Cars and luxury

Wraith: Power Redefi ned • An Epic Journey Through Austria • Charitable Getaways

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Designed without compromise

Unmistakable from any angle, Rolls-Royce motor cars display peerless quality, luxury and engineering. Elegant yet dynamic; when a Rolls-Royce drives by the world stands still.

Contact us to experience the ultimate luxury motor car.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited, Asia Pacific Office (Singapore Branch), 1 Harbourfront Avenue, #15-02 Keppel Bay Tower, Singapore 098632Tel: +65 6838 9674 Fax: +65 68389671

www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com© Copyright Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited 2013. The Rolls-Royce name and logo are registered trademarks.

http://www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com


In 2003, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars produced what was to become an iconic, ultra-luxury model

– Phantom. No other brand had ever created a motor car at this level or with this degree of

commitment, engineering and craftsmanship. It was unchartered territory. And arguably no other

motor car has the proportioned stance that gives Phantom its strong sense of authority and

peerless comfort. For many, Phantom remains the most inspirational, uplifting sight in motoring.

That momentum has been brought through a truly remarkable range of cars: Phantom

Extended Wheelbase, Phantom Drophead Coupé and Phantom Coupé. With the expansion of

the Rolls-Royce range to include Ghost, Ghost Extended Wheelbase and now Wraith, the brand’s

appeal has been signifi cantly broadened among customers

across Asia.

To maintain our position as the most prestigious marque

in the world of motor cars requires a consistent ethos

that fi ts the brand’s distinguished clientele: the drive for

perfection, the marriage of time-honoured craftsmanship

and cutting-edge engineering and technology, and a highly bespoke philosophy. It is said that

a Rolls-Royce owner does not “buy” a motor car – he or she “commissions” it. This mark of

exclusivity, or seal of personalisation, ensures every Rolls-Royce is unique.

For many owners, a Rolls-Royce dealership is a partnership that extends beyond mere

order slips. It is a collaborative experience that elevates a motor car to the level of art. It was

with this notion that the fi rst showroom in the Asia Pacifi c region was opened in Singapore,

followed closely by Sydney, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Seoul. In total, Rolls-Royce has 25 showrooms

in 14 countries, where customers can design their perfect motor car.

Rolls-Royce in Asia Pacifi c

“Small things make perfection, but perfection is no small thing”.– The late Sir Henry Royce

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Dealers’ Listing

AUSTRALIA / NEW ZEALAND

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

Melbourne

Eureka Tower

80 City Road

Southbank

Victoria 3006

Tel +61 3 8866 3188

Fax +61 3 8866 3100


Sydney

75-85 O’Riordan Street

Alexandria

New South Wales 2015

Tel +61 2 8338 3998

Fax +61 2 8338 2169


Perth

354 Scarborough Beach

Road

Osborne Park

Western Australia 6017

Tel +61 8 9231 5999

Fax +61 8 9231 5911


Queensland

179 Nerang Road,

Southport

Queensland 4215

Tel +61 7 5509 7197

Fax +61 7 5532 0177


Auckland

7-15 Great South Road

Newmarket

Auckland 1049

Tel +64 9 969 3350

Fax +64 9 969 3354

HONG KONG


Hong Kong

Shop 4, G/F

Wu Chung House

213 Queen’s Road East

Wanchai

Tel +852 2870 1692

Fax +852 2893 7388


Macau

Shop A2, G/F, FIT Center

Avenida Commercial De

Macau

Tel +853 2872 3631

Fax +853 2872 3632

INDIA


Ahmedabad

E-Block Ajanta Corporate

House

Titanium Square, Thaltej

Crossroad

S.G Highway

Ahmedabad 380054

Tel +91 79 4035 9999

Fax +91 79 4035 9995


Mumbai

48 Atria Millennium Mall

Dr. Annie Besant Road

Worli

Mumbai 400018

Tel +91 22 2481 3326/

3335

Fax +91 22 2481

3336


Chandigarh

City Emporium Mall

Plot No. 143 A

Industrial Area Phase 1

Chandigarh 160002

Tel +91 99 1133 2203

Fax +91 172 5101000


Hyderabad

6-3-569 Opposite RTA

Offi ce

Khairatabad

Hyderabad 500082

Tel +91 40 4465 6565

Fax +91 44 4291 1100


New Delhi

A-19 Mohan

Co-operative Industrial

Estate

Mathura Road

New Delhi 110044

Tel +91 11 4343 0000

Fax +91 11 4343 0055

INDONESIA


Jakarta

51 Jl. Sultan Iskandar Muda

Arteri Pondok Indah

Jakarta 12240

Tel +62 21 725 9000

Fax +62 21 7278 6000

JAPAN


Osaka

1-13-40, Nishi-honmachi

Nishi-ku

Osaka-shi

Osaka 550-0005

Tel +81 6 4393 8823

Fax +81 6 6541 8850


Tokyo

2-7-17 Shiba

Minato-ku

Tokyo 105-0014

Tel +81 03 5413 2100

Fax +81 03 5413 2288


Yokohama

2-2-1 Minato Mirai

Nishi-ku

Yokohama-shi

Kanagawa 220-8172

Tel +81 45 680 4500 /

0120 188 250

(Free dial for Japan)

Fax +81 45 680 4501

KOREA


Seoul

100-17 Cheongdam-dong

Kangnam-Ku

Seoul 135-100

Tel +82 2 512 5834

Fax +82 2 512 0557

MALAYSIA


Kuala Lumpur

Ground Floor, Quill 9

112 Jalan Semangat

Petaling Jaya

Selangor 46300

Tel +60 3 7960 2333

Fax +60 3 7960 2072

PHILIPPINES


Manila

Blk 15, 2nd Floor FGC

Building

Rizal Drive, Crescent Park

West

Bonifacio Global City, Taguig,

Metro Manila 1634

Tel +632 856 7555

SINGAPORE


Singapore

29 Leng Kee Road

Singapore 159099

Tel +65 6475 3113

Fax +65 6479 4333

TAIWAN

Roll-Royce Motor Cars

Taichung

No. 403, Sec. 4

HeNan Road

NanTun District

Taichung City 40874

Tel +886 4 3600 8333

Fax +886 4 3600 8555


Taipei

No. 39, JiHu Road

NeiHu District

Taipei City 11492

Tel +886 2 2658 3333

Fax +886 2 2657 3388

THAILAND


Bangkok

999 Rama 3 Road

Bangkhlo, Bangkholaem

Bangkok 10120

Tel +66 08 7560 3737

Fax +66 2670 6090

Boutique Showroom

2nd Floor, Siam Paragon

991 Rama 1 Road

Bangkok 10330

Tel +66 2610 6788-9

Fax +66 2610 6787

VIETNAM


Hanoi

Ground fl oor, HCO Building

44B Ly Thuong Kiet

Hoan Kiem

Hanoi 10000

Tel +84 43 786 8462

Fax +84 43 786 8459

2 Foreword The View From Here

The word “pinnacle” is used the world over to describe the Rolls-Royce brand.

Ever so often, the word “Rolls-Royce” is used to denote excellence, even in

reference to things that have no connection with motor cars.

A century ago, four Rolls-Royce Silver Ghosts embarked on the Austrian Alpine Trials, the

most arduous test of automotive endurance of that time. Performing faultlessly over 1,820

grueling miles (about 3,000km) of near impassable mountain terrain, the Rolls-Royce works

team and privateer James Radley cemented the marque’s reputation for peerless reliability

and mechanical excellence.

The company proudly retains this reputation to date, and that defi ning moment in our history

is beautifully retold in this issue of Pinnacle. Also in this issue, we celebrate a decade of success

at our manufacturing plant in Goodwood. This is a place where, it is said, the art of creating motor

cars truly takes form – virtually all of the cars that leave this hallowed ground for the Asia Pacifi c

are adorned with some form of bespoke element. We identify with

the artistic values of our matchless artisans, and we pay tribute

to them while celebrating craftsmanship in every issue of Pinnacle.

Rolls-Royce continues to maintain its leading position in the

super luxury market thanks to the infl uence of our iconic Phantom

and Ghost models. But we are not ones to rest on our laurels. We are

staying true to the philosophy of our founder Sir Henry Royce: When

it does not exist, design it. Our designers and engineers now bring you

the most powerful and dynamic Rolls-Royce ever – Wraith.

Seating four in unparalleled comfort behind a twin-turbo V12 engine

capable of producing 624bhp and 800Nm of torque, this two-door,

fastback coupé is destined to change the ultra luxury market. Pinnacle

goes on the world’s fi rst drive.

The brand’s appeal is steadily widening across Asia. Five years ago, in the regions outside

the Chinese mainland, we had a presence in only nine cities. By the end of this year, we will

potentially be represented in 26. Our approach is to grow sustainably with partners who

will deliver the best that Rolls-Royce customers deserve.

That said, we have no interest in having a Rolls-Royce on every corner in Asia’s metropolises.

Rolls-Royce motor cars are highly bespoke and exclusive creations, and will always remain so.

I hope you enjoy this issue of Pinnacle.

Paul Harris

Regional Director, Asia Pacifi c


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4 Contents The Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Owners’ Magazine

DOSSIER8 New dealerships and showrooms10 Wraith events around the world12 Festival of Speed

AURA14 Always Perfect The First TimeBen Oliver gets in the driving seat of Wraith for a world exclusive drive.

19 A Celebration of PerfectionRolls-Royce craftsmen work their magic in creating a highly bespoke collection of cars to commemorate the marque’s 10th anniversary at Goodwood.

INDULGE22 Wanderlust with a PurposePay it forward and help the needy even when you’re on a luxurious holiday.

VISIONARY26 The Simplicity of StyleFamous Belgian architect Jean-Michel Gathy talks about his design philosophy.

MASTERPIECE28 Emblems of MajestyFabergé eggs seem to be making a comeback.

ON THE COVERWraith, the most powerful Rolls-Royce motor car ever created, made its debut this year.PHOTOGRAPHY TAN MENG CHOON

VANTAGE30 An Intangible LuxuryRolls-Royce Motor Cars Regional Director Paul Harris talks about the importance of time.

JOURNEYS32 A Road Trip Like No OtherGlen Watson takes part in the 2013 Centenary Alpine Trial in Austria.

PASSION38 A Fortuitous IronyInterview with a Chinese Rolls-Royce motor car owner.

GLITTERATI40 Launches & CelebrationsAsia’s elite were out in force at these exclusive Rolls-Royce events.

THE ROLLS-ROYCE FAMILY44 Vehicle specifi cations of Rolls-Royce motor cars.

LAST LOOK48 Touching Ecstasy Wraith’s rotary touchpad brings power and control to your fi ngertips.

Wraith: Power Redefi ned • An Epic Journey Through Austria • Charitable Getaways

32 22

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mailto:[email protected]

http://www.uomogroup.com

http://www.uomogroup.com

6 Contributors The Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Owners’ Magazine

Publishing Agent

Caroline NguiGroup Editor-in-Chief

Joanna Lee-MillerGroup Editor

Editorial & Creative

Dora TaySenior Editor

Alywin ChewEditor

Annabelle BokSub-Editor

Jayson OngSenior Art Director

Stephanie TeoArt Director

Publisher

Pinnacle is a publication for owners and enthusiasts of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and is published by SPH Magazines Pte Ltd on behalf of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited, Asia Pacifi c Offi ce (Singapore Branch).

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited, Asia Pacifi c Offi ce (Singapore Branch) 1 Harbourfront Avenue #15-02 Keppel Bay Tower Singapore 098632 www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com

Editorial Advisors

Brenda PekHead of Marketing, Asia Pacifi c

Hal Serudin Corporate Communications Manager, Asia Pacifi c

Pinnacle is published by SPH Magazines Pte Ltd (Registration No: 196900476M) for BMW Asia (Registration No: 198502157D) on behalf of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited (Registration No: 03522604). Copyright of the materials contained in this magazine belongs to SPH Magazines Pte Ltd and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited. Nothing in this publication shall be reproduced in whole or in part in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written consent of SPH Magazines Pte Ltd and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited. Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of SPH Magazines Pte Ltd nor Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited and no liabilities shall be attached thereto. All rights reserved. Editorial enquiries should be directed to asiapacifi [email protected]. While every reasonable care will be taken by the Editor, no responsibility is assumed for the return of unsolicited material. All information is correct at time of printing. MCI (P) 154/08/2013. Printed in Singapore by KHL Printing Co Pte Ltd (Registration No: 197801823M). For advertising enquiries, please e-mail [email protected].

Dennis PuaManaging Director

Christopher ChanGeneral Manager

Sales & Client Management

Kaz LimAssociate Account Director

Stanley [email protected] Account Manager

Christine ChionhAssistant Manager, Business Development & Client Management

Publishing Services

Matthew Joseph [email protected]

LIM SIO HUI is a design

and travel journalist who

roams the world to

report on the latest in

design and architecture.

She writes for Blouin

Artinfo, Travel + Leisure,

The Business Times

newspaper, and is the

author of the insider

tome on her hometown,

Graffi ti Travel Guide:

Singapore.

BEN OLIVER is a

contributing editor and

columnist for CAR

magazine as well as

other major publications

around the world. He has

interviewed everyone

from the heads of the

world’s most prominent

car companies to the

former head of the CIA.

He is also a partner in a

public relations company

and a recording studio in

London’s Mayfair.

KAREN FONG has

spent the last few years

travelling across Asia and

reviewing the latest in

spa, wellness and luxury

travel as an editor for

AsiaSpa magazine. Having

lived in Canada, Hong

Kong and Singapore,

her appreciation for the

fi ner things in life drew

her away from a career

in advertising to one in

luxury publishing.

GLEN WATSON’s love of

automobiles progressed

from toy cars to the

real thing when he was

just eight. Since earning

a degree in journalism

from Toronto’s Ryerson

University, he has

test-driven luxury and

sports cars on roads and

racetracks around the

world – despite the fact

that he has lived on a car-

free island in Hong Kong

since 1996.

KARL PESKETT is

a highly respected

international motoring

journalist from Australia.

When not road-testing

the latest sports or luxury

vehicle, he can be found

interviewing the CEOs

of car manufacturers.

With experience in radio,

television, print and online

media, Karl’s passion and

enthusiasm for the car

industry makes him the

perfect fi t for Pinnacle.








http://www.rare-cask.com

http://www.rare-cask.com

8 Dossier New Dealerships

01 Regal Motor Cars Corporation was appointed as the offi cial dealer for Hanoi.

02 Barbagallo Group was appointed as the new Perth Dealer.

03-04 The announcement of the new Manila dealer (right) was closely followed by the opening of another new dealership in Taichung, Taiwan.

01

03

02

04

The Real Deal

The appointment of a new Rolls-Royce dealership is always big news, especially when it is in a brand new market.

This past June, British Bespoke Automobiles was tapped as the offi cial importer-dealer for the Philippines. The company will be responsible for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Manila, with the goal of importing Phantom, Ghost and Wraith models.

The arrival of Rolls-Royce in the Philippines is a validation of the country as one of Asia’s fastest growing economies.

A new Manila showroom – with a bespoke lounge and expertly staffed aftersales facilities – is scheduled to open early next year, though an interim facility will be operational by the fourth quarter of 2013.

Another fi rst took place in Hanoi with the appointment of Regal Motor Cars Corporation as Te

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the offi cial Rolls-Royce dealer for the city. The move is a timely one, refl ecting the company’s Asia Pacifi c plan for sustainable growth on the heels of growing interest in the Rolls-Royce brand.

A dealership in Vietnam has long been on the cards, thanks to its rising economy, the steady growth of local entrepreneurs, and thriving appreciation for the craftsmanship and attention to detail that Rolls-Royce is renowned for.

An offi cial showroom for the new Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Hanoi is scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2013.

Over in Perth, Rolls-Royce’s expansion plans in Australia continued with Barbagallo’s appointment as a Rolls-Royce dealer. Founded in 1967, the Barbagallo Group has an exceptional track record and extensive experience in automotive luxury retailing.

Showrooms

01

03

02

04

Show and Tell

This is proving to be a busy year for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, as it celebrates the opening of four sleek showrooms in Asia.

The goal of the new spaces is to ensure, more than ever, that customers will have greater choice of and accessibility to Rolls-Royce’s latest product offerings.

The company continues to expand its presence in India with the opening of its third showroom in Hyderabad, the country’s fourth largest city. The 5,400 sq ft three-car space also features a bespoke lounge where customers can personalise the various detailings of their cars in privacy. The Hyderabad showroom is part of an ambitious expansion plan in India that includes new showrooms in Chandigarh and Ahmedabad.

Over in Singapore, the re-opening of the showroom on Leng Kee Road coincides with record Te

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country sales in 2012 and the company’s tenth anniversary. The 5,350 sq ft showroom, one of the largest in Southeast Asia, can hold up to eight cars. Those currently on display include the Phantom and Ghost family cars and Rolls-Royce’s latest – Wraith.

The strength of the super-luxury car market in Japan – where Rolls-Royce has seen increased demand, and where Phantom Series II is one of the company’s bestsellers – is refl ected by new, upgraded showrooms in Tokyo and Yokohama alongside a brand new showroom in Osaka.

Finally, the new Rolls-Royce boutique in Bangkok’s exclusive Siam Paragon is the fi rst in Asia to be set in a luxury retail hub. The boutique complements the seven-car showroom in Rama 3, which is the fi rst in Asia Pacifi c to feature two levels and secure underground parking for customers.

01-04 Rolls-Royce unveils new showrooms in Osaka, Hyderabad, Singapore and Bangkok as part of its global expansion plans.

10 Dossier Wraith Events

01

PowerPlay

Bold lines, sumptuous interiors, powerful delivery, dramatic refi nement.

These words are barely adequate descriptions of the full impact of one’s fi rst encounter with Wraith.

The latest model in Rolls-Royce’s range of ultra-luxury models, Wraith is the most powerful automobile ever to display the famous Spirit of Ecstasy fi gurine. The elegant fastback styling of the two-door coupé is complemented by satellite aided transmission, voice activated connectivity and Canadel panelling to create not just an unparalleled drive of immense power (0-100km/h in 4.6 seconds), but also one that bears all the hallmark attributes of Rolls-Royce luxury, refi nement and craftsmanship.

Wraith made its global debut to universal applause in March at the blue-chip Geneva Motor Show. Since then, it has taken to the road in a series of high-profi le Te

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events, winning new fans at every stage.At the prestigious Goodwood Festival of Speed in

the United Kingdom, with Goodwood House and the manufacturing plant as a dramatic backdrop, Wraith dominated the Goodwood hill climb with its twin-turbo V12 engine during the Supercar Run.

In London, Wraith was showcased in a bespoke window display at luxury department store Harrods, while its arrival in Belgium marked an incredible century since the fi rst Rolls-Royce sale to a Belgian customer in 1913. And in Italy, the shores of Lake Como recalled Rolls-Royce’s past glories when the elegant grounds of the Concorso d’Eleganza, Villa d’Este hosted the unveiling of the gran turismo.

At every stage, Wraith’s reception has been nothing less than overwhelming. In Australia, it made its national debut at a closed-door event at the Sydney

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Overseas Passenger Terminal in the iconic Sydney Harbour. In Bahrain, the limited allocations for 2013 were completely sold out on the fi rst day of its debut. Wraith’s Japanese debut at the Yokohama Concours d’Elegance saw the select group of guests bowled over by the super-luxury model’s effortless power delivery, style, and craftsmanship.

A similarly enthusiastic reception greeted the coupé at the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Academy in both Guangzhou and Beijing Art Zone. That did not come as much of a surprise, seeing as one in every four cars produced at Goodwood is being driven on Chinese streets. In Singapore, the Southeast Asian debut of Wraith came hot on the heels of record sales for Rolls-Royce, a true testament to the marque’s enduring allure among car enthusiasts in the region.

01 Wraith gets a spectacular reveal at the Geneva Motor Show.

02 Wraith on a revolving platform during its launch in Singapore.

03 Wraith makes for a unique window display at Harrods in London.

04 Wraith launched in Sydney on the harbourfront, with the famous Opera House in the background.

05 Wraith at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

12 Dossier Festival of Speed

01

Rolls-Royce at Goodwood

They came in record numbers – 196,000 to be exact – and they found Rolls-Royces almost everywhere they looked. The Festival of Speed, based around the 1.9km-long Goodwood hill climb in West Sussex, is now widely considered to be the world’s premier car culture event.

Despite the temperature exceeding 30ºC, well-known musicians, sportsmen and politicians mingled with motor sport legends and a hugely enthusiastic public. Together they watched a priceless collection of cars take to the hill.

This year was the event’s 20th anniversary, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ involvement was bigger than ever. Every group on the hill climb – whether it comprised new or historic Formula One machines, Le Mans prototypes or pre-war classics – was led by

a stunning black Phantom Coupé pace car.Wraith – the most powerful Rolls-Royce ever –

made its general public debut in the Supercar Paddock. It was surrounded by the latest sports cars including the McLaren P1 and Eric Clapton’s uniquely-bodied Ferrari SP12 EC.

Wraith too had a chance to show its paces on the hill (it can bullet from a standstill to 100km/h in 4.6 seconds), and it impressed with its agility on the narrow and tricky ribbon of bitumen.

A second Wraith took pride of place in the nearby Moving Motor Show. Members of the public queued up for a chance to sit on its sumptuous white leather seats and discuss its design with Rolls-Royce staff.

Another major highlight of the event was the presentation of the works team from the recent 2,800km-long re-enactment of the 1913 Alpine Trial.

01 The 1913 Radley Silver Ghost (right) is driven past the main stands alongside the Alpine Trial Centenary Collection car – a modern-day bespoke Ghost built to celebrate the Alpine Trial.

02 Guests discuss the design elements of Wraith.

03 A blue Wraith speeds down the roads during the event.

04 A regal Phantom arrives at the event grounds.

03 04

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The Silver Ghost driven by James Radley in the original event and a 2013 Alpine Trial Centenary Collection Ghost have been fi nished in the same shade of blue. To the delight of the crowd, the two cars – separated by 100 years – travelled past the main stands side by side.

In the Cartier Style et Luxe open air exhibition and design competition, a 1908 Silver Ghost, one of the earliest built, lined up alongside dozens of other icons, including a 1929 Bugatti Royal.

On a lighter note, two soapbox racers built by Rolls-Royce engineers took part in the gravity challenge. One exceeded 110km/h.

The Festival of Speed soundtrack is one of racing engines, squealing tyres, jazz bands and military jet fl y-bys. On the south-east corner of the estate is the Rolls-Royce manufacturing plant and head offi ce, and

about 100 staff helped with the festivities. Some drove a fl eet of 20 Rolls-Royce cars, ferrying guests around.

“The Festival of Speed is unique and extraordinary,” Andrew Ball, the company’s corporate communications manager and spokesperson, said. “Almost every motor manufacturer is represented here, so it is important that we, as the pinnacle luxury manufacturer, are here too. This is our home turf.”

Ball added that the event is also an opportunity to showcase Rolls-Royce products to the broader public, including youngsters who may be tomorrow’s buyers.

“But it’s more than that,” he said. “We are a British manufacturing success story… an actual part of British society and British history. We take our responsibility as custodians of the brand very seriously. Part of that is in sharing our produce with the British and international public.”

14 Aura Wraith Drive

Always Perfect The First TimeBen Oliver gets into the driving seat of Wraith for a world exclusive drive.

01

02


A decade ago, I arrived at Rolls-Royce’s new home at Goodwood to collect the

very fi rst Phantom released for testing.

And all it took was a hundred metres before I reached a verdict for the UK’s century-old

Autocar magazine – that Phantom was “a real Rolls-Royce, and right the fi rst time.”

The release of a new Rolls-Royce motor car is not a frequent occurrence, but my reaction

has been the same for every new model that has rolled out from the marque’s headquarters in

the Sussex Downs. Each has shown deep engineering integrity as well as beauty and originality

in styling. The quality of materials and construction goes beyond the automotive and is better

compared with the fi nest furniture the world has to offer.

I’m sorry if I’m giving the game away too soon, but the new Wraith is no exception.

It, too, is exceptional.

It is, however, also a Rolls-Royce unlike its predecessors. The 624bhp twin-turbocharged

V12 engine is the marque’s most powerful ever. Wraith also features intriguing new technology,

chiefl y the satellite-aided eight-speed transmission that knows when the car is approaching a

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01-02 Guests learn about Wraith from Global Director of Communications Richard Carter.

03 High tech car keys for a technologically advanced vehicle. Wraith has a satellite-aided eight-speed transmission system that ensures maximum performance on the road.

04 Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös speaks to guests at the event.

05-09 Guests spend an eventful day learning about the interior detailing of Rolls-Royce’s most powerful car to date.

corner and will hold a lower gear, readying it for acceleration as you exit the bend.

This drivetrain, installed in Wraith’s gorgeous two-door fastback body, plainly indicates that

this is a more dynamic car than its stablemates. But Rolls-Royce’s engineers have an aversion to

the term “sporty”, and before I took Wraith out on the road I wondered how they would resolve

the seeming incompatibility of their goals: producing a more dynamic chassis and also preserving

the brand’s hallmark refi nement to give its customers the perfect “magic carpet ride”.

I needn’t have worried. Wraith is titanically fast when you need it to be. With the steering just

a fraction crisper to suit, and the ride just a hint more taut, it communicates just a shade more

of the surface beneath, without breaking that fabulous, almost-eerie “spell” of grace that only a

Rolls-Royce can cast.

It is perfectly judged. And the greatest achievement of the satellite-aided transmission is that

you barely notice it at work – you will simply get a sense of the car being smarter, more

cooperative, and better-prepared for your next instruction. In a Rolls-Royce, technology should

be effective but not apparent, and that is certainly the case here.

08

0907


And so there is nothing to distract you from enjoying another extraordinary Rolls-Royce cabin,

the highlight here being the vast, stunning one-piece Canadel door veneers. The extra power may

have you arriving at your destination earlier, but it also means you get to open the coach doors

sooner to admire the striking exterior once more. The car certainly makes good on the promise

of that deeply recessed Pantheon grille and fl owing, pillarless side-glass.

I was lucky enough to see Wraith prior to its launch at the Geneva Motor Show. Speaking to

Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös, he explained that the car has no natural rivals – it is unique

in the marketplace, different enough that loyal customers will not hesitate to add Wraith to their

current stables of Rolls-Royce cars.

And that is exactly what he and his team at Goodwood have produced – a car that has

achieved the perfect balance between dynamism and all the defi nitive traits of the marque.

Just as I described Phantom ten years ago, Wraith is a real Rolls-Royce.

And once again, right the fi rst time.

10

10 Wraith speeds down a bend. It takes just 4.6 seconds to accelerate from 0-100km/h.

A Celebration of PerfectionRolls-Royce commemorates 10 years of success at Goodwood with an exclusive collection of bespoke motor cars. Karl Peskett learns about the intricacies of the design.

Rolls-Royce afi cionados will well remember New Year’s Day of 2003 as a historic

occasion for the brand. While everyone else toasted the beginning of yet another 365 days,

Rolls-Royce staff were busy gathering in the Chichester countryside.

The resolutions they made that day weren’t just about spending more time with the kids or

going on a nice holiday. It was about creating perfection.

Rolls-Royce’s Goodwood facility was offi cially opened on January 1, 2003 and the fi rst Phantom

was presented to its owner at a minute past midnight. This was the car that not only reinvigorated

the brand, but also placed Rolls-Royce at the pinnacle of automotive engineering. And those who

have since made the trip to Goodwood will undoubtedly agree that the factory is as much of an

enigmatic marvel as the Phantoms which are created within.

With the entire roof of the facility covered in green sedum plants, the building has been

Aura Home of Rolls-Royce Collection

20 Aura Home of Rolls-Royce Collection

designed to blend into its surrounds. And because it is also set low in the grounds, there’s hardly

any way to see the factory until you’re virtually on top of it. The chrome signage, with the iconic

Rolls-Royce logo emblazoned across it, is perhaps the only giveaway.

With minimal impact on its surroundings, the Goodwood plant is rated as one of the least

invasive factories in the motoring world. Over 400,000 trees and shrubs were planted during the

landscaping of the grounds, and skylarks have been known to nest and brood on the roof. And the

facility has managed to expand over the past 10 years while still remaining completely unobtrusive.

The expansion of Goodwood was primarily for the accommodation of new Phantom variants

and the production of Ghost and Wraith models. But with incessant orders being placed for

personalised Phantoms, it has also been necessary to increase the bespoke team’s footprint in

terms of space as well as headcount.

Rolls-Royce has also seen unprecedented demand for its cars on the back of its bespoke

business, and Richard Collar, Head of Bespoke Sales and Marketing, can vouch for this. He says:

“In the past decade, we’ve had a steady increase in our personalised business. For example, in

the Middle East, virtually 100 per cent of Phantom and Ghost production have an element of

personalisation.”

The scope of the team is quite simply a spectrum of possibilities, according to Collar. “It can be

something as simple as a certain thread for contrast stitching. It can also be a unique leather colour,

a new paint, a specifi c wood veneer, a personalised headrest embroidery,

or a personalised treadplate,” he says.

“Bespoke can be something understated and modest, or it can be bold

and outrageous, and yet it’s everything in the middle.”

This year, the bespoke team is tasked with creating a special series of

cars to celebrate a decade of success at Goodwood. Staying true to the

philosophy of Rolls-Royce co-founder Sir Henry Royce, the team has

created the impressively intricate Home of Rolls-Royce Collection.

The glovebox in this exclusive series features a “celebration” marquetry accent made of no

less than 11 different types of wood. Echoing the different veneers used throughout Ghost and

Phantom interiors, sycamore, holly and satinwood were chosen, and applications of various

techniques lend a shadow effect that creates an illusion of depth.

Rolls-Royce vehicles are exported to every corner of the globe, and this explains why the motif

used throughout the car’s design is that of a compass. Stitching the complex patterns onto the

armrests and consoles is an arduous affair – craftsmen spend over an hour completing each piece,

with 112,533 stitches applied using precision embroidery machines that perform 1,000 stitches per

minute. After a week, and a 22-stage paint process, Rolls-Royce’s coachline painter Mark Court then

spends six gruelling hours painting not only the coachline, but also a half-compass motif. The fi nal

touch sees the coordinates of Goodwood engraved onto the treadplates, the umbrella handles,

and the pedestal of the Spirit of Ecstasy fi gurine.

Regardless of how onerous the creation of each design element is, there is no rushing

production at Goodwood.

Because perfection takes time.

“Take the best that exists and make it better. When it

doesn’t exist, design it.” – The late Sir Henry Royce

THE HOME OF ROLLS-ROYCE COLLECTION IN NUMBERS450 Individual leather pieces cut and fi tted to each Rolls-Royce Phantom112,533 Stitches comprise Home of Rolls-Royce Collection Phantom embroidery672 Metres of thread in every Home of Rolls-Royce Collection Phantom11 Individual varieties of wood veneer, cut and applied to “celebration” motif by hand20,000 Wood veneer combinations available in every Rolls-Royce44,000 Individual exterior paint colours to choose from58Layers to every Phantom wood part100Pounds of paint applied to every Rolls-Royce60 Pairs of hands take 400 hours to construct each Rolls-Royce motor car

22 Indulge Travel Philanthropy

Wanderlust with a PurposeYou can do your part for needy communities while enjoying a getaway from your hectic schedule, says Karen Fong.

Luxury hotels and travel agencies constantly endeavour to make exotic and

isolated locations accessible to those eager to explore the world. Recently, a growing

sense of environmental awareness and social responsibility within the industry is seeing many

companies look for w ays to give back to the very areas they have established themselves in. And

as it turns out, travellers have proven eager to contribute and make a difference too, whether

monetarily or via a hands-on approach.

“We are seeing big growth among tour operators offering philanthropic travel or ‘voluntouring’,”

says Tim Russell, Director for Sales and Marketing in the Asia-Pacifi c for Remote Lands, a bespoke

luxury travel agency. He adds: “We and our clients gain an enormous amount from meeting local

communities. Without them, we would not be able to offer many of the unique experiences that

make our trips so special. It is only right that we give something back and spread the message that

tourism isn’t just a one-way street.”

Giving back can be as easy as booking a trip. Soul Sanctuaries, a Hong Kong-based agency, has

a programme called Give A Little Soul that works with credible charities like Bali Kids and Angels

For Orphans, who receive a percentage of the total payment. For those who prefer getting into the

01

01-05 Coco Collection in the Maldives educates guests about marine life during their stays in luxury villas with breathtaking views of the ocean.

thick of the action, agencies like Remote Lands can arrange tie-ups with the Tibetan Village Project,

a Remote Lands-affi liated NGO located an hour’s drive from Lhasa. Visitors can help villagers build

greenhouses and hiking trails, perform site clean-ups, and construct waste bins.

Luxury resorts are also getting more involved with social initiatives, and travel agents have been

quick to leverage on this. Lightfoot Travel collaborates with Indonesian resort Nihiwatu, which

supports The Sumba Foundation’s community development and funding efforts in the area.

Travellers who visit the foundation can help with the distribution of eyeglasses, the repairing and

painting of local schools, and the feeding of malnourished babies.

At other luxury resorts in Asia, travellers are presented with the opportunity to learn more

about wildlife and the ecosystem. Resorts like Coco Collection in the Maldives employ resident

marine biologists, who conduct regular sessions for guests to learn about marine biodiversity in

their vicinities.

Coco Collection’s environmentally-friendly fi shing expeditions allow guests to embark on

research fi shing expeditions to help monitor and document marine species in the area, and its

Coral Nursery Project supports coral reef care and regrowth. Chiara Fumagalli, the group’s marine

03

0504

02

24 Indulge Travel Philanthropy

biologist, says: “Having guests discover that some of their usual activities or practices may be

harming the environment, and prompting them to then ask what they can do differently or how

they can help preserve the Earth, is a fabulous thing.”

In northern Thailand, the Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle partners with the Golden

Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation (GTAEF) to give guests the chance to get up close and

personal with these majestic mammals. Guests can also help with research activities investigating

elephant behaviour, and this in turn enhances GTAEF’s ability to care for the animals.

Other resorts go the extra mile to ensure that their operations methods are aligned with

conservation efforts in their vicinities. The Song Saa Private Island Resort in Cambodia, which has

27 luxurious villas, adopts a “triple bottom-line” business model which measures the company’s

success in revenue as well as the positive impact it has had on the people and the environment.

This involves running sustainability programmes such as establishing the country’s fi rst

marine protected area, and teaching local fi shermen sustainable methods that will ensure fi sh

populations remain healthy.

But even as jumping onto the do-good bandwagon becomes increasingly popular, Brenton

06

Whittaker, Project Coordinator for Bali Kids, warns travellers to be wary of scams. Some “orphanages”

around the world are reported to be seedy operations that prey on tourists’ eagerness to give

back. It has also been discovered that some “orphans” were bought off their parents to populate

these private ventures. “Do your homework fi rst and do not make vast outlays when volunteering,”

says Whittaker, who advises that reliable bespoke agencies often have direct contact with the

charities and initiatives they support.

It is imperative to exercise discretion when choosing travel agencies, or you could end up

causing more damage instead of helping. A study done by British and South African academics

several years ago revealed that short-term philanthropy missions could actually be counter-

productive – affl uent traveller-volunteers may prevent locals from getting paid jobs; orphans or

abused children may suffer additional trauma from severed emotional connections when their

benefactors leave for home.

Scams and ill-intentions aside, however, this sort of travel always promises greater rewards than

the getaways themselves – when undertaken correctly, of course. You would, after all, have played a

part in making the world a better place.

06 Travellers get to fi nd out more about elephants at the Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle in Thailand.

07 Wind down on the luxurious grounds of Nihiwatu after helping out with community development efforts in the day.

07

26 Visionary Master Architect

“Is the Rolls-Royce about the headlights, or the seat you’re driving in?”

Architect Jean-Michel Gathy is musing about hotel design, or more specifi cally, about the secret

behind his fi rm’s award-winning projects.

“It’s the whole thing,” the Belgian replies. “A hotel is like a Rolls-Royce – it has to be all-rounded

and seamless.”

Based in Asia for most of his professional life, the 57-year-old is the brains behind Denniston,

an architecture fi rm responsible for designing some of the world’s most renowned luxury hotels.

Whether it’s his Aman-branded retreats in exotic destinations such as India’s Rajasthan National

Park or LVMH Moet Hennessy - Louis Vu itton’s upcoming Cheval Blanc Randheli resort in the

Maldives, he believes that the success of his hotels is derived from the way every element of the

design is in harmony with the others.

“All our contracts state that we will do the architecture, interior, and landscape,” explains Gathy.

“You will never feel that the conformation of the windows does not match the facade, or that the

swimming pool is not easy to access from the bedroom. We seamlessly relate things.”

Looking at his stilted villas, strung discreetly along the coral atolls, lagoons and private beaches

of One&Only Reethi Rah in the Maldives, or the magnifi cently perched monastic design of the

St Regis Lhasa Resort, you begin to understand Gathy’s magic, which stems from a respect for the

site. “If you’re on the lake, I’ll give you the view of the lake. If you’re on the mountain, I’ll face the

sun, because it’s cold,” he shares. “The most fundamental point is to be appropriate to the site and

make the guest comfortable.”

Gathy recently launched two Aman hotels – the Aman Canal Grande, a heritage-listed restored

palazzo on Venice’s prime waterway, and Amanoi, a massive project spanning 40 hectares in the

mountains close to the sea in Vinh Hy, Vietnam. While the two projects are on opposite ends of

the style spectrum, there’s one signature trait that is easily recognisable – a carefully orchestrated

balance in each space.

“I believe that being intentionally chaotic in a design is unpleasant. You see a geometry, an axis,

a physical balance: like the Champs-Elysees, the Egyptian pyramids, or the Taj Mahal – my projects

are like that.

“Often, when somebody says, ‘this is beautiful,’ you don’t know why – it just looks good,”

proposes Gathy. “Actually, it’s because it’s balanced. When something is balanced, it is always more

pleasant and peaceful.”

Gathy would know. After all, he has 50 years of experience in the study of travel and

architecture. At the age of seven, he was already saving up his weekly allowance to indulge his

passion for seeing the world, albeit through the study of maps.

He says, “I would study a country from an atlas all week – the names of the cities, the number

The Simplicity of StyleLim Sio Hui speaks to renowned architect Jean-Michel Gathy and fi nds out that when it comes to the creation of the world’s most stunning luxury hotels, comfort comes fi rst.

01 The living room of a villa at the Cheval Blanc Randheli in the Maldives.

02 & 03 There is a sense of serenity at the St Regis Lhasa Resort, built high in the mountains of Tibet.

04 Jean-Michel Gathy says his love for travelling and architecture has been a life-long affair.

05 Enjoy a super-exclusive getaway at One&Only Reethi Rah in the Maldives.

0301

04 05

of people living in the cities, the highest mountains, the roads; the names of the harbours, rivers

and gorges. Then on Friday, I would take the money I have saved, and buy ‘blind’ maps of the world,

and test myself by fi lling in the blanks.”

Later, after his parents found out about his secret hobby, Gathy was tasked to organise family

holidays. At just 10 years of age, he became the family’s navigator and tour guide for the fi rst time.

He studied road maps and organised visits to a cathedral, a castle and other heritage buildings, and

recounted each location’s history to his family.

“That’s what gave me the love of architecture and travelling,” recalls Gathy.

Powered by Gathy’s love for his job, it is no wonder that Denniston is a world leader in hotel

design today.

“We win every famous commission, not because we’re smarter or better,” he shares. “Basically,

I have been accumulating knowledge since I was seven years old. It has been my life.”

02

28 Masterpiece Cultural Artefacts

Emblems of MajestyOnce derided as markers of decadence, gem-encrusted Fabergé eggs are making a comeback. By Hong Xinyi

01

01 Model illuminated by light from a Russian Imperial Easter egg made by Fabergé. She wears a lacy collar of square-cut emeralds and round diamonds, and matching diamond ring, all from Harry Winston circa December 1958.

Fabergé eggs are the ultimate trophy for collectors because they have imperial provenance and refl ect the romance of the lost Russian Empire.

Imag

e C

orbi

s

Tokens of love, emblems of imperial splendour, showcases for breathtaking

craftsmanship, poignant reminders of a violence-soaked history, and now,

controversial status symbols for a new breed of wealthy tastemakers – the iconic

Fabergé eggs bear different meanings.

The fi rst Fabergé egg was made in 1885 for the Romanov Tsar, Alexander III, and presented to

his wife, Empress Maria Feodorovna, as an Easter present. Jeweller Peter Carl Fabergé was tasked

with creating what is known as the Hen Egg. Its gold shell covered with opaque white enamel, the

egg opens to reveal a matte yellow gold yolk containing a gold hen with ruby eyes, which opened

to reveal a diamond replica of the imperial crown and a ruby pendant.

The commissioning of imperial easter eggs became a tradition that Alexander III’s son, Nicholas

II, continued. Over the next 32 years, until the Romanov dynasty was overthrown in 1917,

Fabergé made an estimated 50 such eggs for the royal family, as well as eggs for other aristocrats

and captains of industry. Says Mark Moehrke, Fabergé expert and Director of Russian Works of

Art at Christie’s: “Fabergé eggs are the ultimate trophy for collectors because they have imperial

provenance and refl ect the romance of the lost Russian Empire. Rarity is one of the most appealing

qualities of the Fabergé eggs.”

One apocryphal anecdote claims that Fabergé eggs were among the

valuables sewn into the clothes of Nicholas II’s young daughters before

the family faced the Bolshevik fi ring squad. Later, under Joseph Stalin’s

regime, many Imperial Eggs were sold to collectors outside Russia.

The most prominent of these buyers was the tycoon Malcolm Forbes,

whose collection of Fabergé objects included nine Imperial Eggs.

Some striking Imperial Eggs include the 1911 Fifteenth Anniversary

Egg, an enamel and diamond creation featuring scenes from the private

and public lives of Nicholas II and his family. The 1913 Winter Egg,

auctioned in 2002 for US$9.6 million, is admired for its thin rock crystal shell, with platinum and

diamond decorations designed to look like frost. In 2007, a 1902 gold and enamel Fabergé egg

owned by the Rothschild banking family made headlines for fetching US$16.5 million at an auction.

“Since this market came into being following the Russian Revolution, collectors from all over

the world have become interested in them. Fabergé collectors have diverse backgrounds, coming

from America, Europe and Russia,” Moehrke notes. “Although there is always the risk of acquiring

fakes, Fabergé eggs have been very well documented for the past century, so they are easily

traceable. Collectors can always seek expert advice from auction house specialists.”

In 2004, as part of his personal mission to recover Russian cultural artefacts that were lost

during the 20th century, Russian oligarch Victor Vekselberg bought the Forbes collection for a sum

estimated at more than US$100 million. Another 10 of the Imperial Eggs are displayed at Moscow’s

Kremlin Armoury Museum. The rest are in private and state collections and in museums all over

the world. Eight Imperial Eggs remain missing.

The Fabergé brand itself has staged a comeback. Purchased by businessman Brian Gilbertson

in 2007, with Peter Carl Fabergé’s great-granddaughters Tatiana and Sarah acting as advisors, the

company launched two collections of egg pendants in 2011 – the fi rst new creations from the

House of Fabergé since the dark days of 1917.

30 Vantage

An Intangible LuxuryRolls-Royce Motor Cars Regional Director Paul Harris ponders time and its connection to success.

I once said to an audience of business principals, some of whom were Rolls-Royce

clients, that time was possibly the most important factor in their businesses. As

many of us know, of all the resources at our disposal, time is perhaps the only one

which we cannot acquire more of and therefore need to use wisely.

Time is needed to embrace new challenges, new customers and therefore new approaches. It

certainly was time for me to refl ect as we had introduced more new models to our Rolls-Royce

range with Ghost, Phantom Series II and the promise of a magnifi cent new car – now revealed

to be Wraith. Our business in the Asia Pacifi c region was also expanding. Everyone knows that

markets fl uctuate, and in the long-term, Asia will become the heartbeat of the world’s economy.

It is only a matter of time.

I then began to refl ect on how important time is to me, how technology has progressed

since I started my career in the car industry nearly 30 years ago, and how the Rolls-Royce brand

has evolved in 109 years since that seminal moment when Charles Rolls and Henry Royce met

over lunch.

Time is hugely important to me, as it probably is to you. We need to juggle

myriad responsibilities – jobs, family, health, relationships, “me” time and, in many

cases, giving back to society. I remark on the latter as I see more and more

philanthropists giving up their time and money for worthy causes every day.

I have observed over the years that we tend to have an unhealthy obsession

with speed. Sometimes the race to achieve success means signifi cant things

are left behind. The rush to modernisation in Asia, for example, has left some

cityscapes sterile. While it is always a pleasure to visit one’s favourite coffee

chain in a foreign city, I cannot help but wonder if globalisation has left us with

nothing more than mirror images in each Asian metropolis which possess little local fl avour or fl air.

Some may assume that the key to success is devoted work time and a strong work ethic. Studies

show that the upcoming generation values work-life balance more than their elders, who place

emphasis on loyalty, job security or rewards. Yet, the aspiring youth of today are no less competitive.

Management gurus exhort that time is “precious” and “irreplaceable”, so we speed up. But

paradoxically, the business of handcrafted, bespoke cars thrives on well-apportioned time in order

to ensure quality, excellence, and attention to detail.

Today’s rush for accomplishment can be brutal. In modern, professional sports culture, an

athlete’s success is generally defi ned as his or her becoming a world champion in his or her early

20s. But following the fl urry of media attention and public adoration, it is all over by the time the

athlete is 30. How do we sustain repeated success? I think there is no clear answer. The word

“Increasingly, I see time as a luxury. It’s a

conundrum that the greater the success,

the greater the time burden.”

Waxing Lyrical

“authenticity” comes to mind: staying true to

one’s values consistently (brand and product)

while also moving with the times; balancing

some time-honoured virtues. For ultra-luxury

products, the need to be timeless in terms of

design and craftsmanship comes to mind – a

feat that I believe we at Rolls-Royce Motor

Cars have managed to achieve since this new

era, in which Rolls-Royce began production in

Goodwood, began in 2003.

However, innovation is also a constant

challenge as product cycles are becoming

shorter. Many innovative high-tech companies

are advocates of “20 per cent time”. The core

idea behind this — that knowledge workers

are most valuable when they are given space

in which to experiment — is apparently more

relevant than ever. We do something akin to

this at Rolls-Royce, and some of our best ideas

make it to the production line.

Time also allows us to refl ect, reinvent,

and re-adapt. I fondly remember this quote

that someone once said to me: “However we

remember the past, or anticipate the future, we

live in the present.”

This has been a mantra that I share with my team. We certainly cannot change what has

happened, but we can defi nitely programme ourselves to create a tomorrow.

Increasingly, I see time as a luxury. It’s a conundrum that the greater the success, the greater

the time burden. The usual advice dispensed is that we can get it all done with better organisation.

But this surely is a fallacy. We will always have challenges to face and activities to do.

The solution is to rethink how we manage our time.

I recently received an email from a highly satisfi ed customer who was on a 2,500km journey

in one of our cars. He is certainly enjoying his life with a passion. Perhaps this is the way to go.

The reward is in making the time, not just the money.

A Road Trip Like No OtherGlen Watson goes on an unforgettable jaunt through Austria with Rolls-Royce during the 2013 Centenary Alpine Trial.

01

32 Journeys 2013 Centenary Alpine Trial

01


01 An Alpine Trial Centenary Collection Ghost (bottom left) retracing a historic route amid breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains.

02 Silver Ghosts parked outside a Rolls-Royce store in the 1910s.

03 The colour of the Alpine Trial Centenary Collection Ghost (left) was inspired by that of the legendary Radley Ghost (right).

04 An old advertisement for the Alpine Trials.

03

02

British aviator and adventurer James Radley must have been quite a fellow.

Among his accomplishments, he participated as a privateer in several editions

of the annual Alpenfahrt (Alpine Trial) before the First World War. He was

forced to retire from the 1912 race by a gear problem; that route took

competitors from Salzburg to Innsbruck, Riva, Toblach, Trieste and Klagenfurt,

then back to Vienna – in seven days.

In 1913, Radley returned with the four-speed chassis 2260E, an exact duplicate of the three

offi cial Rolls-Royce entries that could reach 120km/h in top gear, as well as climb steep mountain

roads in fi rst. With its Radley-Morison coachworks completed at the privateer’s Huntingdon

aeroplane hangar, this car was slightly larger and had fuller wings than its three Rolls-Royce

counterparts. Louvres had been added along the bonnet to improve airfl ow, helping to cool the

7.4-litre engine that could reach 2,500rpm. Most of the other 43 entries had 3.5- to 4.5-litre

engines. Interestingly, Radley’s car was dynamometer-tested before the rally, and

produced 10 per cent more power than the team cars. Uniquely, the car (now

known as the Radley) also had electric lighting – the others still used acetylene.

He started out in fourth place on June 21, but Radley soon took the lead

and held it every day thereafter until the fi nish in Vienna, earning the City of

Trieste and Austrian Motor Volunteer Corps prizes as well as a silver badge.

He was victorious again in 1914, returning with the Chassis 18PB to achieve

his ambition of a clean sheet with no points lost.

So here we are, 100 years later, with the 20-Ghost Club and the now BMW-

owned Rolls-Royce Motor Cars teaming up to organise a special centenary

celebration of Radley’s 1913 accomplishment. Undoubtedly, the highlight of the

event is seeing that legendary vehicle taking part in the Alpenfahrt alongside 47

other pre-1940 Silver Ghosts and a bespoke Alpine Trial Centenary Collection

Ghost saloon whose exterior hue is inspired by the Radley’s.

Featuring a distinct blue-grey colour and painted black rims and grille (a fi rst

since Rolls-Royce Motor Cars began production in Goodwood), the modern

edition also pays tribute to the original with a clock displaying the rally stages,

as well as inlays in the picnic tables and fascia showing the topography and

distances of the Alpine route. It is nothing short of stunning.

I join the 2013 Alpine Trial in Lake Bled, Slovenia, in time to see Prince Edward and his wife

Sophie leaving the Queen’s birthday garden party at the Grand Hotel Toplice, accompanied by

members of the 20-Ghost Club. All of the participating cars are lined up on the street beside the

lake; Bled Castle, perched high upon its mountain, overlooks us. The sight is spectacular.

I soon meet up with Sir Michael Kadoorie of Hong Kong. He owns the Peninsula hotel group

and hosts The Quail, A Motosports Gathering during the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in

California every year. He is participating in the Trial with a 1912 Silver Ghost Penny Holmes Tourer,

acquired in 1999 and completely rebuilt over three years. The car features a unique “underslung

suspension”, and there are only six others like it in the world.

“I do it for the pleasure of driving the car,” says Kadoorie about being a part of this year’s event.

He last took part in the Alpine Trial 10 years ago. Commenting that he has since travelled at least

04


15,000km with this car, he adds: “I think these cars bring people of like passion and enthusiasm

together. When you consider that most of the cars participating are 100 years old or more, it’s

kind of an extraordinary experience.”

I’m honoured with an invitation to be the Radley’s navigator on the fi nal two legs back into

Austria and past the fi nish line in Vienna. At the wheel is its current caretaker, John L. Kennedy of

New Zealand, who has researched everything there probably is to know about the car and its

famed original driver. It is clear that he adores driving the Radley with his wife, Rae, by his side,

but today he is stuck with me while Rae enjoys the massage seats in the modern Ghost.

As soon as we set off, Kennedy chatters incessantly about the car and the late Radley as we

travel through green alpine valleys, up and over 1,000m- to 2,200m-high summits with ease. We

zip back and forth on the countless

switchbacks and push beyond the 100km/h

mark on fl atter straights.

The 100-year-old Silver Ghost occasionally

lets out little backfi re burps, reminding me of

an excited horse enjoying itself. It rides and

runs like a dream. Kennedy’s hands never stop

moving – he is constantly steering, moving

levers, and pumping the handbrake mounted

outside the door on the driver’s side (this door

is useless when entering or exiting the car).

Kennedy is a driving force behind the

Alpenfahrt recreations, which were last held

10 and 20 years ago. His attention to detail

and his passion for this event lead me to

think he’s actually Radley reincarnated. Or

perhaps he is just channelling Radley’s spirit

through the 1913 Silver Ghost.

We experience fl uctuating weather

conditions as we move closer to the fi nish

line in Vienna, and even the windburn is not

enough to wipe the smiles off our faces.

I wear an Austrian army offi cer’s outfi t on

the fi nal day in portrayal of the scrutineer

who rode to victory with Radley.

It has been an amazing experience, and any relief I feel at the fi nishing line is quickly replaced

by sadness that the epic adventure has fi nally come to an end.

“We knocked the bastard off,” quips Kennedy to his mates, echoing Sir Edmund Hillary’s words

after the latter returned from Mount Everest’s summit in 1953. Handed glasses of champagne to

celebrate, we shake hands and pose for photos with the Radley. This has certainly been a trip to

remember, and I’m already looking forward to driving with Kennedy again.

I just hope I don’t have to wait 10 years for t he next Alpine Trial celebration to do it.

“When you consider that most of the cars participating are 100 years old or more, it’s kind of an extraordinary experience.”

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08

05 Steep gradients, sharp bends and untarred roads add to the challenge of the Alpine Trials.

06 John L. Kennedy (left), the current caretaker of the Radley, speaks with writer Glen Watson during their memorable trip through Austria.

07 Sir Michael Kadoorie of Hong Kong smiles for the camera from his 1912 Silver Ghost Penny Holmes Tourer.

08 Prince Edward and Princess Sophie attend the Queen’s birthday party at Lake Bled, Slovenia.

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10

09 Silver Ghosts lend a touch of nostalgia to the convoy during their trip through Europe.

10 An Alpine Trial Centenary Collection Ghost provided a touch of modernity as it travelled amid vintage Silver Ghosts during the event.

38 Passion Rolls-Royce Motor Car Owner

A Fortuitous IronyChinese real estate mogul Chen Daoyi tells Wang Fangqing how he made a fortune doing what he once swore never to do, and how his Phantom is a refl ection of his philosophy of life.

“Many of my friends own Phantoms and they

were telling me how great the car is.

Rolls-Royce is no doubt a trustable brand.”

As a boy, Chen Daoyi would cringe seeing his parents toil on their farm in the

scorching summer heat, and he resolved never to go down the same road.

“No more outdoor jobs,” he said to himself.

At the age of 16, Chen left his hometown of Taishun, then an underdeveloped, isolated village in

Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, to seek new opportunities. He travelled to many cities and was so

intrigued by the buildings he saw that his career, ironically, started outdoors in the concrete jungle

of Guangdong province.

“That job was obviously against my earlier wish,” the 41-year-old says with a laugh. He explains

that he took up that fi rst job primarily because he was eager to learn more about the industry. His

keen interest in the business soon led him to enrol in a local university from

which he graduated with a degree in civil engineering.

Through a friend, Chen then managed to get a job in Zhongyu

Construction Group, a state-owned real estate company in Wenzhou.

Fueled by his passion for the real estate business, Chen steadily ascended

the company’s ranks. Within 10 years, he had worked his way up from an

entry-level construction worker position to being the company’s regional

manager in charge of 32 operations.

With a wealth of hands-on and managerial experience under his belt,

Chen then felt it was time to run his own business. In 2009, together with

another company, he bought real estate developer Yuanyang for RMB$63 million (US$10.3 million).

“In my life, I have never been afraid of taking risks,” Chen says, when asked about the secret

behind his success.

“That was a huge risk I took in 2009 because, fi rstly, I had already achieved a good and stable

career in Zhongyu. Secondly, the takeover coincided with the beginning of the fi nancial crisis.”

But just having an appetite for risk is hardly enough for one to run a successful business. Chen

has a fl air for planning too, and the fi rst thing he did after acquiring Yuanyang was to revamp its

original management model.

“Poor management exposes companies to high risks and affects their effi ciency,” Chen says,

explaining why he built a core management team and made vast improvements with regards to

transparency and risk management.

Now, almost 30 years later, that childhood resolution of never having to toil in the open has

fi nally been cemented. Gone are the days when he had to don work boots, hard hats and dirty

overalls and work at construction sites. Sitting in his spacious offi ce in downtown Hangzhou, Chen

now manages a multi-billion-yuan business as the president of Yuanyang Group. But unlike his peers

who like wearing designer labels to work, Chen prefers a simple white shirt and grey pants.

“I prefer wearing a ‘uniform’ when I’m at the offi ce,” he says with a smile.

Chen’s taste in cars, however, is a little more sophisticated. The businessman owns seven cars,

and among them is a wine red Rolls-Royce Phantom Extended Wheelbase, bought just last year.

Chen believes that his business philosophy is refl ected in his Phantom.

“Yuanyang doesn’t have to be a mega company, but I want it to evolve and last,” Chen says,

before expressing his concerns about the fact that the average lifespan of a Chinese private

company is only fi ve years.

His focus on stability resulted in his decision to buy a Rolls-Royce. He says, “The car has an

advanced, powerful engine in a classic, high-end façade that the historical, respectable British brand

always keeps. I enjoy the speed, stability and status it offers.”

Chen admits that he is highly discerning in his choice of cars, as they will have to take him on

demanding journeys – he frequently makes fi ve-hour trips back to Taishun to visit his parents, as

well as manage a new company that helps local farmers sell tea leaves and fruits outside Wenzhou.

“Many of my friends own Phantoms and they were telling me how great the car is,” Chen adds.

“And Rolls-Royce is no doubt a trustable brand.”

40 Glitterati Wraith Asia Pacifi c Launch

HongKong

KualaLumpur

Distinguished guests from around the Asia Pacifi c region were treated to a sneak preview of Wraith, the latest addition to the Rolls-Royce family, in Hong Kong. They were treated to the presence of artisans from Goodwood who fl ew in especially for the event.

Malaysia’s successful elite gathered at JW Marriott for the launch of Wraith – the most powerful and dynamic Rolls-Royce ever.

42 Glitterati Wraith Asia Pacifi c Launch

Tokyo

Singapore

Wraith received a warm welcome in Tokyo during a nationwide launch. Japan is destined to become one of the largest markets for the model in the Asia Pacifi c, outside of China. Japan is a market which has had a long love affair with fastback designs – but none, to date, as luxurious as Wraith.

Making its Southeast Asian debut in Singapore, the highly-anticipated Wraith thrilled guests with its contemporary two-door, sweeping fastback design and luxurious interior. A series of events were held. And for some, knowing that the car seats four comfortably, it was a family affair.

The Rolls-Royce Family44

In A League of Its Own

There is a faint but discernible line

between sophistication and tasteless

decadence; a difference between

splurging because one can afford to

do so, and doing the same because

one appreciates the poignance of his

or her choice.

Rolls-Royce owners know this, and that

is why they have put their faith in a brand

which has been at the forefront of engineering

excellence, ingenuity, and timeless elegance for

over a century.

To own a Rolls-Royce is to be a rare

connoisseur of the fi nest craftsmanship the

automotive world can offer. To our exclusive

group of owners, a Rolls-Royce is more than

just a mode of transport or display of status

– it is a physical manifestation of its owner’s

belief that mankind’s never-ending quest for

perfection stops, albeit temporarily, at his or

her Wraith, Ghost or Phantom.

But there is so much more to the brand

than just a car becoming a work of art.

Rolls-Royce’s belief in the highest of

standards is a holistic one, and it promises to

excite and impress owners whether they are

in or outside the car.

Form and function are paramount in any

design. In a Rolls-Royce, these two elements

come together to create a harmony that is

second to none. The beauty of its form lies

in its simplicity, which is complemented with

state-of-the-art technology that lies beneath

the hood. Deep tufted carpets and sumptuous

leather in the interior cocoon a driver in his

or her very own sanctuary, while V12 engines

provide effortless power. Exceptional vehicle

handling and suspension systems ensure a ride

so refi ned and smooth that it is as enigmatic as

the car’s name.

Rolls-Royce Assist also provides peace of

mind. This Emergency SOS call function in the

car ensures that help is never too far away. In

the case of a rare malfunction or road accident,

the owner is linked to the nearest emergency

service call centre, which will promptly provide

the necessary assistance.

Service continues even off the road.

Rolls-Royce dealerships provide unparalleled

levels of personalised customer service,

and owners will never have to worry about

aftercare. A new Rolls-Royce is covered by a

comprehensive service and recovery package

for the fi rst four years, regardless of mileage.

This is why people choose Rolls-Royce.

Because only the fi nest will suffi ce.

02

0301

01 A family of Phantoms (From left: Phantom Extended Wheelbase, Phantom Coupé, Phantom and Phantom Drophead Coupé).

02 Wraith is Rolls-Royce’s latest offering, and the brand’s most powerful motor car in history.

03 Purists love the simple, yet elegant designs of Ghost and Ghost Extended Wheelbase.

46 The Rolls-Royce Family

PHANTOM

Phantom is an unmistakable symbol of luxury; its

classic, timeless design exudes a sense of power

and this car is the result of Rolls-Royce’s desire

to build only the best automobile in the world.

Coupé versions are also available for those who

prefer a more informal sporting drive.

PHANTOM COUPÉ Dimensions Vehicle length 5612 mm / 220.9 in Vehicle width 1987 mm / 78.2 in Vehicle height (unladen) 1598 mm / 62.9 in Wheelbase 3320 mm / 130.7 inBoot 395 litres / 13.9 cubic feet Performance* Top speed 155 mph / 250 km/h (governed) Acceleration 0-60 mph 5.6 sec Acceleration 0-100 km/h 5.8 sec

PHANTOM DROPHEAD COUPÉ Dimensions Vehicle length 5612 mm / 220.9 in Vehicle width 1987 mm / 78.2 in Vehicle height (unladen) 1566 mm / 61.7 in Wheelbase 3320 mm / 130.7 in Boot 395 litres / 13.9 cubic feetPerformance* Top speed 149 mph / 240 km/h (governed) Acceleration 0-60 mph 5.6 sec Acceleration 0-100 km/h 5.8 sec Engine (All Phantom models)**Max torque @ engine speed 720 Nm / 531 lb ft @ 3500 rpm Power output @ engine speed 453 bhp / 460 PS (DIN) / 338 kW @ 5350 rpm

PHANTOM Dimensions Vehicle length 5842 mm / 230.0 in Vehicle width 1990 mm / 78.3 in Vehicle height (unladen) 1638 mm / 64.5 in Wheelbase 3570 mm / 140.6 inBoot 460 litres / 16.2 cubic feet Performance* Top speed 149 mph / 240 km/h (governed) Acceleration 0-60 mph 5.7 sec Acceleration 0-100 km/h 5.9 sec

PHANTOM EXTENDED WHEELBASEDimensions Vehicle length 6092 mm / 239.8 in Vehicle width 1990 mm / 78.3 in Vehicle height (unladen) 1640 mm / 64.6 in Wheelbase 3820 mm / 150.4 inBoot 460 litres / 16.2 cubic feet Performance* Top speed 149 mph / 240 km/h (governed) Acceleration 0-60 mph 5.8 sec Acceleration 0-100 km/h 6.1 sec

01 03

02 04

02 04

01 03

* Manufacturer’s test results. Actual acceleration results may vary depending on specifi cations of the vehicle, road and environmental conditions, testing procedures and driving styles. These results should be used for comparison only and verifi cation should not be attempted on public roads.

**All Rolls-Royce motor cars are powered by direct-fuel-injected V12 engines.

WRAITH

The most powerful and technologically

advanced Rolls-Royce in history, Wraith

can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 4.6

seconds. A benchmark of power and style,

its elegant design makes this gran turismo

a contemporary homage to fastback cars.

GHOSTIts simplistic, dynamic design makes Ghost

an elegant ride, while Blenheim carpets and

cashmere-blend roofs add to the openess

of space. A low sill height ensures that the

driver is able to exit and enter with as much

grace as the car.

GHOST Dimensions Vehicle length 5399 mm / 212.6 in Vehicle width 1948 mm / 76.7 in Vehicle height (unladen) 1550 mm / 61.0 in Wheelbase 3295 mm / 129.7 inBoot 490 litres / 17.3 cubic feet Performance* Top speed 155 mph / 250 km/h (governed) Acceleration 0-60 mph 4.7 sec (4.8 sec) Acceleration 0-100 km/h 4.9 sec (5.0 sec)

GHOST EXTENDED WHEELBASEDimensions Vehicle length 5569 mm / 219.3 in Vehicle width 1948 mm / 76.7 in Vehicle height (unladen) 1550 mm / 61.0 in Wheelbase 3465 mm / 136.4 in Boot 490 litres / 17.3 cubic feetPerformance* Top speed 155 mph / 250 km/h (governed) Acceleration 0-60 mph 4.8 sec (4.9 sec) Acceleration 0-100 km/h 5.0 sec (5.1 sec) Engine (Ghost and Ghost Extended)**Max torque @ engine speed 780 Nm / 575 lb ft @ 1500 rpm Power output @ engine speed 563 bhp / 570 PS (DIN) / 420 kW @ 5250 rpm

WRAITH DimensionsVehicle length 5269 mm / 207.4 inVehicle width 1947 mm / 76.7 inVehicle height (unladen) 1507 mm / 59.3 inWheelbase 3112 mm / 122.5 inBoot 470 litres / 16.6 cubic feetPerformance*Top speed 155 mph / 250 km/h (governed)Acceleration 0 – 60 mph (UK) 4.4 secAcceleration 0 – 100 km/h 4.6 secEngine (Wraith)Max torque @ engine speed 800 Nm / lb ft @ 1,500-5,500 rpmPower output @ engine speed 624 bhp / 632 PS (DIN) / 465 kW @ 5,600 rpm

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48 Last Look Rotary Controller

Wraith’s Spirit of Ecstasy Rotary Controller places power at your fi ngertips. Literally. The touchpad, which recognises English, Japanese, Korean, Latin, Arabic and Chinese

Touching ecstasycharacters, allows you to access your music or the Internet by simply “writing” the commands with your fi ngers. Its “pull and pinch” function also enables you to zoom in and out for

easy viewing. Prefer a more vocal approach? Activate speech recognition using the controller and tell the car your demands. It’s more than a driving seat – Wraith places you on a throne.

Every Owner is unique.Their world, their style and their success stories are unique.Which is why we like to listen to them, get to know them and build yachts that are as unique as they are.Works of art since 1873. benettiyachts.it

A brand of AZIMUT BENETTI Group

BEING UNIqUE Is AN ArT.

Benetti Custom: sTEEl ANd AlUMINIUM YAchTs OvEr 45 METrEs.

Benetti Class Range displaCement: cOMpOsITE YAchTs frOM 93 TO 145 fEET.

Benetti Class Range fast displaCement: cOMpOsITE YAchTs frOM 125 TO 140 fEET.

for more information please contact [email protected]


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