Luxury British automaker Rolls Royce has announced that it is to produce an exclusive suite of modifications in celebration of the Chinese Year of the Dragon, which begins next January.
The legendary marque said that the new Year of the Dragon Collection had been created in “preparation for this festive celebration… Inspired by the legendary creature that is revered in China.”
The collection features a set of particular details created by Rolls-Royce’s bespoke team that can be installed on its handbuilt vehicles, the popular Phantom and luxury Phantom Extended Wheelbase.
Among the addition is a handpainted dragon coachline on the side of the model and several appearances inside the car, including embroidery on the headrest and on the passenger panel, where the motif will be applied in gold.
The model will also come with exclusive illuminated treadplates on the door seals, with “Year of the Dragon 2012” highlighted in LED lighting.
Underfoot, customers will be able to choose from a selection of modern or traditional marquetry, and relax on hand-stitched cushions included for the rear passengers.
Rolls-Royce says that its new product “captures the imagination,” but no doubt it will be hoping also to capture more customers in China, now one of the company’s most lucrative markets.
Official Press Release Below:
ROLLS-ROYCE PRESENTS EXCLUSIVE YEAR OF THE DRAGON COLLECTION
Goodwood, 17th August 2011
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars proudly presents the Year of the Dragon Collection, a commemorative offering in preparation for this festive celebration. Inspired by the legendary creature that is revered in China, the Year of the Dragon Collection has been created to celebrate the ultimate symbol of power, prosperity and good fortune. Designed at the Home of Rolls-Royce by the Bespoke team, this exclusive collection features a suite of unique detailing and design, which includes:
Dragon Coachline
On first glimpse of the car, a prominent feature is the twin coachline with a dragon, in gold colour, hand-painted to the side of each Phantom or Phantom Extended Wheelbase. In order to achieve perfect symmetry and balance, the dragon will always look forward. The hand-painted dragon coachline is inspired by the Forbidden City in Beijing and provides distinctive finishing touches to the car’s exterior.
Dragon Headrest Embroidery
The dragon also appears on the leather of every headrest, carefully hand-embroidered using a combination of four thread colours: Tan, Golden Sand, Black and White. The colours are designed to complement a palette of recommended leather colour options and the design can be finished with an additional seat piping feature.
Dragon Phantom Passenger Panel Inlay
A dragon inlay will be hand-laid to the passenger panel of every car in this unique collection. The Phantom model name is also applied in gold, the two features match together perfectly.
Embroidered Cushions with R-R Logo and Piping
The interior promises two hand-stitched cushions for the rear passengers, specified with embroidered double R-R logos and piping to carefully accentuate the chosen interior.
Illuminated Treadplates
The four door sills feature exclusive illuminated treadplates with ‘Year of the Dragon 2012’ highlighted in LED lighting.
A Celebratory Marquetry Selection
Designed at the Home of Rolls-Royce, the Year of the Dragon Collection offers a choice of either modern or traditional marquetry to match the customer’s veneer choice which – as a reflection of the Woodshop’s craftsmanship and attention to detail – is laser-cut and then hand-assembled into position in the veneer.
“At Rolls-Royce Motor Cars we delight in bringing new, exclusive designs to our customers”, said Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “The Bespoke team elegantly captures the imagination with this Year of the Dragon Collection, celebrating the turning of a New Year of prosperity and good fortune with this unique creative offering.”
“The Bespoke team is privileged to commemorate the Chinese Year of the Dragon with this exciting Collection,” said Thomas G. Jefferson, Bespoke Sales Manager, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “This limited edition car embodies the synergy of craftsmanship, creativity and culture in a manner that is uniquely Rolls-Royce.”