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Next-Generation Rolls-Royce Phantom Interior Spied For the First Time

For each Rolls-Royce you see on the street, the wonderful people over at the carmaker’s Goodwood factory spend 450 hours to put the car together. Well, the 60 pairs of hand that handle each Rolls-Royce are set to receive new instructions, as the Phantom will enter its second generation. We’ve recently shown you the first spyshots of the most luxurious of the two sedans Rolls-Royce currently makes and now we are back with the first interior shots.
Next-Generation Rolls-Royce Phantom Interior Spyshots 8 photos
Photo: SB-Medien
Next Generation Rolls-Royce Phantom spyshotsNext Generation Rolls-Royce Phantom side view spyshotsNext Generation Rolls-Royce Phantom spyshotsNext Generation Rolls-Royce Phantom spyshotsNext Generation Rolls-Royce Phantom interior spyshotsNext Generation Rolls-Royce Phantom rear spyshotsNext Generation Rolls-Royce Phantom cabin spyshots
Mind you, the vehicle is still in the early development phase, so we are dealing with a test mule. As far as the cabin is concerned, this means many elements on the prototype are Frankenstein bits taken out of the BMW part bin - yes, we are referring mostly to the 7 Series here.

Fret not Rolls-Royce aficionados, the BMW gear shifter won’t be present on the new Phantom. In fact, the gear lever will maintain its traditional steering column position. As for the iDrive controller, yes, Rolls-Royce does used a disguised version of BMW’s infotainment, but, as always, the design will be bespoke.

Most of the dash is covered, so we can’t tell how large the new infotainment screen will be or what the British designers will do for Rolls’ traditional analogue-style climate control setup. Oh well, at least the test driver is in proper shape and he’s wearing a polo shirt.

Compared to any other production car, the styling of Rolls-Royce cabins has changed the least over the years. It is the minimalism that defines the carmaker’s luxury and this isn’t going to change, plus minus certain inevitable digital details.

Mystery also surrounds the technical side of the next Phantom. While some state the 2016 BMW 7-Series platform will find its way under the luxurious British motorcar, others claim Rolls-Royce will be assisted in developing its own architecture.

Even though the first version may seem more likely financially speaking, we mustn’t forget Rolls-Royce is on track to launch its first SUV. Thus, a bespoke platform would be justified and since the current Phantom weighs over 5,600 lbs (2,550 kg), such a move would also be welcome.

We expect the new Phatom to start haunting our dreams in 2017 as a 2018 model.
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About the author: Andrei Tutu
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In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist.
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