Lunaz Design reinvented the Rolls-Royce Phantom V as all-electric for a new generation of luxury.
Lunaz is releasing the first all-electric Rolls-Royce Phantom V – a modern restoration of one of the world's finest motor cars – which adds no apparent pollution aside from the street-wide grin of its lucky new owners, according to the company's website.
"No car in the world matches a Phantom for presence, style and significance," says Lunaz boss David Lorenz, reports Motor1.com.
This is the beginning of an extremely limited-edition series of 30 vehicles – to be hand-built at Lunaz' Silverstone, England headquarters.
The new Phantom retains the original wood. Source: Lunaz Design
All-electric options bring premier legacy vehicles back
"The time is right for an electric Rolls-Royce," says Lorenz, according to Robb Report. "We are answering the need to marry beautiful classic design with the usability, reliability and sustainability of an electric powertrain."
Lunaz aims to make Rolls-Royce ownership a relevant choice again. Source: Lunaz Design
"Through electrification we proudly further the legacy of the 'best car in the world,' making Rolls-Royce ownership a relevant choice for a new generation."
Of course, the demo base is moneyed – since each Phantom V starts at roughly $657,000. More than half of one million dollars might seem like spare change to some people – especially for an all-electric and perfectly restored Phantom. Unless, like us, the price might as well be the moon.
Every all-electric Phantom is first stripped down to the base metal, and 3D-scanned. Source: Lunaz Design
Modernised for all-electric charging, 300-mile (480km) range
Every car is stripped down to the base metal, then 3D-scanned, weighed, and completely restored before the messy, oily drivetrain – initially designed for silent running – is ripped out of the Phantom.
The original drivetrain is ripped out to make room for the 120 kWh battery pack. Source: Lunaz Design
Where the drivetrain used to be, buyers will find an impressive 120 kWh battery pack, which Lunaz says can power the vehicle over a range of 300 miles (480km).
The all-electric Phantom V has a range of roughly 300 miles (482 km). Source: Lunaz Design
The company keeps the all-electric Phantom's battery pack close to the chest, but each Phantom V is guaranteed to possess a capacity for home- and rapid-charging, according to Top Gear.
The interior can fit eight occupants. Source: Lunaz Design
Digitised interior, tested systems, bar service, fits eight people
The new Phantom V will include infotainment, wifi, a new air conditioner and heating system, along with 'sensitively integrated' charging ports. Additionally, the brakes, suspension, electronics, and steering are completely tested.
Brakes, steering, suspension, and electronics are all tested. Source: Lunaz Design
The paint scheme has two tones, and the all-electric Phantom V includes the original 1961 woodwork – restored and treated with rose gold inlays, a bar service, and a couple of screens behind the privacy divider.
The all-electric Phantom V can fit eight people.
Production has already begun of a limited series of the all-electric Phantom V. Source: Lunaz Design
There is also a Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud – for $451,000 (€380,000). While it has a lower battery power rating than the full-on Phantom pack – at 80 kWh – the Silver Cloud can match the more expensive version's range of 300 miles (480km) or more.
"We believe that preserving the most beautiful cars in the world is vital engineering," says Lunaz' technical head Jon Hilton. Hilton has worked for Renault's F1 team as a tech director – where he managed the engine development of a repeat-winner of the F1 championships, Fernando Alonso.
Production has already started on the all-electric Rolls-Royce Phantom V cars.
This article was written by Brad Bergan and first appeared in Interesting Engineering.