Clapton’s uniquely-bodied Ferrari SP12 EC.
Wraith too had a chance to show its paces on the hill (it can bullet from a standstill to 100km/h in 4.6 seconds), and it impressed with its agility on the narrow and tricky ribbon of bitumen.
A second Wraith took pride of place in the nearby Moving Motor Show. Members of the public queued up for a chance to sit on its sumptuous white leather seats and discuss its design with Rolls-Royce staff.
Another major highlight of the event was the presentation of the works team from the recent 2,800km-long re-enactment of the 1913 Alpine Trial.
01 The 1913 Radley Silver Ghost (right) is driven past the main stands alongside the Alpine Trial Centenary Collection car – a modern-day bespoke Ghost built to celebrate the Alpine Trial.
02 Guests discuss the design elements of Wraith.
03 A blue Wraith speeds down the roads during the event.
04 A regal Phantom arrives at the event grounds.
03 04
02
Text
Ant
hony
Lle
wel
lyn
The Silver Ghost driven by James Radley in the original event and a 2013 Alpine Trial Centenary Collection Ghost have been fi nished in the same shade of blue. To the delight of the crowd, the two cars – separated by 100 years – travelled past the main stands side by side.
In the Cartier Style et Luxe open air exhibition and design competition, a 1908 Silver Ghost, one of the earliest built, lined up alongside dozens of other icons, including a 1929 Bugatti Royal.
On a lighter note, two soapbox racers built by Rolls-Royce engineers took part in the gravity challenge. One exceeded 110km/h.
The Festival of Speed soundtrack is one of racing engines, squealing tyres, jazz bands and military jet fl y-bys. On the south-east corner of the estate is the Rolls-Royce manufacturing plant and head offi ce, and
about 100 staff helped with the festivities. Some drove a fl eet of 20 Rolls-Royce cars, ferrying guests around.
“The Festival of Speed is unique and extraordinary,” Andrew Ball, the company’s corporate communications manager and spokesperson, said. “Almost every motor manufacturer is represented here, so it is important that we, as the pinnacle luxury manufacturer, are here too. This is our home turf.”
Ball added that the event is also an opportunity to showcase Rolls-Royce products to the broader public, including youngsters who may be tomorrow’s buyers.
“But it’s more than that,” he said. “We are a British manufacturing success story… an actual part of British society and British history. We take our responsibility as custodians of the brand very seriously. Part of that is in sharing our produce with the British and international public.”
14 Aura Wraith Drive
Always Perfect The First TimeBen Oliver gets into the driving seat of Wraith for a world exclusive drive.
01
16 Aura Wraith Drive
A decade ago, I arrived at Rolls-Royce’s new home at Goodwood to collect the
very fi rst Phantom released for testing.
And all it took was a hundred metres before I reached a verdict for the UK’s century-old
Autocar magazine – that Phantom was “a real Rolls-Royce, and right the fi rst time.”
The release of a new Rolls-Royce motor car is not a frequent occurrence, but my reaction
has been the same for every new model that has rolled out from the marque’s headquarters in
the Sussex Downs. Each has shown deep engineering integrity as well as beauty and originality
in styling. The quality of materials and construction goes beyond the automotive and is better
compared with the fi nest furniture the world has to offer.
I’m sorry if I’m giving the game away too soon, but the new Wraith is no exception.
It, too, is exceptional.
It is, however, also a Rolls-Royce unlike its predecessors. The 624bhp twin-turbocharged
V12 engine is the marque’s most powerful ever. Wraith also features intriguing new technology,
chiefl y the satellite-aided eight-speed transmission that knows when the car is approaching a
03
05
04
06
01-02 Guests learn about Wraith from Global Director of Communications Richard Carter.
03 High tech car keys for a technologically advanced vehicle. Wraith has a satellite-aided eight-speed transmission system that ensures maximum performance on the road.
04 Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös speaks to guests at the event.
05-09 Guests spend an eventful day learning about the interior detailing of Rolls-Royce’s most powerful car to date.
corner and will hold a lower gear, readying it for acceleration as you exit the bend.
This drivetrain, installed in Wraith’s gorgeous two-door fastback body, plainly indicates that
this is a more dynamic car than its stablemates. But Rolls-Royce’s engineers have an aversion to
the term “sporty”, and before I took Wraith out on the road I wondered how they would resolve
the seeming incompatibility of their goals: producing a more dynamic chassis and also preserving
the brand’s hallmark refi nement to give its customers the perfect “magic carpet ride”.
I needn’t have worried. Wraith is titanically fast when you need it to be. With the steering just
a fraction crisper to suit, and the ride just a hint more taut, it communicates just a shade more
of the surface beneath, without breaking that fabulous, almost-eerie “spell” of grace that only a
Rolls-Royce can cast.
It is perfectly judged. And the greatest achievement of the satellite-aided transmission is that
you barely notice it at work – you will simply get a sense of the car being smarter, more
cooperative, and better-prepared for your next instruction. In a Rolls-Royce, technology should
be effective but not apparent, and that is certainly the case here.
08
0907
18 Aura Wraith Drive
And so there is nothing to distract you from enjoying another extraordinary Rolls-Royce cabin,
the highlight here being the vast, stunning one-piece Canadel door veneers. The extra power may
have you arriving at your destination earlier, but it also means you get to open the coach doors
sooner to admire the striking exterior once more. The car certainly makes good on the promise
of that deeply recessed Pantheon grille and fl owing, pillarless side-glass.
I was lucky enough to see Wraith prior to its launch at the Geneva Motor Show. Speaking to
Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös, he explained that the car has no natural rivals – it is unique
in the marketplace, different enough that loyal customers will not hesitate to add Wraith to their
current stables of Rolls-Royce cars.
And that is exactly what he and his team at Goodwood have produced – a car that has
achieved the perfect balance between dynamism and all the defi nitive traits of the marque.
Just as I described Phantom ten years ago, Wraith is a real Rolls-Royce.
And once again, right the fi rst time.
10
10 Wraith speeds down a bend. It takes just 4.6 seconds to accelerate from 0-100km/h.
A Celebration of PerfectionRolls-Royce commemorates 10 years of success at Goodwood with an exclusive collection of bespoke motor cars. Karl Peskett learns about the intricacies of the design.
Rolls-Royce afi cionados will well remember New Year’s Day of 2003 as a historic
occasion for the brand. While everyone else toasted the beginning of yet another 365 days,
Rolls-Royce staff were busy gathering in the Chichester countryside.
The resolutions they made that day weren’t just about spending more time with the kids or
going on a nice holiday. It was about creating perfection.
Rolls-Royce’s Goodwood facility was offi cially opened on January 1, 2003 and the fi rst Phantom
was presented to its owner at a minute past midnight. This was the car that not only reinvigorated
the brand, but also placed Rolls-Royce at the pinnacle of automotive engineering. And those who
have since made the trip to Goodwood will undoubtedly agree that the factory is as much of an
enigmatic marvel as the Phantoms which are created within.
With the entire roof of the facility covered in green sedum plants, the building has been
Aura Home of Rolls-Royce Collection
20 Aura Home of Rolls-Royce Collection
designed to blend into its surrounds. And because it is also set low in the grounds, there’s hardly
any way to see the factory until you’re virtually on top of it. The chrome signage, with the iconic
Rolls-Royce logo emblazoned across it, is perhaps the only giveaway.
With minimal impact on its surroundings, the Goodwood plant is rated as one of the least
invasive factories in the motoring world. Over 400,000 trees and shrubs were planted during the
landscaping of the grounds, and skylarks have been known to nest and brood on the roof. And the
facility has managed to expand over the past 10 years while still remaining completely unobtrusive.
The expansion of Goodwood was primarily for the accommodation of new Phantom variants
and the production of Ghost and Wraith models. But with incessant orders being placed for
personalised Phantoms, it has also been necessary to increase the bespoke team’s footprint in
terms of space as well as headcount.
Rolls-Royce has also seen unprecedented demand for its cars on the back of its bespoke
business, and Richard Collar, Head of Bespoke Sales and Marketing, can vouch for this. He says:
“In the past decade, we’ve had a steady increase in our personalised business. For example, in
the Middle East, virtually 100 per cent of Phantom and Ghost production have an element of
personalisation.”
The scope of the team is quite simply a spectrum of possibilities, according to Collar. “It can be
something as simple as a certain thread for contrast stitching. It can also be a unique leather colour,
a new paint, a specifi c wood veneer, a personalised headrest embroidery,
or a personalised treadplate,” he says.
“Bespoke can be something understated and modest, or it can be bold
and outrageous, and yet it’s everything in the middle.”
This year, the bespoke team is tasked with creating a special series of
cars to celebrate a decade of success at Goodwood. Staying true to the
philosophy of Rolls-Royce co-founder Sir Henry Royce, the team has
created the impressively intricate Home of Rolls-Royce Collection.
The glovebox in this exclusive series features a “celebration” marquetry accent made of no
less than 11 different types of wood. Echoing the different veneers used throughout Ghost and
Phantom interiors, sycamore, holly and satinwood were chosen, and applications of various
techniques lend a shadow effect that creates an illusion of depth.
Rolls-Royce vehicles are exported to every corner of the globe, and this explains why the motif
used throughout the car’s design is that of a compass. Stitching the complex patterns onto the
armrests and consoles is an arduous affair – craftsmen spend over an hour completing each piece,
with 112,533 stitches applied using precision embroidery machines that perform 1,000 stitches per
minute. After a week, and a 22-stage paint process, Rolls-Royce’s coachline painter Mark Court then
spends six gruelling hours painting not only the coachline, but also a half-compass motif. The fi nal
touch sees the coordinates of Goodwood engraved onto the treadplates, the umbrella handles,
and the pedestal of the Spirit of Ecstasy fi gurine.
Regardless of how onerous the creation of each design element is, there is no rushing
production at Goodwood.
Because perfection takes time.
“Take the best that exists and make it better. When it
doesn’t exist, design it.” – The late Sir Henry Royce
THE HOME OF ROLLS-ROYCE COLLECTION IN NUMBERS450 Individual leather pieces cut and fi tted to each Rolls-Royce Phantom112,533 Stitches comprise Home of Rolls-Royce Collection Phantom embroidery672 Metres of thread in every Home of Rolls-Royce Collection Phantom11 Individual varieties of wood veneer, cut and applied to “celebration” motif by hand20,000 Wood veneer combinations available in every Rolls-Royce44,000 Individual exterior paint colours to choose from58Layers to every Phantom wood part100Pounds of paint applied to every Rolls-Royce60 Pairs of hands take 400 hours to construct each Rolls-Royce motor car
22 Indulge Travel Philanthropy
Wanderlust with a PurposeYou can do your part for needy communities while enjoying a getaway from your hectic schedule, says Karen Fong.
Luxury hotels and travel agencies constantly endeavour to make exotic and
isolated locations accessible to those eager to explore the world. Recently, a growing
sense of environmental awareness and social responsibility within the industry is seeing many
companies look for w ays to give back to the very areas they have established themselves in. And
as it turns out, travellers have proven eager to contribute and make a difference too, whether
monetarily or via a hands-on approach.
“We are seeing big growth among tour operators offering philanthropic travel or ‘voluntouring’,”
says Tim Russell, Director for Sales and Marketing in the Asia-Pacifi c for Remote Lands, a bespoke
luxury travel agency. He adds: “We and our clients gain an enormous amount from meeting local
communities. Without them, we would not be able to offer many of the unique experiences that
make our trips so special. It is only right that we give something back and spread the message that
tourism isn’t just a one-way street.”
Giving back can be as easy as booking a trip. Soul Sanctuaries, a Hong Kong-based agency, has
a programme called Give A Little Soul that works with credible charities like Bali Kids and Angels
For Orphans, who receive a percentage of the total payment. For those who prefer getting into the
01
01-05 Coco Collection in the Maldives educates guests about marine life during their stays in luxury villas with breathtaking views of the ocean.
thick of the action, agencies like Remote Lands can arrange tie-ups with the Tibetan Village Project,
a Remote Lands-affi liated NGO located an hour’s drive from Lhasa. Visitors can help villagers build
greenhouses and hiking trails, perform site clean-ups, and construct waste bins.
Luxury resorts are also getting more involved with social initiatives, and travel agents have been
quick to leverage on this. Lightfoot Travel collaborates with Indonesian resort Nihiwatu, which
supports The Sumba Foundation’s community development and funding efforts in the area.
Travellers who visit the foundation can help with the distribution of eyeglasses, the repairing and
painting of local schools, and the feeding of malnourished babies.
At other luxury resorts in Asia, travellers are presented with the opportunity to learn more
about wildlife and the ecosystem. Resorts like Coco Collection in the Maldives employ resident
marine biologists, who conduct regular sessions for guests to learn about marine biodiversity in
their vicinities.
Coco Collection’s environmentally-friendly fi shing expeditions allow guests to embark on
research fi shing expeditions to help monitor and document marine species in the area, and its
Coral Nursery Project supports coral reef care and regrowth. Chiara Fumagalli, the group’s marine
03
0504
02
24 Indulge Travel Philanthropy
biologist, says: “Having guests discover that some of their usual activities or practices may be
harming the environment, and prompting them to then ask what they can do differently or how
they can help preserve the Earth, is a fabulous thing.”
In northern Thailand, the Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle partners with the Golden
Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation (GTAEF) to give guests the chance to get up close and
personal with these majestic mammals. Guests can also help with research activities investigating
elephant behaviour, and this in turn enhances GTAEF’s ability to care for the animals.
Other resorts go the extra mile to ensure that their operations methods are aligned with
conservation efforts in their vicinities. The Song Saa Private Island Resort in Cambodia, which has
27 luxurious villas, adopts a “triple bottom-line” business model which measures the company’s
success in revenue as well as the positive impact it has had on the people and the environment.
This involves running sustainability programmes such as establishing the country’s fi rst
marine protected area, and teaching local fi shermen sustainable methods that will ensure fi sh
populations remain healthy.
But even as jumping onto the do-good bandwagon becomes increasingly popular, Brenton
06
Whittaker, Project Coordinator for Bali Kids, warns travellers to be wary of scams. Some “orphanages”
around the world are reported to be seedy operations that prey on tourists’ eagerness to give
back. It has also been discovered that some “orphans” were bought off their parents to populate
these private ventures. “Do your homework fi rst and do not make vast outlays when volunteering,”
says Whittaker, who advises that reliable bespoke agencies often have direct contact with the
charities and initiatives they support.
It is imperative to exercise discretion when choosing travel agencies, or you could end up
causing more damage instead of helping. A study done by British and South African academics
several years ago revealed that short-term philanthropy missions could actually be counter-
productive – affl uent traveller-volunteers may prevent locals from getting paid jobs; orphans or
abused children may suffer additional trauma from severed emotional connections when their
benefactors leave for home.
Scams and ill-intentions aside, however, this sort of travel always promises greater rewards than
the getaways themselves – when undertaken correctly, of course. You would, after all, have played a
part in making the world a better place.
06 Travellers get to fi nd out more about elephants at the Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle in Thailand.
07 Wind down on the luxurious grounds of Nihiwatu after helping out with community development efforts in the day.
07
26 Visionary Master Architect
“Is the Rolls-Royce about the headlights, or the seat you’re driving in?”
Architect Jean-Michel Gathy is musing about hotel design, or more specifi cally, about the secret
behind his fi rm’s award-winning projects.
“It’s the whole thing,” the Belgian replies. “A hotel is like a Rolls-Royce – it has to be all-rounded
and seamless.”
Based in Asia for most of his professional life, the 57-year-old is the brains behind Denniston,
an architecture fi rm responsible for designing some of the world’s most renowned luxury hotels.
Whether it’s his Aman-branded retreats in exotic destinations such as India’s Rajasthan National
Park or LVMH Moet Hennessy - Louis Vu itton’s upcoming Cheval Blanc Randheli resort in the
Maldives, he believes that the success of his hotels is derived from the way every element of the
design is in harmony with the others.
“All our contracts state that we will do the architecture, interior, and landscape,” explains Gathy.
“You will never feel that the conformation of the windows does not match the facade, or that the
swimming pool is not easy to access from the bedroom. We seamlessly relate things.”
Looking at his stilted villas, strung discreetly along the coral atolls, lagoons and private beaches
of One&Only Reethi Rah in the Maldives, or the magnifi cently perched monastic design of the
St Regis Lhasa Resort, you begin to understand Gathy’s magic, which stems from a respect for the
site. “If you’re on the lake, I’ll give you the view of the lake. If you’re on the mountain, I’ll face the
sun, because it’s cold,” he shares. “The most fundamental point is to be appropriate to the site and
make the guest comfortable.”
Gathy recently launched two Aman hotels – the Aman Canal Grande, a heritage-listed restored
palazzo on Venice’s prime waterway, and Amanoi, a massive project spanning 40 hectares in the
mountains close to the sea in Vinh Hy, Vietnam. While the two projects are on opposite ends of
the style spectrum, there’s one signature trait that is easily recognisable – a carefully orchestrated
balance in each space.
“I believe that being intentionally chaotic in a design is unpleasant. You see a geometry, an axis,
a physical balance: like the Champs-Elysees, the Egyptian pyramids, or the Taj Mahal – my projects
are like that.
“Often, when somebody says, ‘this is beautiful,’ you don’t know why – it just looks good,”
proposes Gathy. “Actually, it’s because it’s balanced. When something is balanced, it is always more
pleasant and peaceful.”
Gathy would know. After all, he has 50 years of experience in the study of travel and
architecture. At the age of seven, he was already saving up his weekly allowance to indulge his
passion for seeing the world, albeit through the study of maps.
He says, “I would study a country from an atlas all week – the names of the cities, the number
The Simplicity of StyleLim Sio Hui speaks to renowned architect Jean-Michel Gathy and fi nds out that when it comes to the creation of the world’s most stunning luxury hotels, comfort comes fi rst.
01 The living room of a villa at the Cheval Blanc Randheli in the Maldives.
02 & 03 There is a sense of serenity at the St Regis Lhasa Resort, built high in the mountains of Tibet.
04 Jean-Michel Gathy says his love for travelling and architecture has been a life-long affair.
05 Enjoy a super-exclusive getaway at One&Only Reethi Rah in the Maldives.
0301
04 05
of people living in the cities, the highest mountains, the roads; the names of the harbours, rivers
and gorges. Then on Friday, I would take the money I have saved, and buy ‘blind’ maps of the world,
and test myself by fi lling in the blanks.”
Later, after his parents found out about his secret hobby, Gathy was tasked to organise family
holidays. At just 10 years of age, he became the family’s navigator and tour guide for the fi rst time.
He studied road maps and organised visits to a cathedral, a castle and other heritage buildings, and
recounted each location’s history to his family.
“That’s what gave me the love of architecture and travelling,” recalls Gathy.
Powered by Gathy’s love for his job, it is no wonder that Denniston is a world leader in hotel
design today.
“We win every famous commission, not because we’re smarter or better,” he shares. “Basically,
I have been accumulating knowledge since I was seven years old. It has been my life.”
02
28 Masterpiece Cultural Artefacts
Emblems of MajestyOnce derided as markers of decadence, gem-encrusted Fabergé eggs are making a comeback. By Hong Xinyi
01
01 Model illuminated by light from a Russian Imperial Easter egg made by Fabergé. She wears a lacy collar of square-cut emeralds and round diamonds, and matching diamond ring, all from Harry Winston circa December 1958.
Fabergé eggs are the ultimate trophy for collectors because they have imperial provenance and refl ect the romance of the lost Russian Empire.
Imag
e C
orbi
s
Tokens of love, emblems of imperial splendour, showcases for breathtaking
craftsmanship, poignant reminders of a violence-soaked history, and now,
controversial status symbols for a new breed of wealthy tastemakers – the iconic
Fabergé eggs bear different meanings.
The fi rst Fabergé egg was made in 1885 for the Romanov Tsar, Alexander III, and presented to
his wife, Empress Maria Feodorovna, as an Easter present. Jeweller Peter Carl Fabergé was tasked
with creating what is known as the Hen Egg. Its gold shell covered with opaque white enamel, the
egg opens to reveal a matte yellow gold yolk containing a gold hen with ruby eyes, which opened
to reveal a diamond replica of the imperial crown and a ruby pendant.
The commissioning of imperial easter eggs became a tradition that Alexander III’s son, Nicholas
II, continued. Over the next 32 years, until the Romanov dynasty was overthrown in 1917,
Fabergé made an estimated 50 such eggs for the royal family, as well as eggs for other aristocrats
and captains of industry. Says Mark Moehrke, Fabergé expert and Director of Russian Works of
Art at Christie’s: “Fabergé eggs are the ultimate trophy for collectors because they have imperial
provenance and refl ect the romance of the lost Russian Empire. Rarity is one of the most appealing
qualities of the Fabergé eggs.”
One apocryphal anecdote claims that Fabergé eggs were among the
valuables sewn into the clothes of Nicholas II’s young daughters before
the family faced the Bolshevik fi ring squad. Later, under Joseph Stalin’s
regime, many Imperial Eggs were sold to collectors outside Russia.
The most prominent of these buyers was the tycoon Malcolm Forbes,
whose collection of Fabergé objects included nine Imperial Eggs.
Some striking Imperial Eggs include the 1911 Fifteenth Anniversary
Egg, an enamel and diamond creation featuring scenes from the private
and public lives of Nicholas II and his family. The 1913 Winter Egg,
auctioned in 2002 for US$9.6 million, is admired for its thin rock crystal shell, with platinum and
diamond decorations designed to look like frost. In 2007, a 1902 gold and enamel Fabergé egg
owned by the Rothschild banking family made headlines for fetching US$16.5 million at an auction.
“Since this market came into being following the Russian Revolution, collectors from all over
the world have become interested in them. Fabergé collectors have diverse backgrounds, coming
from America, Europe and Russia,” Moehrke notes. “Although there is always the risk of acquiring
fakes, Fabergé eggs have been very well documented for the past century, so they are easily
traceable. Collectors can always seek expert advice from auction house specialists.”
In 2004, as part of his personal mission to recover Russian cultural artefacts that were lost
during the 20th century, Russian oligarch Victor Vekselberg bought the Forbes collection for a sum
estimated at more than US$100 million. Another 10 of the Imperial Eggs are displayed at Moscow’s
Kremlin Armoury Museum. The rest are in private and state collections and in museums all over
the world. Eight Imperial Eggs remain missing.
The Fabergé brand itself has staged a comeback. Purchased by businessman Brian Gilbertson
in 2007, with Peter Carl Fabergé’s great-granddaughters Tatiana and Sarah acting as advisors, the
company launched two collections of egg pendants in 2011 – the fi rst new creations from the
House of Fabergé since the dark days of 1917.
30 Vantage
An Intangible LuxuryRolls-Royce Motor Cars Regional Director Paul Harris ponders time and its connection to success.
I once said to an audience of business principals, some of whom were Rolls-Royce
clients, that time was possibly the most important factor in their businesses. As
many of us know, of all the resources at our disposal, time is perhaps the only one
which we cannot acquire more of and therefore need to use wisely.
Time is needed to embrace new challenges, new customers and therefore new approaches. It
certainly was time for me to refl ect as we had introduced more new models to our Rolls-Royce
range with Ghost, Phantom Series II and the promise of a magnifi cent new car – now revealed
to be Wraith. Our business in the Asia Pacifi c region was also expanding. Everyone knows that
markets fl uctuate, and in the long-term, Asia will become the heartbeat of the world’s economy.
It is only a matter of time.
I then began to refl ect on how important time is to me, how technology has progressed
since I started my career in the car industry nearly 30 years ago, and how the Rolls-Royce brand
has evolved in 109 years since that seminal moment when Charles Rolls and Henry Royce met
over lunch.
Time is hugely important to me, as it probably is to you. We need to juggle
myriad responsibilities – jobs, family, health, relationships, “me” time and, in many
cases, giving back to society. I remark on the latter as I see more and more
philanthropists giving up their time and money for worthy causes every day.
I have observed over the years that we tend to have an unhealthy obsession
with speed. Sometimes the race to achieve success means signifi cant things
are left behind. The rush to modernisation in Asia, for example, has left some
cityscapes sterile. While it is always a pleasure to visit one’s favourite coffee
chain in a foreign city, I cannot help but wonder if globalisation has left us with
nothing more than mirror images in each Asian metropolis which possess little local fl avour or fl air.
Some may assume that the key to success is devoted work time and a strong work ethic. Studies
show that the upcoming generation values work-life balance more than their elders, who place
emphasis on loyalty, job security or rewards. Yet, the aspiring youth of today are no less competitive.
Management gurus exhort that time is “precious” and “irreplaceable”, so we speed up. But
paradoxically, the business of handcrafted, bespoke cars thrives on well-apportioned time in order
to ensure quality, excellence, and attention to detail.
Today’s rush for accomplishment can be brutal. In modern, professional sports culture, an
athlete’s success is generally defi ned as his or her becoming a world champion in his or her early
20s. But following the fl urry of media attention and public adoration, it is all over by the time the
athlete is 30. How do we sustain repeated success? I think there is no clear answer. The word
“Increasingly, I see time as a luxury. It’s a
conundrum that the greater the success,
the greater the time burden.”
Waxing Lyrical
“authenticity” comes to mind: staying true to
one’s values consistently (brand and product)
while also moving with the times; balancing
some time-honoured virtues. For ultra-luxury
products, the need to be timeless in terms of
design and craftsmanship comes to mind – a
feat that I believe we at Rolls-Royce Motor
Cars have managed to achieve since this new
era, in which Rolls-Royce began production in
Goodwood, began in 2003.
However, innovation is also a constant
challenge as product cycles are becoming
shorter. Many innovative high-tech companies
are advocates of “20 per cent time”. The core
idea behind this — that knowledge workers
are most valuable when they are given space
in which to experiment — is apparently more
relevant than ever. We do something akin to
this at Rolls-Royce, and some of our best ideas
make it to the production line.
Time also allows us to refl ect, reinvent,
and re-adapt. I fondly remember this quote
that someone once said to me: “However we
remember the past, or anticipate the future, we
live in the present.”
This has been a mantra that I share with my team. We certainly cannot change what has
happened, but we can defi nitely programme ourselves to create a tomorrow.
Increasingly, I see time as a luxury. It’s a conundrum that the greater the success, the greater
the time burden. The usual advice dispensed is that we can get it all done with better organisation.
But this surely is a fallacy. We will always have challenges to face and activities to do.
The solution is to rethink how we manage our time.
I recently received an email from a highly satisfi ed customer who was on a 2,500km journey
in one of our cars. He is certainly enjoying his life with a passion. Perhaps this is the way to go.
The reward is in making the time, not just the money.
A Road Trip Like No OtherGlen Watson goes on an unforgettable jaunt through Austria with Rolls-Royce during the 2013 Centenary Alpine Trial.
01
32 Journeys 2013 Centenary Alpine Trial
01
34 Journeys 2013 Centenary Alpine Trial
01 An Alpine Trial Centenary Collection Ghost (bottom left) retracing a historic route amid breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains.
02 Silver Ghosts parked outside a Rolls-Royce store in the 1910s.
03 The colour of the Alpine Trial Centenary Collection Ghost (left) was inspired by that of the legendary Radley Ghost (right).
04 An old advertisement for the Alpine Trials.
03
02
British aviator and adventurer James Radley must have been quite a fellow.
Among his accomplishments, he participated as a privateer in several editions
of the annual Alpenfahrt (Alpine Trial) before the First World War. He was
forced to retire from the 1912 race by a gear problem; that route took
competitors from Salzburg to Innsbruck, Riva, Toblach, Trieste and Klagenfurt,
then back to Vienna – in seven days.
In 1913, Radley returned with the four-speed chassis 2260E, an exact duplicate of the three
offi cial Rolls-Royce entries that could reach 120km/h in top gear, as well as climb steep mountain
roads in fi rst. With its Radley-Morison coachworks completed at the privateer’s Huntingdon
aeroplane hangar, this car was slightly larger and had fuller wings than its three Rolls-Royce
counterparts. Louvres had been added along the bonnet to improve airfl ow, helping to cool the
7.4-litre engine that could reach 2,500rpm. Most of the other 43 entries had 3.5- to 4.5-litre
engines. Interestingly, Radley’s car was dynamometer-tested before the rally, and
produced 10 per cent more power than the team cars. Uniquely, the car (now
known as the Radley) also had electric lighting – the others still used acetylene.
He started out in fourth place on June 21, but Radley soon took the lead
and held it every day thereafter until the fi nish in Vienna, earning the City of
Trieste and Austrian Motor Volunteer Corps prizes as well as a silver badge.
He was victorious again in 1914, returning with the Chassis 18PB to achieve
his ambition of a clean sheet with no points lost.
So here we are, 100 years later, with the 20-Ghost Club and the now BMW-
owned Rolls-Royce Motor Cars teaming up to organise a special centenary
celebration of Radley’s 1913 accomplishment. Undoubtedly, the highlight of the
event is seeing that legendary vehicle taking part in the Alpenfahrt alongside 47
other pre-1940 Silver Ghosts and a bespoke Alpine Trial Centenary Collection
Ghost saloon whose exterior hue is inspired by the Radley’s.
Featuring a distinct blue-grey colour and painted black rims and grille (a fi rst
since Rolls-Royce Motor Cars began production in Goodwood), the modern
edition also pays tribute to the original with a clock displaying the rally stages,
as well as inlays in the picnic tables and fascia showing the topography and
distances of the Alpine route. It is nothing short of stunning.
I join the 2013 Alpine Trial in Lake Bled, Slovenia, in time to see Prince Edward and his wife
Sophie leaving the Queen’s birthday garden party at the Grand Hotel Toplice, accompanied by
members of the 20-Ghost Club. All of the participating cars are lined up on the street beside the
lake; Bled Castle, perched high upon its mountain, overlooks us. The sight is spectacular.
I soon meet up with Sir Michael Kadoorie of Hong Kong. He owns the Peninsula hotel group
and hosts The Quail, A Motosports Gathering during the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in
California every year. He is participating in the Trial with a 1912 Silver Ghost Penny Holmes Tourer,
acquired in 1999 and completely rebuilt over three years. The car features a unique “underslung
suspension”, and there are only six others like it in the world.
“I do it for the pleasure of driving the car,” says Kadoorie about being a part of this year’s event.
He last took part in the Alpine Trial 10 years ago. Commenting that he has since travelled at least
04
36 Journeys 2013 Centenary Alpine Trial
15,000km with this car, he adds: “I think these cars bring people of like passion and enthusiasm
together. When you consider that most of the cars participating are 100 years old or more, it’s
kind of an extraordinary experience.”
I’m honoured with an invitation to be the Radley’s navigator on the fi nal two legs back into
Austria and past the fi nish line in Vienna. At the wheel is its current caretaker, John L. Kennedy of
New Zealand, who has researched everything there probably is to know about the car and its
famed original driver. It is clear that he adores driving the Radley with his wife, Rae, by his side,
but today he is stuck with me while Rae enjoys the massage seats in the modern Ghost.
As soon as we set off, Kennedy chatters incessantly about the car and the late Radley as we
travel through green alpine valleys, up and over 1,000m- to 2,200m-high summits with ease. We
zip back and forth on the countless
switchbacks and push beyond the 100km/h
mark on fl atter straights.
The 100-year-old Silver Ghost occasionally
lets out little backfi re burps, reminding me of
an excited horse enjoying itself. It rides and
runs like a dream. Kennedy’s hands never stop
moving – he is constantly steering, moving
levers, and pumping the handbrake mounted
outside the door on the driver’s side (this door
is useless when entering or exiting the car).
Kennedy is a driving force behind the
Alpenfahrt recreations, which were last held
10 and 20 years ago. His attention to detail
and his passion for this event lead me to
think he’s actually Radley reincarnated. Or
perhaps he is just channelling Radley’s spirit
through the 1913 Silver Ghost.
We experience fl uctuating weather
conditions as we move closer to the fi nish
line in Vienna, and even the windburn is not
enough to wipe the smiles off our faces.
I wear an Austrian army offi cer’s outfi t on
the fi nal day in portrayal of the scrutineer
who rode to victory with Radley.
It has been an amazing experience, and any relief I feel at the fi nishing line is quickly replaced
by sadness that the epic adventure has fi nally come to an end.
“We knocked the bastard off,” quips Kennedy to his mates, echoing Sir Edmund Hillary’s words
after the latter returned from Mount Everest’s summit in 1953. Handed glasses of champagne to
celebrate, we shake hands and pose for photos with the Radley. This has certainly been a trip to
remember, and I’m already looking forward to driving with Kennedy again.
I just hope I don’t have to wait 10 years for t he next Alpine Trial celebration to do it.
“When you consider that most of the cars participating are 100 years old or more, it’s kind of an extraordinary experience.”
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05 Steep gradients, sharp bends and untarred roads add to the challenge of the Alpine Trials.
06 John L. Kennedy (left), the current caretaker of the Radley, speaks with writer Glen Watson during their memorable trip through Austria.
07 Sir Michael Kadoorie of Hong Kong smiles for the camera from his 1912 Silver Ghost Penny Holmes Tourer.
08 Prince Edward and Princess Sophie attend the Queen’s birthday party at Lake Bled, Slovenia.
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09 Silver Ghosts lend a touch of nostalgia to the convoy during their trip through Europe.
10 An Alpine Trial Centenary Collection Ghost provided a touch of modernity as it travelled amid vintage Silver Ghosts during the event.
38 Passion Rolls-Royce Motor Car Owner
A Fortuitous IronyChinese real estate mogul Chen Daoyi tells Wang Fangqing how he made a fortune doing what he once swore never to do, and how his Phantom is a refl ection of his philosophy of life.
“Many of my friends own Phantoms and they
were telling me how great the car is.
Rolls-Royce is no doubt a trustable brand.”
As a boy, Chen Daoyi would cringe seeing his parents toil on their farm in the
scorching summer heat, and he resolved never to go down the same road.
“No more outdoor jobs,” he said to himself.
At the age of 16, Chen left his hometown of Taishun, then an underdeveloped, isolated village in
Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, to seek new opportunities. He travelled to many cities and was so
intrigued by the buildings he saw that his career, ironically, started outdoors in the concrete jungle
of Guangdong province.
“That job was obviously against my earlier wish,” the 41-year-old says with a laugh. He explains
that he took up that fi rst job primarily because he was eager to learn more about the industry. His
keen interest in the business soon led him to enrol in a local university from
which he graduated with a degree in civil engineering.
Through a friend, Chen then managed to get a job in Zhongyu
Construction Group, a state-owned real estate company in Wenzhou.
Fueled by his passion for the real estate business, Chen steadily ascended
the company’s ranks. Within 10 years, he had worked his way up from an
entry-level construction worker position to being the company’s regional
manager in charge of 32 operations.
With a wealth of hands-on and managerial experience under his belt,
Chen then felt it was time to run his own business. In 2009, together with
another company, he bought real estate developer Yuanyang for RMB$63 million (US$10.3 million).
“In my life, I have never been afraid of taking risks,” Chen says, when asked about the secret
behind his success.
“That was a huge risk I took in 2009 because, fi rstly, I had already achieved a good and stable
career in Zhongyu. Secondly, the takeover coincided with the beginning of the fi nancial crisis.”
But just having an appetite for risk is hardly enough for one to run a successful business. Chen
has a fl air for planning too, and the fi rst thing he did after acquiring Yuanyang was to revamp its
original management model.
“Poor management exposes companies to high risks and affects their effi ciency,” Chen says,
explaining why he built a core management team and made vast improvements with regards to
transparency and risk management.
Now, almost 30 years later, that childhood resolution of never having to toil in the open has
fi nally been cemented. Gone are the days when he had to don work boots, hard hats and dirty
overalls and work at construction sites. Sitting in his spacious offi ce in downtown Hangzhou, Chen
now manages a multi-billion-yuan business as the president of Yuanyang Group. But unlike his peers
who like wearing designer labels to work, Chen prefers a simple white shirt and grey pants.
“I prefer wearing a ‘uniform’ when I’m at the offi ce,” he says with a smile.
Chen’s taste in cars, however, is a little more sophisticated. The businessman owns seven cars,
and among them is a wine red Rolls-Royce Phantom Extended Wheelbase, bought just last year.
Chen believes that his business philosophy is refl ected in his Phantom.
“Yuanyang doesn’t have to be a mega company, but I want it to evolve and last,” Chen says,
before expressing his concerns about the fact that the average lifespan of a Chinese private
company is only fi ve years.
His focus on stability resulted in his decision to buy a Rolls-Royce. He says, “The car has an
advanced, powerful engine in a classic, high-end façade that the historical, respectable British brand
always keeps. I enjoy the speed, stability and status it offers.”
Chen admits that he is highly discerning in his choice of cars, as they will have to take him on
demanding journeys – he frequently makes fi ve-hour trips back to Taishun to visit his parents, as
well as manage a new company that helps local farmers sell tea leaves and fruits outside Wenzhou.
“Many of my friends own Phantoms and they were telling me how great the car is,” Chen adds.
“And Rolls-Royce is no doubt a trustable brand.”
40 Glitterati Wraith Asia Pacifi c Launch
HongKong
KualaLumpur
Distinguished guests from around the Asia Pacifi c region were treated to a sneak preview of Wraith, the latest addition to the Rolls-Royce family, in Hong Kong. They were treated to the presence of artisans from Goodwood who fl ew in especially for the event.
Malaysia’s successful elite gathered at JW Marriott for the launch of Wraith – the most powerful and dynamic Rolls-Royce ever.
42 Glitterati Wraith Asia Pacifi c Launch
Tokyo
Singapore
Wraith received a warm welcome in Tokyo during a nationwide launch. Japan is destined to become one of the largest markets for the model in the Asia Pacifi c, outside of China. Japan is a market which has had a long love affair with fastback designs – but none, to date, as luxurious as Wraith.
Making its Southeast Asian debut in Singapore, the highly-anticipated Wraith thrilled guests with its contemporary two-door, sweeping fastback design and luxurious interior. A series of events were held. And for some, knowing that the car seats four comfortably, it was a family affair.
The Rolls-Royce Family44
In A League of Its Own
There is a faint but discernible line
between sophistication and tasteless
decadence; a difference between
splurging because one can afford to
do so, and doing the same because
one appreciates the poignance of his
or her choice.
Rolls-Royce owners know this, and that
is why they have put their faith in a brand
which has been at the forefront of engineering
excellence, ingenuity, and timeless elegance for
over a century.
To own a Rolls-Royce is to be a rare
connoisseur of the fi nest craftsmanship the
automotive world can offer. To our exclusive
group of owners, a Rolls-Royce is more than
just a mode of transport or display of status
– it is a physical manifestation of its owner’s
belief that mankind’s never-ending quest for
perfection stops, albeit temporarily, at his or
her Wraith, Ghost or Phantom.
But there is so much more to the brand
than just a car becoming a work of art.
Rolls-Royce’s belief in the highest of
standards is a holistic one, and it promises to
excite and impress owners whether they are
in or outside the car.
Form and function are paramount in any
design. In a Rolls-Royce, these two elements
come together to create a harmony that is
second to none. The beauty of its form lies
in its simplicity, which is complemented with
state-of-the-art technology that lies beneath
the hood. Deep tufted carpets and sumptuous
leather in the interior cocoon a driver in his
or her very own sanctuary, while V12 engines
provide effortless power. Exceptional vehicle
handling and suspension systems ensure a ride
so refi ned and smooth that it is as enigmatic as
the car’s name.
Rolls-Royce Assist also provides peace of
mind. This Emergency SOS call function in the
car ensures that help is never too far away. In
the case of a rare malfunction or road accident,
the owner is linked to the nearest emergency
service call centre, which will promptly provide
the necessary assistance.
Service continues even off the road.
Rolls-Royce dealerships provide unparalleled
levels of personalised customer service,
and owners will never have to worry about
aftercare. A new Rolls-Royce is covered by a
comprehensive service and recovery package
for the fi rst four years, regardless of mileage.
This is why people choose Rolls-Royce.
Because only the fi nest will suffi ce.
02
0301
01 A family of Phantoms (From left: Phantom Extended Wheelbase, Phantom Coupé, Phantom and Phantom Drophead Coupé).
02 Wraith is Rolls-Royce’s latest offering, and the brand’s most powerful motor car in history.
03 Purists love the simple, yet elegant designs of Ghost and Ghost Extended Wheelbase.
46 The Rolls-Royce Family
PHANTOM
Phantom is an unmistakable symbol of luxury; its
classic, timeless design exudes a sense of power
and this car is the result of Rolls-Royce’s desire
to build only the best automobile in the world.
Coupé versions are also available for those who
prefer a more informal sporting drive.
PHANTOM COUPÉ Dimensions Vehicle length 5612 mm / 220.9 in Vehicle width 1987 mm / 78.2 in Vehicle height (unladen) 1598 mm / 62.9 in Wheelbase 3320 mm / 130.7 inBoot 395 litres / 13.9 cubic feet Performance* Top speed 155 mph / 250 km/h (governed) Acceleration 0-60 mph 5.6 sec Acceleration 0-100 km/h 5.8 sec
PHANTOM DROPHEAD COUPÉ Dimensions Vehicle length 5612 mm / 220.9 in Vehicle width 1987 mm / 78.2 in Vehicle height (unladen) 1566 mm / 61.7 in Wheelbase 3320 mm / 130.7 in Boot 395 litres / 13.9 cubic feetPerformance* Top speed 149 mph / 240 km/h (governed) Acceleration 0-60 mph 5.6 sec Acceleration 0-100 km/h 5.8 sec Engine (All Phantom models)**Max torque @ engine speed 720 Nm / 531 lb ft @ 3500 rpm Power output @ engine speed 453 bhp / 460 PS (DIN) / 338 kW @ 5350 rpm
PHANTOM Dimensions Vehicle length 5842 mm / 230.0 in Vehicle width 1990 mm / 78.3 in Vehicle height (unladen) 1638 mm / 64.5 in Wheelbase 3570 mm / 140.6 inBoot 460 litres / 16.2 cubic feet Performance* Top speed 149 mph / 240 km/h (governed) Acceleration 0-60 mph 5.7 sec Acceleration 0-100 km/h 5.9 sec
PHANTOM EXTENDED WHEELBASEDimensions Vehicle length 6092 mm / 239.8 in Vehicle width 1990 mm / 78.3 in Vehicle height (unladen) 1640 mm / 64.6 in Wheelbase 3820 mm / 150.4 inBoot 460 litres / 16.2 cubic feet Performance* Top speed 149 mph / 240 km/h (governed) Acceleration 0-60 mph 5.8 sec Acceleration 0-100 km/h 6.1 sec
01 03
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* Manufacturer’s test results. Actual acceleration results may vary depending on specifi cations of the vehicle, road and environmental conditions, testing procedures and driving styles. These results should be used for comparison only and verifi cation should not be attempted on public roads.
**All Rolls-Royce motor cars are powered by direct-fuel-injected V12 engines.
WRAITH
The most powerful and technologically
advanced Rolls-Royce in history, Wraith
can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 4.6
seconds. A benchmark of power and style,
its elegant design makes this gran turismo
a contemporary homage to fastback cars.
GHOSTIts simplistic, dynamic design makes Ghost
an elegant ride, while Blenheim carpets and
cashmere-blend roofs add to the openess
of space. A low sill height ensures that the
driver is able to exit and enter with as much
grace as the car.
GHOST Dimensions Vehicle length 5399 mm / 212.6 in Vehicle width 1948 mm / 76.7 in Vehicle height (unladen) 1550 mm / 61.0 in Wheelbase 3295 mm / 129.7 inBoot 490 litres / 17.3 cubic feet Performance* Top speed 155 mph / 250 km/h (governed) Acceleration 0-60 mph 4.7 sec (4.8 sec) Acceleration 0-100 km/h 4.9 sec (5.0 sec)
GHOST EXTENDED WHEELBASEDimensions Vehicle length 5569 mm / 219.3 in Vehicle width 1948 mm / 76.7 in Vehicle height (unladen) 1550 mm / 61.0 in Wheelbase 3465 mm / 136.4 in Boot 490 litres / 17.3 cubic feetPerformance* Top speed 155 mph / 250 km/h (governed) Acceleration 0-60 mph 4.8 sec (4.9 sec) Acceleration 0-100 km/h 5.0 sec (5.1 sec) Engine (Ghost and Ghost Extended)**Max torque @ engine speed 780 Nm / 575 lb ft @ 1500 rpm Power output @ engine speed 563 bhp / 570 PS (DIN) / 420 kW @ 5250 rpm
WRAITH DimensionsVehicle length 5269 mm / 207.4 inVehicle width 1947 mm / 76.7 inVehicle height (unladen) 1507 mm / 59.3 inWheelbase 3112 mm / 122.5 inBoot 470 litres / 16.6 cubic feetPerformance*Top speed 155 mph / 250 km/h (governed)Acceleration 0 – 60 mph (UK) 4.4 secAcceleration 0 – 100 km/h 4.6 secEngine (Wraith)Max torque @ engine speed 800 Nm / lb ft @ 1,500-5,500 rpmPower output @ engine speed 624 bhp / 632 PS (DIN) / 465 kW @ 5,600 rpm
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48 Last Look Rotary Controller
Wraith’s Spirit of Ecstasy Rotary Controller places power at your fi ngertips. Literally. The touchpad, which recognises English, Japanese, Korean, Latin, Arabic and Chinese
Touching ecstasycharacters, allows you to access your music or the Internet by simply “writing” the commands with your fi ngers. Its “pull and pinch” function also enables you to zoom in and out for
easy viewing. Prefer a more vocal approach? Activate speech recognition using the controller and tell the car your demands. It’s more than a driving seat – Wraith places you on a throne.
Every Owner is unique.Their world, their style and their success stories are unique.Which is why we like to listen to them, get to know them and build yachts that are as unique as they are.Works of art since 1873. benettiyachts.it
A brand of AZIMUT BENETTI Group
BEING UNIqUE Is AN ArT.
Benetti Custom: sTEEl ANd AlUMINIUM YAchTs OvEr 45 METrEs.
Benetti Class Range displaCement: cOMpOsITE YAchTs frOM 93 TO 145 fEET.
Benetti Class Range fast displaCement: cOMpOsITE YAchTs frOM 125 TO 140 fEET.
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