Apparently only Rolls-Royce can "create the unimaginable", in this case a Ghost with diamonds in the paint (!)
Now Rolls-Royce was hardly going to let the Geneva motor show pass without contributing something fairly spectacular. This, after all, is the show where the world's wealthiest wander in search of a new car (or six), so there's probably no better place for Rolls-Royce to exhibit its wares.
We'll start with the Elegance, a
one-off Extended Wheelbase Ghost created by Rolls-Royce's Bespoke division. Said to be "inspired by something that cannot be bought, but is innate... style" - though surely costing a lot of money - this Ghost features paint made from 1,000 crushed diamonds. Paint made from crushed diamonds. How Rolls-Royce is that? The paint is called 'Diamond Stardust' and, unsurprisingly, it's billed as "the most luxurious and lustrous exterior" ever seen on a car. They're ethically sourced diamonds too, fear not.
Once the diamond powder is mixed into the paint and applied to the car, twin coachlines in Mugello Red and Black are applied with a squirrel-hair paint brush. Yes, a squirrel-hair paint brush.
The colour scheme continues inside, but with the "rear sanctuary" - that's where the owner sits - also featuring a grey, black and red tartan in the door pockets. Driver and passenger are "clearly demarcated as in the early days of luxury motoring."
If all that sounds a bit fusty for you though, how about
a Dawn 'Inspired by Fashion'? Geneva is the first time all three colour combinations for this model - Mugello Red, Cobalto Blue and Mandarin, all on an Andalusian White base - have been shown, with Arctic White leather as well. No McCafe lattes to be drunk in these then! Said to represent "simplified, classic style", these special Dawns use the 'colour blocking' technique (pairing opposite colours together that complement each other) that apparently features on so many catwalks. Things you never expected to read on PistonHeads...
Perhaps more in keeping with the traditional PH remit is the revised Wraith Black Badge, the car for those people "who are elusive and defiant, the risk takers and disruptors who break the rules and laugh in the face of convention." That's according to CEO Torsten Muller-Otvos at least.
While it boasts the same power as before - 623hp - the latest Black Badge now makes 642lb ft as well, up from 590lb ft. There are also tweaks to the eight-speed auto 'box, "completely redesigned" air suspension and new driveshafts, all aiming to create and even more agile and drive focused Wraith. So if you are one of today's generation of "young, self-empowered, self-confident rule- breakers" - one imagines they can be found on Instagram - this could be the car for you!
There's also an art installation on the Rolls-Royce stand but, given this story has already discussed fashion and catwalks, we won't dwell on it for too long. Designed by Charles Kaisin, it's a Spirit of Ecstasy comprised of 3,000 identical origami pieces. It also takes three people three days to put together - no pressure...
