If this is supposed to echo the design theme of a yacht, then only the wood grain theme and the idea of a drop tail make sense. In execution however the rear is as busy as a jet sky. The front is so calm and elegant while the back doesn’t know what it wants to be.
Agree, I'd have loved to see them do something like an automated Targa, or just a plain drop top. The elegant lines of the basic design of the car deserved better.
A yacht was my first impression as well when I saw the rear. The overhanging roof edge also looks like the roof of a yacht. Someone who would buy this car probably has at least a 250 foot yacht.
In all honesty, I feel that Maybach's Vision 6 did the "Yacht for the road" ethos better than the RR. There is sleekness and uniformity displayed throughout the design. Also, the thing has a serious road presence. That's not to say the RR lacks presence, but RR could've designed this one-off way better.
It is as if Rolls Royce hired three separate Design Teams. One Team for the front (other than those headlamps… it is a pass), a Second Team for the interior (traditional, tasteful … definitely RR!) and Third Team … which were either on ‘acid’, trained as video game designers… or were from a kindergarten classroom! Thanks for your insightful video.
it seems to be Rolls Royce front and rear sections from separate models, with a mid section created by a random guy in his garage to fit the platform of a shorter car than either of those Rolls Royce cars were
This comment kind of proves you’re missing the point. It’s not designed for the masses and they’re all sold. Do you really think someone paying that much is going to buy something available to the masses?
Just like a good song, you don’t have to be an expert to know when it’s good or bad I think amongst the superfluous overdesign of modern times it’s not particularly vulgar, only for RR
And there is another problem with cars like that, if you know that there is ONLY ONE or two examples, then deep inside your mind u would know that these cars can't be yours, so it wouldn't be interesting for you. But you can rate the one off car only if it would be yours.
as someone who could never afford something likes this, it seems to be a way to just take millions from someone who has the money and says "fuck it why not" but yeah definitely not worth that price. meanwhile people are in a race to pay billions for yachts with like 2 inches of difference, people will spend their money how they want, if you make it someone will pay for it.
I think one of the key aspects is that the massing of the car is heavy where it should be light and light where it should be heavy. I know this from designing buildings where you want something to look like it is handling a load rather than looking too thin or too off centre such that even with things like cantilevers you have a rule of how much mass you put into the design before the cantilever occurs such that it looks like the rest of the building is holding it down and 'grounding' it. Here they have not really employed that 'architectural' technique of massing in an effective manner that accurately describes how the 'weight' or 'mass' of the car is transmitted.
20:17 - Really nice spot there Frank for the cabinet makers and designers among us; I do carpentry in my spare time as well as doing architecture for my main profession. That wood is not effectively 'book-matched' as strongly as it is on the rear and dash sections, on the armrest and centre console. By opting for a shallow angle in the book-matching in those central armrest areas it makes the centre console look 'weak' compared with the strong directionality of the panels to the doors et al, so much so it just looks like its almost just a normal one direction section of wood, thus defeating the point of having a book-match ironically! You're right, and that's a rather good spot from someone that doesn't do carpentry! If it comes up next time you can accurately say that the "book-matching of the wood is not consistent." As book-matching should look as if a butterfly has opened its wings or a page has been opened in a book; hence the term. And it should be consistent across whatever item it is. You can technically also book-match fabrics and leather graining too, so that can go for seats and dashes too!
Frank if you look closely this is modelled on a yacht. That's all I'm seeing. The roof of from a yacht, the wheels are propellors, the rest deck and bumper with angled lights is 100% the rest of a yacht. Even the two tips where the RR symbol is, is from boating. It's basically a yacht for the land
@@FrankStephensondesign 🤣 yes indeed ... I didn't say I like it but I think for whatever reason the yacht seems to be the theme. Maybe people who own yachts are billionaires and can actually afford this thing Give me a beautiful Italian designed car anyday over this ♥️
No limit on budget, therefore gluttonous customer was milked. Many ‘unique’ yet unimpressive design elements, equivalent to a restaurateur delivering a succession of £10k plates of food with assurance that ingredients are most expensive possible and in combinations nobody else has been served.
In the front it does remind me of the Skoda. The roof at the rear reminds me of Citroen DS. From the side view proportions it looks almost like its front wheel drive. The rear part with the wood reminds me a bit of a pickup truck;) The steering wheel is boring. The price tag, well, I have lost for words
Good call. The grill would look better if the vertical ribs had equal spacing, versus the two center ribs being closer. And the roof? Looks like an afterthought.
When you got to the interior portion of the video, it called to mind just how many people seem to regard the design of automotive interiors as an afterthought. Do you think you might ever want to make a video on the interior design of cars? I would value your insight into this otherwise under-analyzed aspect.
Agreed. The interior - visually- struck me as feeling dated already (the color accent didn’t help). Only the precise metalwork and materials gave me the sense it was made today. So, yeah, feels like an afterthought.
It would also be interesting if you could do a video, on your favorite designs, outside of the world of automobiles. I suspect you are probably a collector of fine things. Be fascinating to see your aesthetic eye applied to other objects @@FrankStephensondesign
@@donmacquarrie9161 Would love to Don, though I’d be opening up the “treasures” within my lair to everybody. Probably not a bad thing as it’d show many of things that influence my design tastes outside of what people know me for. Might give it a shot one day!
The car is clearly designed around having its roof hidden. With the roof hidden away it looks far more harmonious in terms of design. Unclear if the roof can actually be stored in the rear compartment, but I expect the strange shape is so that it can be done. Other expensive RR cars that feature such a mechanism are usually soft top, which allows far better design. But as the amethyst drop tail appears to have a single piece of adjustable tint glass for a luxury sun roof, compromises have to be made. Such expense for a sunroof feature that may never be used, because it makes it look awful, is debatable. It's questionable what Rolls Royce or the customer were thinking. But hey, I'm sure that the millions of dollars is probably nothing to them anyway.
When I first saw the back of the roof, I thought of one of my favourite designs. The Citroen DS. So I had a look at a few pictures, and I would say..definitely inspired by it. Then, when you revealed the air brushed out, fuel filler, I thought let’s go back to the DS. And I would say the same. I wish I could attach photos here 😂
Exactly, I thought the same thing. It also evokes cheaper cars with the new "floating roof" design, like the Kia Soul. The DS is an organic, interesting shape; the parts go together. The Rolls is a mess. It's like they designed one of their standard cars, ripped off the roof and the back and bolted on something that could justify a $30MM upcharge. Ugly. It's so bad, in fact, that I suspect even the sort of philistine that will buy this will be unwilling to pay that much.
I feel like they played it safe upfront, and went crazy around back. Almost like two separate teams designed each half and it was fused together. The weird roof that Frank points out, reminds me of that Mini Cooper Roadster.
Frank, you're genius. I can't even fathom the skill and patience required to say everything you've said BAD about RR design without being put on the 007 target list.
Dunno. Whenever I think of Rolls Royce the front grill should look like a gate, every piece handmade like sculpture and should at least look bullet proof. This car looks like one of the weirder cars you unlock in 'Ridge Racer 4' or 'Grand Theft Auto's attempt to look like a RR mixed with an Alfa Romeo. Sometimes I think they should go back and make their cars look like horse-drawn carriages again with the overall shape.
I mean that from rear 3/4, it is obvious that the inspiration for this car was quite simply a "boat". Or maybe if we want to sell it a "yacht". I think the overhang on the roof was completely intentional as it is "boat like", and glass in between is just there because it has to be. Then when you go lower and take a look at the rear end, the wood and more specifically the rear fender, the boat inspiration becomes clear. Those design decisions are intentional, whether anyone likes it is a completely different matter. I personally don't.
Frank, I think it would be so neat if you could compare and contrast a modern Rolls-Royce to say something like the Shadow series from the 70s and 80s. It would be an interesting to watch to get your take on how those cars were designed. I personally owned several Rolls-Royce vehicles, newer ones and older ones, and I can tell you without a doubt the older shadows get the most attention people absolutely love them.
I am a fan of your videos, they are very interesting. I would like to see a video of you reviewing the design of the 2003 or 2007 Chrysler 300 (that's one of my favorite cars) keep up the good work.
Frank, thanks for another fantastic analysis from a grandmaster in Car Design. I thought that Rolls-Royce looked great, and the interior is spectacular. But my biggest issue was the odd shape of the roof, and it is not even automated. The triangular side sculpting was very bold in the renderings, but timid on the actual Car. It makes it look like they were not very confident about it. I also thought the Taillight was too small, it should have been doubled; 4 instead of 2. I firmly agree with you that the back end doesn't look like a Rolls-Royce, that was my first impression too. One thing that is unique about Rolls-Royce is their consistent ability to execute reverse wedge-shape designs, the complete opposite of the Car industry design standard. However, Rolls-Royce stands as a testament to the ultimate power of branding. That's because if you change that Rolls-Royce logo to a Toyota, Nissan, Honda etc, the vehicle would suddenly look ugly. But with the RR logo, it appears exquisite. Nevertheless, as to why Cars like this exist in the first place, the ultra-wealthy use them as banks. They purchase them as a means of tying down their money. And the value of such assets accrue with time, which is like a bank account gaining interest. When they choose to auction them, they get much more out of the deal.
I get the feeling that if this design was made as a project by a student, they would receive a fair bit of criticism from their teachers. However, since it comes from an already established brand at the peak of the industry, they are somehow held to a lesser standard than what one could expect. At the same time, being as boutique as they are, I am not one to judge whether this car and its design hits the mark with the intended customers or not. My personal critical take is first of all, what is the overarching grander vision here? To me, it sits somewhere in line with the philosophy of the Boat Tail, in the sense that it appears to want to bring the maritime aesthetic onto the road. The sloping droptail design, the roof that floats on top of the windows, the lines and light catchers that emphasize a sloping downwards curve from front to rear. Every element has a very distinct maritime and yacht design approach. Ultimately though, I do not believe RR succeeded in this approach. The car overall loses a lot of its elegance end sweeping clean lines through a mismatch of disproportioned body elements. I almost get the feeling that if they could lower the car into the sea, so half of the main body was submerged, then the rest of the body and the greenhouse would sit in better harmony. Alas, on the road we don't have such luxuries, we have to match all proportions visibly, and this is in my opinion the biggest weak point of this car. The front itself I find lacking of character and importance, almost like it's trying to fly under the radar. This is perhaps a good thing depending on who you ask, but for the most expensive car in the world, I feel like it deserves to make a statement and command road presence. For the interior, I think they have done a decent job. It's very conventional Rolls Royce, with most of the emphasis put on the material and finish, rather than the implementation and volumes. It's a safe approach, and one they know how to do well. I would love to see Rolls Royce try to bring their classic aesthetics and values into a modern interior space (in terms of volumes), just to see what they could do with no strings attached. I still get the feeling that they're working with strings attached, not really expressing their creativity at its peak potential, perhaps it's simply not time for that yet. One can hope they will break this mold in the future :)
Stephenson your OCD is your outstanding talent. This was like a good wine to me and what I need to pay attention to explained by a guy who is an expert on it because he loves it so much. (Likeable Gourmet)
THE SPACING!!! You are so right about that. But I guess it is not the spacing but the blades on the left are turned to the left and the ones on the right are tuning to the right, making the middle space awkward. Renault Megane had a similar back window or steps on the side view like this roof section. I am not sure about that, it seems more like a prototype or design concept rather than something I would like getting for free and be seen in. I would more see a crazy Frech design try in the back rather than a classic RR. It looks a bit like a Citroen DS from the back I think or something like that, the roof and glass. It was just my first association I had. The fuel cap is terrible, they should have either integrated it into the flat shape better or make it stand out like a real chrome design piece. The side line with the light/dark shadow effect on the door almost makes sense when you see the back 3/4 view - the line almost is the same as the one enclosing the lights, but it has a bit different curvature and angle to it. Almost. Other than that, I cannot really connect this light play area on the door with any other line on the car. I guess they got inspired on the back by a mix of Megane, DS and Ford Ka - and hoped that they can cover it with a nice wood and high prize. For me, the car is a disappointment, I mean the front is not special and has weird spacing and the back is scrambled up and the side view is both.
Great analysis as usual Frank. I agree with you observations on the grill and headlights, the center of the grill bugged me the moment I saw it. Rolls missed the opportunity to take advantage of the curves present on the front of the car, starting on the outer edge of each headlight and dropping down to the front bumper. IMHO some larger headlights to both fit the scale of the car and take advantage of those front curves is a missed design element. I also think the angle of the forward shut line of the doors would look better if the angle matched the rake of the windshield, maybe not possible from a practical standpoint. The rear of the car is not executed well at all, it looks like someone was trying too hard to break away from RR traditional design. The gauges are sublime, I absolutely love them.
@FrankStephenson I agree, the back and front are too far divorced. the rear has too many action lines relative to the front. However, I think you could add your comments for when it is in the "drop-head" configuration. I think the convertible roof ruins MOST of the appeal of this car. Still. I think you nailed it with the no compromise point. Also, let's take the door handles and mirrors off of this thing with a signature "after" rendering by you?
The feature next to the door handle seems to be the side signal indicator. And the rear roof reminds me of a Citroen DS! Anyway awesome discussion of a fascinating car :)
Great review but I think you’re wrong about the spacing of the grill fins. It’s been a feature on many Rolls Royces (if not all) that the grill fins change angle half way across and catch the light differently on each side from some angles. I think the narrower spacing of the two centre fins is simply the result of where this angle changes. In that sense It’s a deliberate design feature and not a lack of attention to detail.
Take a look at the Silver Shadow grille for example. The same narrower spacing of the front edges of the middle two fins due to the change in angle. They’ve been doing it for ever.
I really love these detailed design critiques from your professional point of view. Explaining how and why certain shapes and lines come together - or don't. Regarding the slats in the grille, I think the reflections on their shape are uneven as they're not parallel to one another - how unlucky for us OCDs. The roofline reminds me of the '67 DS, too. Completely unrelated, Frank: Have you seen a "Mini Label tag" yet? They recently made me laugh out loud in a parking lot and I was wondering if you, as the original designer, would appreciate them. Cheers
Thanks Henrik! Tag? I had to Google that one! Kinda like in the theme of those eyelash thingies they put on the VW Beetle headlights. Or the inspired by the famous Levi’s tag… Pretty funny!
Glad you liked them, they fall in line with Mini's playful image, I thought. Happy New Year to you, looking forward to your next analysis! 👌 @@FrankStephensondesign
Another great design class! To me a car to be convertible needs to look (at least) good with the top on and great with the top down. For a RR though, I guess it needs to look great both ways. And this one doesn't. Which is a shame really because it does have that boat or yacht look and I've seen much more elegant yachts. From the 3/4 rear view I cannot help to think about how the Citroen DS convertible did it so well when compared to this. Another thing is the usage of such a low profile tires... I don't know... Gives it a fragile look for such a monumental shape. Like a big bodybuilder wearing high heals... it just doesn't match.
09:04 - ‘What over car has very similar architecture to this?’ - when referring the the rear of the car. I would say the rear of the car looks like a Saab 900.
wow the grill looks cheap, the material looks scuffed and because of the inverted angles, it looks like half the grill has been damaged like when heat sink fins get smashed, other than that, pretty nice. its crazy that we're going into the digital gauge cluster era that analog is now luxury. Guess I'm keeping my 2013 Honda Accord!
It's simple. RR found a new business model that by creating a one of a kind models they can maximize profits (these vehicles use the same platform and tech as their so-called mainstream cars like Phantom). And they are always sold out in an instant. It's just an easy money strategy
The fact that Frank doesn't analyse the fact that the intake looks unimpressive because its set on an 50/50 ratio makes me doubt his expertise in shape dynamics
He's analysing the images as released by RR. And the car will look like this a good deal of the time. You're hilarious thinking you have anything on Frank regarding "shape dynamics". Oh and it's a grill, not an "intake".
30/70 rule is one of the first fundamental things you learn in design school. It applies to literally anything in design. I don't know what you're on about
In my humble yet critical opinion, this is not a refined design. The front bears resemblance to Skoda. I think it’s a Fabia I think of when I see it. The rear side view (boot section) bears resemblance to a Ford Mustang with that strip of rear plastic of a light. The C-pillar section reminds me of Citroën DS. The rear looks like a combination of Renault Megane and Citroën DS. I also believe, the light creases on the doors are a precursor to more severe folds in future models. But then, this is what happens when a German company is in charge at Rolls Royce.
They should make the doors be hinged like the Renault Avantime's but in the suicide style. Backwards. You will get an opening motion like in Cyberpunk 2077's cars and it would be glorious. This car reminds me of the mini cooper coupé, the ford gt90 concept and citroen's design language.
I personally donʼt mind the roof. To me, it looks fine and unique, kind of reminds me of an open boat with canopy on its top deck instead of a yachtʼs enclosed cabin. But, I strongly agree that the rear lights couldʼve looked stronger. Iʼm not a fan of the rear bumper treatment. I might be nitpicking here, but it doesnʼt look as elegant and clean as the rest of the car. Excuse my English btw. And as always, I love your analysis and explanations on the design, Frank!
Can we pool together and get poor frank a lint roller? our boy here is clearly out of work at the moment 🤣🤣 (sorry mate couldn't resist , great video though thanks for sharing your immense expertise)
Buzz, what I’m wearing there is actually white. The black is actually the fur that my 2 Bernese Mountain Dogs shed onto me when they hug me before I go off to make these videos! 😉👍
If you watch their release of that car, they explain it all. For the center spacing of the grill, I'm shocked you didn't figure out that centered right. you're looking at shadows! I agree on the handles & and rear, but again, they explain it perfectly
i feel like it reminds me to much of how some concept cars looked in the mid to early 2000s and i think this look might not age to well. it looks funky in a way that the chrysler spitfire looked funky. overall its a pretty car but the rear roofline makes it kinda odd. it looks better with the top down. the top of the gas cap that is cut is also slanted at the wrong angle to the body line and that annoys me
I think this pinched spacing is the front gives it somewhat of a fractal quality. like it’s gushing out from the middle where it would go on into infinity if you dived in there.
Hi Frank! Are you planning to review the BMW Neue Klasse Concept? It's going to change the design philosophy of the whole BMW lineup. I would be really interested in your opinion and I think it would be great content for your channel. Thanks!
My gripe is both headlights and taillights are miniscule for overall aesthetics.... Especially taillights are like stucked pencil sized taillights to industrial freezer sized rear end...
I want to like this car. From the back of the doors forward, I pretty much do, but I can't help but see the Mini Cooper Coupe in my mind. With the odd backwards baseball hat roof.
The grid is not aligned in the middle simply because each side up until the middle is pointing to the interior, hence why when it reaches the middle, both sides point to each other ( you can see it a 3min53)
Am I the only one who would love to bring a dozen different car design elements that I like and that I loath and ask Mr. Stephenson his opinion, and why that was allowed to happen? This channel is like caviar.
love the front end, the back needs a little smoothing the lines are awkward when Frank will you add your improvements to it? PS agree nothing justifies that kind of price tag only that someone is willing to pay it
the dip on the side is out of the lineflow, they actually could have tried to put the rear light further down to emphasize the yacht look. Compromising the design of the tank cap is an absolute no go, especially for this car. I love the basic design idea of implementing yacht design, the shape of the rear lights and the design of the back of the greenhouse.
3:00 I honestly don't think that center rib on the grille is not equally spaced. It's just the angle of the other ribs create the visual illusion that the center is "pinched".
I can see on the front a Chrysler 300C, on the top back a Citroen DS, and the back lights from a Hyundai Tucson, and also something from the Porsche Carrera GT on the back from 3/4.
The roof panel reminds me of the flybridge of a yacht, which maybe was the inspiration, conscious or otherwise. The car definitely looks better in its al fresco configuration. As for the 'face' of the car I can't help thinking that the grille could have been made a bit more imposing by extending it slightly downwards into the bumper area.
