Getting into the Wraith clearly shows that it is an automobile designed to change boundaries. IMAGE/ROLLS-ROYCE

FUNKE OSAE-BROWN

Cruising in the Rolls-Royce Wraith means having an unbelievable ride of a lifetime. As I joined other journalists from the UAE and South Africa to have a first-hand drive of this beautiful car. It was the ‘No Ordinary Power’ lifestyle experience drive organised by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in Abu Dhabi.

Getting into the Wraith clearly shows that it is an automobile designed to change boundaries. Undoubtedly, Wraith challenges perceptions as it offers one the most dynamic driving experience ever. It was my first time to truly experience a Rolls-Royce car.

Sitting behind the wheel shows that the Wraith is truly created to be bespoke. Designed in two forms, the first inspired by Film and the second inspired by Fashion.

“Wraith hosts the most powerful Rolls‑Royce engine ever,” says Brett Soso, regional director, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited, Middle East, Africa, Central Africa and South America., while telling the group about the car. “Wraith is an imperceptible force. To close with the words of Sir Henry Royce: “Take the best that exists and make it better.””

What I find fascinating about the Wraith Inspired by Film is bespoke Starlight Headliner on the interior car roof. IMAGE/ROLLS-ROYCE

Wraith inspired by Film is fundamental to copper metal. It is an essential metal in the creation of its sound systems, reputed to be the best in the world at the moment.

The monotone lyrical copper colour of the exterior finish dazzles in the bright Arabian afternoon sun as we drove out of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Grand Canal, Abu Dhabi. Truly, the copper detailing captures the rays of the sun that gives a crystal shimmering visual performance.

Also the copper tones behind the coach doors tells of class and the show-stopping luxury synonymous with the Wraith Inspired by Film. I was easily taking in by an exquisite and engaging interior. The black high grade leather with copper bullets on the dashboard suggests an intimacy between the car and the driver. It gives that sense of ownership and sense of belonging. It is an unspoken yet intimate feeling. The exquisite silver radial lines of the clock on the dashboard evoke the timeless purity of a vinyl record. The entire creation of the dashboard boasts of a stunning copper finish. The interior comes in a choice of black or Arctic white high-grade leather. “It is a first for Wraith,” Soso says before the commencement of our drive.

With Wraith Inspired by Film you can make a powerful statement of style, luxury and sound. It is a car through which you can orchestrate your own music with the power of the finest materials brought together to make the tailored sound system to deliver an unrivalled acoustic performance. The music blaring from the sound system is crystal clear and one could hear distinctly every note of the music. It is as if the artiste performing the music is right next to me. It is a truly redefined and engineered way of consuming music.

“The sound system is designed to give the ultimate sound experience,” Soso says of the car. “The Wraith Inspired by Film is brought to life by the bespoke audio system. It was painstakingly crafted solely for this motor car by our automotive audio engineers in Goodwood. The system took two years to fine tune. State-of-the-art technology eradicates any unwanted sound. Built-in microphones constantly monitor road and wind noise, adjusting the volume and settings accordingly.”

In addition to the handcrafted coach door panels from the finest woven leather and the engraved door plaques and speaker grilles with copper-finish, what I find fascinating about the Wraith Inspired by Film is bespoke Starlight Headliner on the interior car roof. It gives the impression of a live movie theatre, a magical atmosphere or just admiring a real life starry sky at night. Also fascinating is the personalise headrests on which owner’s initials or a preferred motif can be engraved.

The beauty of the Wraith Inspired by Fashion is in the attention for details like the bespoke tailors on London’s Bond Street. Wraith Inspired by Fashion blends the power, style and drama of Wraith with the allure of haute couture. A fresh take on classic monochrome styling, this captivating look is all about eye-catching contrasts, ultra-luxe fabrics and couture-inspired detailing.

Custom-made features of the interior evoke the elegance of high fashion. Drawing inspiration from the catwalk, fine tailoring, and materials typical to the fashion industry, the design tells of a mastered tailoring involving welting and the highly complex craft of seamless stitching. The interior comes with a choice of three accent colours that enables you to customise the headrests, steering wheel and part of the leather interior.

And so, we all took to the road in style and we sincerely had our own unique experience of the Wraith. The one we drove in is drenched in two-tone colour scheme, of course there is an option for you to choose your colour that will be tailored made to suit your taste. It is a great way to be distinct and make an unusual statement with the contrasting coach lines.

On the road, the Wraith is strong, confident and drives smoothly. IMAGE/ROLLS-ROYCE

On the road, the Wraith is strong, confident and drives smoothly. The balance is remarkable. Turning the wheel comes with a smooth feel giving you the confidence that you are in control. The bespoke leather firmly stitched on the steering makes you have an unbelievable firm grip on the car. I did 160km/h and I didn’t know I was on top speed at all. The gallant stride of the Wraith makes this possible while the whizzing sound of the wind is totally kept out. The cruise control option also comes to the rescue as you don’t have to slow down manually. It helps the car slow down automatically as soon as it senses any obstruction ahead and it picks up almost immediately without hassles.

You can have custom made Rolls-Royce Motor Cars at Coscharis Motors Limited, authorized Rolls-Royce Motor Cars dealer in Nigeria, 43, Lekki/Epe Expressway Beside Green Spring School, Awoyaya, Lagos, Nigeria. Email: tolulopegbadamosi@coscharisgroup.net / mobile number 08124197228. Price available on request