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Rolls-Royce Phantom Limelight is opulence par excellence

Rolls-Royce never tires of putting out limited-edition versions of the company's plush models as a way to show off what its Bespoke team is capable of. The latest in a long line of ritzy Rolls is the new Phantom Limelight Collection, which takes inspiration from the theatrical stage. The luxurious sedan was technically unveiled at the recent Shanghai Motor Show, but detailed images and more info about the custom four-door was just released. Limited to 25 cars worldwide, the Limelight Collection marks the debut of Rolls' latest rear seats, and they are about as lavish as you would expect. The chair backs can recline up to 27 degrees, and a calf rest comes up a further 68 degrees to fully support wealthy passengers. There's also a power footrest hidden in the floor. Beyond the swanky seats, the Limelight also packs a dressers-worth of storage in the doors. Offered in both Ladies' or Gentleman's versions, they include custom places to store perfume, watches and jewelry. The rest of the interior is also available in two schemes that are dominated by either Seashell leather with Navy Blue as a contrast or vice-versa. To complete the theme, the exterior is painted in a shade called Gala Blue, and there's a Seashell and navy stripe painted down the side. Like the rest of Rolls' special cars, the Limelight amounts to some seriously upscale trim on an already high-class vehicle, but there's little doubt the company can sell all 25 of them. Related Video: ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS SHARES THE LIMELIGHT WITH PHANTOM CUSTOMERS 23 April 2015, Goodwood British engineering ingenuity and artistic creativity have proven to be the inspiration behind the naming and creation of the latest Bespoke Phantom Collection to emerge from the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, England. The Rolls-Royce Phantom Limelight Collection has been conceived for that select group of people who spend their lives in the public eye and on the world stage. Its name was inspired by the origin of a British invention which became synonymous with fame. The limelight effect was originally discovered in the 1820s by Sir Goldsworthy Gurney, a prototypical British gentleman scientist and inventor of the Victorian era. It was harnessed to revolutionise illumination in the theatres of London's Covent Garden, highlighting leading actors on the stage, thus leading to the phrase, 'in the limelight'.

Rolls-Royce rolls out more powerful Ghost V-Specification

With the release of the 624-horsepower Wraith fastback, Rolls-Royce proved that its 6.6-liter V12 engine could produce significantly more than the 563 horsepower it offers in the Ghost. But those looking for an extra dose of power yet still want the extra two doors - and have the six-figure price of admission to burn - will be delighted by the release of the Ghost V-Specification.
Although Goodwood has yet to put out a press release, its consumer website already has all the details we could want: the engine has been upgraded to 593 horsepower (to sit in between the base Ghost and the more powerful Wraith), driving the rear set of 21-inch two-tone alloys. Buyers will be able to choose from white, grey or three shades of black (or pick an existing color from the catalog), with a hand-painted coachline incorporating the same V-Specification emblem you'll find inside, where you'll also find unique piping and top-stitching, a custom dashboard clock, special treadplates and more.
Buyers will also be able to order their V-Specification Ghost in either standard or extended wheelbases at a price that's expected to, like the engine's output, bridge the gap between the more sedate Ghost and the more powerful Wraith. We're looking forward to seeing it in person at the Geneva Motor Show in a few months, but for now you can scope out the images in the gallery below and play with the configurator tool on the Rolls-Royce website.

Rolls-Royce readying Wraith convertible

For seven years, Rolls-Royce got by on the Phantom line alone, expanding on the original saloon with a long-wheelbase version, a coupe and the convertible. But now that the Ghost is part of the family, Goodwood seems to be following a similar expansion.
What started with the Ghost sedan has since been joined by the extended-wheelbase model and the Wraith fastback coupe. And now we're receiving spy shots of a Wraith-based convertible undergoing testing.
Potentially to be called the Wraith Drophead Coupe like its larger Phantom-based counterpart, the cabrio is likely to borrow much from the Wraith fastback - including its 6.6-liter twin-turbo V12 producing 624 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque - but with a folding cloth roof mechanism to let the wind and engine note in, although the prototype pictured here is wearing a makeshift hardtop.