Rolls Royce Phantom Tempus, A Galaxy On Four Wheels

A timeless masterpiece and a definition of luxury, the Rolls Royce Phantom has been inducted into the company’s exclusive and rare collection, the Phantom Tempus Collection.

Rolls Royce Motor Cars’ chief executive officer Torsten Müller-Ötvös said “The Phantom Tempus Collection, a magnificent incarnation of our pinnacle product, inspired by a mysterious celestial phenomenon and time, which Albert Einstein, one of the greatest minds in human history, defined as a persistent illusion. With Phantom Tempus, we have created a space in which those strictures no longer apply and as illustrated by the deliberate absence of a clock.”

Two key designing factors played in the role of making this extraordinary Phantom Tempus. One is the rare astronomical phenomenon, the Pulsar, found only in the deepest reaches of space and second is the aspect of time, the illusion of it standing still.

“With Phantom Tempus, our sources of inspiration are on an appropriately grand scale, time, deep space, and a theoretical physicist who changed the way we see the universe and our place within it. That all 20 cars have already been reserved indicates that these are themes that truly resonate with our patrons around the world,” he added. 

The company’s new restatement of the Phantom has a production which is capped to only 20 examples and each one has already been designated to their respective clients.

Inside the interior, a Bespoke Starlight Headliner that was adapted from this remarkable force of nature is the centrepiece in the Phantom Tempus. The forming of this beautiful and unique Pulsar Headliner comes from the combination of fibre-optic lighting and intricate Bespoke embroidery.  

Tilt down, and can be seen portrayed with an illusion of time standing still on the fascia is a ‘Frozen Flow of Time’ Gallery. Placed in it, is a clock which is deliberately omitted to signify patrons’ freedom from time and its limitations.

It is made out of a single billet of aluminium that is sculpted to form 100 individually contoured columns. Each column is black-anodised and hand-polished to reflect the light. It is meant to create a rippling and flexing effect, as the eye travels along the solid structure.

Also present in the glove compartment which can be found on an engraved plaque, is a description of the Gallery, alongside a quote from Albert Einstein, "The distinction between past, present, and future is only a stubbornly persistent illusion".

Panning around the Phantom Tempus’ interior, a design of swirling and twisting stars can be seen on the doors. Realized by hundreds of illuminated perforations and as well as additional perforations in contrasting leather to add a greater depth and detail to the effect.

Stepping out of the Tempus masterpiece, the exterior is cloaked in a new Bespoke paint finish, Kairos Blue. The particular shade was chosen and created to embody the darkness and mystery of space.

Its one-of-a-kind hue is meant to represent the stars as it incorporates jewel-like blue mica flakes, which glitter and glint as they catch the light. The exterior is further finished with black detailing to highlight the galaxy’s effect.

Looking on the front bonnet, on the base of the iconic figurine, located is an engraving of a personalised date and location that is of a particular significance to the clients. This Bespoke aspect is dubbed by the company as the ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’.

Wrapping up the new Phantom Tempus Collection, is the acclaimed Rolls Royce Champagne Chest that has gotten a distinguishing element of the Collection, which is an artwork of the Pulsar that was hand painted onto it.

Müller-Ötvös concluded, “Phantom Tempus is a motor car for those who shape the world as they seek their own place in the universe. They understand that whatever our individual gifts, talents and opportunities, we’re all given time and it is up to us to make the most of every moment.”

Accessible via the Google Cardboard app, is a Virtual Reality presentation that Rolls Royce has created for the Phantom Tempus. Providing a fully immersive, 360-degree view of the Collection’s interior and exterior, where clients are able to relish its extraordinary presence at a time that suits them best.