Private Air New York Magazine
Issue link: https://privateair.uberflip.com/i/710871
www.privateairny.com Private Air New York | Summer 2016 30 DRIVE While the idea of artificial intelligence has long been at the crux of the future of automotive design, Rolls-Royce transcends the concept as we know it to give artificial intelligence concept not only a name but a spirit and soul. Meet Eleanor; created to drive and guide you as she intuitively complements your personality to become not just a convenience but a companion. Part chauffeur, part concierge, part personal assistant and entirely viable, don't mistake Eleanor for the fodder of a science fiction- focused mind gone rouge. Rather, she is the realized reincarnation of the comely sprite that has silently graced each and every Rolls-Royce for over a century, the Spirit of Ecstasy. In fact, so confident is Rolls-Royce in Eleanor's abilities that you wont find a steering wheel, foot pedals or even safety belts within the 103ex. Indeed, the motorcar is fully, wholly and spectacularly autonomous - leaving its occupants free to do anything they wish, or nothing at all. Drivers who commission the 103EX will see themselves in the role of architect; drafting a masterwork by choosing the dimensions, form, space and materials they prefer. Upon completion, what their efforts will have given birth to is a motorcar as unique to them as a fingerprint. While at first glance the iconic symbols of Rolls-Royce may be visible, the overall aesthetic of the 103EX fractures all preconceived ideals. Wheels are hidden from view behind angular wells that can be described more readily as sculptural as opposed to automotive. At first glance the low-slung chassis and dramatic shell of the 103ES calls to mind a futuristic hovercraft that seems to hum with the anticipation of speed and stealth. On second look, the magnificent beast seems almost reminiscent of some1930's automotive predecessor whose boot might feature a leather tooled picnic hamper replete with sterling martini shaker as a matter of course. "Today, Rolls-Royce, the world's leading luxury brand, has defined the future of luxury mobility. The Grand Arrival of the Rolls-Royce VISION NEXT 100 boldly points to a bright future for our marque where our patrons' individual demands for complete and authentic personalization will be met through an exquisite fusion of technology, design and hallmark Rolls-Royce craftsmanship." Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars