Photography courtesy Lunaz
“At 60 miles an hour, the loudest noise in this new Rolls-Royce comes from the electric clock,” Rolls-Royce said in the late 1950s. True elegance doesn’t necessarily mean loudly announcing your arrival, but instead your mere presence does the talking. This seems to be the goal for the Rolls-Royce Phantom V by Lunaz, evident by its electric powertrain in lieu of the 6.2-liter V8 it originally came with.
“A Rolls-Royce Phantom has always whispered rather than shouted and this commission does so with even greater authority,” Lunaz founder David Lorenz said. “Valued at over £1 million, it’s far more than a restoration–it’s a radical reinvention of a true icon. A rolling work of art for a new era.”
The creation celebrates 100 years of the Phantom, with the Phantom V using the 1959-1968 generation as its base. The Lunaz model retains all the classic looks, but incorporates today’s modern technology. Creature comforts such as navigation, Wi-Fi connectivity, and an infotainment center within the armrest are tastefully incorporated. Other features include “electronic privacy screen, whisper-quiet climate control, discreet USB charging ports, heated seats front and rear–and a handcrafted whisky bar.”
Lunaz builds the cars entirely in the United Kingdom, with more than 5500 hours into a build and the reengineering of more than 11,000 components. The company adds that they’re the only ones producing fully electric versions of the Rolls-Royce Phantom as well as the Silver Cloud. Every bespoke Phantom takes 18 to 24 months to complete, with clients working with a Lunaz design specialist to select the materials, finishes and features to their build. Among those personal touches include “rare leathers and unique veneers to unlimited paint choices.”
I'd argue that few car makers are as well-suited to using EV powertrains as much as Rolls-Royce. Quiet, effortless thrust? That's essentially the EV's modus operandi.
I feel that this can carry over well to older Rolls-Royces (and other classics, too).
"Valued at over £1 million..." Probably not on my shopping list, then. A Phantom V is probably well suited, among other things it's big so there's more room for batteries and any added weight is probably not a real concern.
In the US I could imagine a similar EV conversion of a Lincoln Mark V or a Cadillac Fleetwood.
stuart in mn said:In the US I could imagine a similar EV conversion of a Lincoln Mark V or a Cadillac Fleetwood.
I second the motion.
In reply to Colin Wood :
I'm on the same page. I feel like while EVs don't do what I want most in a sports car, they do do what I want in luxurious rolling art and architecture, and older (and much older) luxury cars are well suited to an EV "skateboard" that does away with the old mechanicals that can be so archaic as to be actively unpleasant (unless you're just there for that experience, and fair enough).
Of course, a '30s partially wooden body probably benefits from an ICE drivetrain to cover the creaking and groaning...
Colin Wood said:stuart in mn said:In the US I could imagine a similar EV conversion of a Lincoln Mark V or a Cadillac Fleetwood.
I second the motion.
I feel the luxury barges could benefit from an EV powertrain ... but then again, I love my Caddy because it's not quiet. Nothing about it is quiet. Food for thought.
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