Is this another autonomous wonder, or does that steering wheel on the outside actually work? Called the Rolls-Royce Apparition, it was created by design student Jeremy Westerlund while studying at the Art Centre College of Design in Los Angeles, California. This is not an official Rolls-Royce concept, nor is it ever heading for production and the streets — but it may just create a new Uber category.
Westerlund captures many classic Rolls design elements together with modern lines, managing to make his creation both intriguing and sleek, so you just can’t look away.
Measuring over seven metres in length, the evil-looking boat hull stretches 1.2 metres longer than a Rolls-Royce Phantom. Since most Rolls-Royces are the length of a small boat anyway, the realism of this design isn’t such a, er, stretch. The unique element of the design is its modern take on chauffeur-driven vehicles from the early 1900s. Back when your grandpa’s grandpa was around, chauffeurs would pilot cars from the outside, leaving a barrier for passengers to enjoy their travels and avoid small talk.
Today, we couldn’t accept a driver being outside the vehicle. Jeeves would be a sitting duck if road rage occurred; and what if there was an emergency situation in the cabin? We’ll happily keep our chauffeurs inside the car, where they won’t have to wear protective gear or dodge flying rocks. ■
BY BILL VARETIMIDIS
For the full article grab the January 2019 issue of MAXIM Australia from newsagents and convenience locations. Subscribe here.
