Rolls-Royce is celebrating its links with the world of music and artists by unveiling a Wraith 'Inspired by Music'.
Since the launch of Wraith in 2013, customers have been able to commission their own with Bespoke Audio - which Rolls-Royce describes as 'the most exhaustively designed sound system in automotive history'. The new Wraith Inspired by Music edition uses precious materials in the Bespoke Audio system, creating 'the most exclusive music venue'.
Rolls-Royce is building on its history and connction to the musical world. In 1961 Elvis Presley walked into the Beverley Hills Rolls-Royce dealership and ordered a Rolls-Royce Phantom V, Keith Moon, drummer for British band 'The Who' parked his Roller in a hotel swimming pool and John Lennon famously had his Phantom V, which came equipped with a record player, painted in psychedelic colours.
The latest Wraith features a 'Lyrical Copper' exterior paint finish, combined with a blend of brushed and polished textures which hints at the use of copper found in only the very best audio systems. On the inside, there are re-imagined speaker grilles, presented in the copper theme and engraved with the words 'Bespoke Audio'. The door panniers and floor mats have been crafted from finely-woven leather while copper-coloured door inserts, which start at the front of the cabin before tapering at the rear, have been included in the design to emphasise Wraith's internal curves.
A copper finish features for the first time on the Wraith's fascia, extending the car's theme. The same copper tone adorns to Wraith's signature 'seat bullets'. Rolls-Royce says the 'fastidious detail' that went into the development of the car's sound-system is employed in every facet of the construction of the car. For example, the chaplets on the clock have been crafted with a combination of copper and silver, whilst the radial lines of the outer bezel emulate the look and feel of vinyl records.
The Bespoke Audio system was created from scratch by a team of the 'world's very best' automotive audio engineers. The two-year development process saw the team work closely with Rolls-Royce interior designers to ensure the system was perfectly tuned to the interior of the cabin. The clarity of sound and dynamic range is delivered via a 1300W, 18 channel system comprising two highly powerful bass speakers, seven tweeters and seven mid range speakers. Two 'exciter' speakers hand-fitted in the car's headlining play a vital role in bringing the sound to the listener at ear-level; ensuring the output perfectly imitates the way music is experienced in a live setting. Microphones constantly monitor ambient and exterior noises and will adjust volume and tone settings automatically to ensure no external agent detracts from the user's listening pleasure.
The Wraith Inspired by Music completes a trilogy of distinctive Bespoke Collections. The first, Wraith 'Inspired by Film' celebrated Rolls-Royce's long association with the silver screen while the Wraith 'Inspired by Fashion' allowed customers to commission a true piece of automotive haute couture inspired by the materials and motifs of cutting-edge high fashion.
Torsten Müller Otvos, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars said: "Wraith 'Inspired by Music' appeals to those looking to Rolls-Royce for unique and creative motor cars. Its effortlessly cool appearance complements the superior Bespoke Audio system; the contemporary use of copper creates an atmospheric setting for the most encompassing music system on the market".