rolls-royce magic carpet experience: the phantom on ice

rolls-royce phantom on ice in norway

Rolls-Royce’s magic carpet experience is as synonymous for the British brand as its leading statuette, the Spirit of Ecstasy. Every new model pushes this fabled ride to new limits, whether the powerful Black Badge editions or the off-roading Cullinan. The SUV, especially, took the marque’s performance effortlessly everywhere, excelling in all climates and conditions. But how about the flagship, yacht-like and, often, chauffeur-driven Phantom on ice? designboom took the car for a sail on a frozen lake in Norway.

The eighth-generation Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II on ice

All images courtesy of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

2,610kg of bespoke luxury

The Rolls-Royce Phantom – now in its eighth-generation – is 2,610kg of bespoke luxury. From curated art ‘galleries’ inside the dashboard to a canopy of shooting stars illuminated above the occupants, no detail is left to expense as drivers and guests alike enjoy the magic carpet experience in opulence. It is a 6.7L V12 engine with 420kW of power and 900Nm of torque that incites this luxurious ride. Tremendous speed is instantaneously delivered whilst being smooth and silent for those inside.

The model weighs 2,610kg and measures 5,982mm long by 2,018mm wide

slaloming in a phantom

Measuring 5,982mm long by 2,018mm wide, the car’s wide berth lends a more steady stance on ice. In fact, it means the large weight is better distributed across the slippery surface, which measured at 50cm thick during our test. Stability is secured by the ‘architecture of luxury’ – an all-aluminum space-frame that is 30% stiffer than before – coupled with the new suspension. This four corner system affords the driver with a longer period of tire pressure when turning. The more pressure, the more grip and control for smooth cornering.

Its wide berth lends a more steady stance on ice, as the weight is better distributed

When added up together, the ABS held the long, yacht-like Phantom straight and true, even when pushed to its max on ice. The model was the epitome of smooth sailing. It proved that, quite literally, Rolls-Royce’s magic carpet experience does not slip in standards on ice. We had a world’s first attempt at slaloming in the eighth-generation Rolls-Royce Phantom on ice.

The four corner suspension affords a longer period of tire pressure when turning, thus more grip and control