Rolls-Royce Unveils Arcadia Droptail: A Coachbuilt Haven of Tranquility
Rolls-Royce, known for its luxurious vehicles, has unveiled a new masterpiece in the form of the Arcadia Droptail. This unique creation is a five-year project commissioned by one of the high-profile clients of the British luxury brand. The name “Arcadia” is derived from Greek mythology, where it translates to “Heaven on Earth,” indicating the heavenly experience this vehicle aims to provide.
The Arcadia Droptail is part of Rolls-Royce’s Coachbuilds line, which the brand describes as the “automotive equivalent of haute couture.” These handcrafted cars are created by invitation only, and the process involves intense dedication and attention to detail. The future owner of the Arcadia Droptail was first presented with a sketch of the vehicle in 2019, and what followed was four years of unprecedented investment in time and resources to bring this custom masterpiece to life.
Designed as a custom left-hand drive vehicle, the Arcadia Droptail was made to be driven in cities around the world. Rolls-Royce utilized its “holodeck” technology to offer the client a 3D representation of the car, allowing them to experience driving the vehicle in different international cities through virtual reality.
One of the standout features of the Arcadia Droptail is its intricate woodwork. The luxurious vehicle boasts 233 pieces of wood, with 76 pieces alone in the rear deck. Designing and developing these wooden parts, along with creating the protective outer layer, required over 8,000 hours of development. The brand considered using a coating similar to what is used on superyachts, but opted for a special lacquer that only requires a single application, eliminating the need for frequent maintenance.
To ensure the durability and quality of the wooden components, Rolls-Royce subjected them to rigorous testing. The wooden parts underwent a “punishment” cycle inside a machine that simulated extreme global weather conditions. Samples of wood were sprayed with water, left to dry in the dark, and exposed to heat and bright light for a total of 1,000 hours across 18 different samples before the brand was satisfied with the results.
The Arcadia Droptail represents the epitome of luxury and craftsmanship, showcasing Rolls-Royce’s dedication to creating bespoke vehicles that provide an unparalleled driving experience. With its attention to detail and commitment to excellence, this custom-built masterpiece is sure to captivate automotive enthusiasts and luxury connoisseurs alike.
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[Link to original article: https://www.thedrive.com/news/37261/the-incredibly-small-details-that-keep-a-rolls-royce-engineer-awake-at-night]
