As we come to the end of another week we look at some of the Motoring news which you may have missed starting with a new Bespoke ‘Wraith – inspired by Earth’
Inspiration for a Bespoke Rolls-Royce can come from just about anywhere – and in the case of the marque’s latest creation, literally everywhere. Commissioned through Rolls-Royce Abu Dhabi, ‘Wraith – Inspired By Earth’ takes its design cues from the entire Solar System, and our own planet as seen from space.
The exterior is finished in Royal Blue, representing the 75% of the Earth’s surface that is covered by water. The most striking feature, however, is the bonnet artwork, which depicts a satellite’s-eye view of the Middle Eastern region. Centred on the United Arab Emirates, the panorama extends across the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman, all meticulously air-brushed by hand in a process that took over 100 hours to complete. The exterior is finished with a hand-painted Emerald Green coachline incorporating the Sun and the eight planets of the Solar System – Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune.
By contrast, the interior aesthetic focuses on the Earth’s surface and the human and natural life that inhabits it. The seats are made from Moccasin leather to mimic the sands of the Emirates’ deserts; Navy and Cobalto Blue accents are suggestive of rivers and lakes and Emerald Green piping symbolises nature in all its forms. Arctic White ‘RR’ monograms and stitching hint at clouds and translucent running water.
The rear waterfall features a spectacular scene of atmospheric clouds rendered in minutely detailed embroidery using Photoflash technology. On the fascia, the Piano Milori veneer is embellished with a satellite image of the Middle East, so realistic that it appears to be a photograph but in fact is skilfully air-brushed. The Bespoke Starlight Headliner is embroidered to illustrate all the planets of Solar System, centred on the Sun. Other Bespoke details include treadplates, a clock with metal radial background, and inlays showing the planets in silver, with planet Earth accentuated in gold.
Dine with the cars
A unique, purpose-built venue for staging events, conferences, lunches, dinners together with promotional and social functions is available at the location in north London of Europe’s largest private car collection, Studio434®. The 20,000 sq ft of adaptable and flexible air conditioned space has already been utilised by major UK banks as well as for a new supercar model launch and a variety of club and association events. The Studio434® space also includes two fully equipped fill/tv studios which have been used for recording elements of high profile film and television programmes.
The events areas at Studio434® have been professionally equipped to the highest standards capable of entertaining small company meetings or gatherings to much larger events as and when circumstances require. Full toilet facilities, including for disabled visitors, together with professionally equipped kitchen facilities which are capable of providing a simple finger buffet to a full four course silver service lunch or dinner.
What makes Studio434® stand out in comparison is the availability of over 470 classic and modern motor cars representing the UK and European motor industry from the start of the 1900’s to the current day and these cars can be made available to be a back drop to any of the planned events
The company can provide high quality catering for any type of event although clients can of course employ their own catering providers. Studio434® is very conveniently located close to the M25 and the A1 and is only 16 minutes by train from Kings Cross station in the centre of London.
Hyundai motor’s smallest EV revealed
Hyundai Motor Company have revealed the first glimpse of its smallest EV yet, with a video sketching its unique and innovative construction.
This petite EV’s exterior style is based on the ‘45’ EV concept that Hyundai presented in 2019 at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt. Hyundai’s designers adapted the signature ‘kinetic cube lamp’ design of ‘45’ along with its angular yet smooth profile to create this yet-to-be-named EV that sports a Performance Blue exterior color with orange accents.
This ‘little engine that could’ packs two DC motors that push it to the blistering top speed of 7 km/h. Only the bravest souls will take the wheel of this speedster. To boost driver confidence, Hyundai designers took inspiration from motorsports by placing just one seat in the middle of the car.
In keeping with the 45’s design heritage theme, Hyundai has built this unique passenger vehicle out of a traditional eco material – wood. This new EV does not have an officially rated driving range yet, but driver’s laughter is believed to fuel the vehicle to travel further based on its Emotion Adaptive Vehicle Control (EAVC) technology.
Further details will be revealed soon on how this one-of-a-kind EV will offer a unique mobility experience for young customers.
Nissan Leaf named most reliable electric vehicle
The Nissan LEAF has been named most reliable electric vehicle in a study carried out by one of Britain’s best-known warranty companies.
The research by Warrantywise looked at the frequency of repairs, common faults, cost of repair and age at the time of repair. Similar combustion-engined models were also evaluated, with the LEAF also finishing 7th overall*.
Andrew Humberstone, Managing Director of Nissan Motor GB, said: ‘‘We are thrilled at the recognition LEAF has received in recent weeks. No matter what technology powers a car, reliability is key and it is pleasing to see LEAF receive independent verification for its dependability.
The New Rolls-Royce Ghost arrives in UK showrooms
The first New Rolls-Royce Ghosts have arrived in UK showrooms following a highly successful home-market debut.
After final inspection at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, England, the motor cars were dispatched to the marque’s seven home-market dealerships; Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham, Essex, London, Leeds and Sunningdale.
New Ghost is the result of exhaustive dialogue with the marque’s customers. Many demanded a car that rejected unnecessary branding, affectation or obtrusive technology. In response to this, the marque’s designers immersed themselves in spaces that reflected a minimalist approach to statement design.
London played a particularly important role in defining the new Ghost’s design direction. The capital’s landmark Shard building informed the reductive approach to aesthetic form that came to be internally known as ‘Post Opulence’. Designed by Pritzker Architecture Prize winning architect Renzo Piano, the building is widely praised for its monolithic yet simple forms delivered by highly complex engineering processes. This echoes Ghost’s design and development process, where the client requirement for simplicity was delivered through cutting-edge engineering and manufacturing techniques.
First UK customer deliveries to take place from December 2020
