Rolls-Royce has unveiled the new Phantom VIII, the latest iteration of the luxury marque’s flagship model. Powered by a new 6.75-liter twin-turbo V12 engine, good for 563 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque, the car sports an all-aluminium spaceframe underpinning that’s said to be lighter, stiffer and quieter. (Almost 300 lbs of sound insulation ensures that passengers enjoy an especially quiet ride.) Inside, special features include something that Rolls-Royce calls “The Embrace,” which makes the simple act of entering the car something of an event. According to the press release, “As the patron settles in to the car, an assistant or valet steps forward and lightly touches the sensor on the door handle so it whispers closed of its own accord, enveloping the occupant in ‘The Embrace.'” Once you’re behind the wheel, you can then enjoy “The Gallery,” which is essentially an art installation in the dashboard, something that buyers can commission individually. Expect the revamped saloon to start at around $440,000.
