|
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is continuing to invest in the Rolls-Royce marque, with significant product enhancements being introduced as part of a major specification upgrade for 2000 Model Year. The highly acclaimed Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph will now benefit from increased passenger accommodation and lists as standard a series of additional motor car features which offer further comfort to the customer and which complement the driving experience.
The major development for 2000 Model Year Silver Seraph is the increased rear passenger accommodation. In addition, satellite navigation, power-fold door mirrors, parking sensors and speed sensitive power steering are now provided as standard equipment.
Interior
The interior style of the Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph demonstrates how traditional skills can be combined with appropriate technology to create a higher level of comfort and increased space in both the front, and particularly the rear compartments.
The measurements of the rear passenger space now boast more vertical headroom (+28mm); more lateral headroom (+25mm) each side; more knee room (+50mm); more ankle room (+29mm) and more foot, thigh and back support. The proportions behind and beneath the front seats have also been increased to provide a distinctive improvement in knee and foot space for rear seated passengers and incorporate revised front seat backs and map pockets. This additional space is further enhanced by the automatic movement of the rear seats backwards to allow for ease of exit and entry upon opening of either rear door.
It takes over 150 hours to craft the woodwork alone in the interior of the Silver Seraph with the hand-built attention to detail that creates an ambience that is uniquely Rolls-Royce. Generous richness of surface and form are employed to engage all the senses, yet the overall impression is one of understated taste and considered design.
Satellite Navigation
The GPS (Global Positioning Satellite) Navigation System becomes a standard feature for the 2000 Model Year Silver Seraph - in applicable markets. It now incorporates 3-D horizon view scrolling graphics with a large 6.5" screen and voice command output through the front hi-fi speakers.
The motorised presenting mechanism for the screen, unique to Rolls-Royce and Bentley is sited on the top-roll. This aids visibility for the driver as the positioning of the display unit requires little eye movement from the road. When not required, the navigation system graphic display stores away unobtrusively into the top roll at the touch of a button.
Park Distance Control
A simple, elegant and effective system, this new standard feature aids parking and low speed traffic manoeuvres by proximity sensing around the front and rear of the car and providing audible warnings of close objects.
Four body colour painted sensors are fitted within both front and rear bumpers. These are engaged automatically by selecting reverse, or by operating the switch in the front roof console.
Speed sensitive steering
A new variable weight steering system has been introduced for 2000 Model Year Silver Seraph. This means that the steering is now speed sensitive, providing effortless low speed manoeuvring and firmer control at high speeds.
The Exterior
The new style, exterior door mirrors are now power-folding as standard. The electrochromic mirror glass allows improved night driving vision - a prime safety feature. The mirror's reflectance changes to provide maximum night time vision, reducing glare created by headlights approaching from the rear. The mirror returns to its maximum reflectance level when the glaring light from the rear of the vehicle is removed, when the function is switched off, or when reverse gear is selected.
The exterior mirrors are linked to the driver's seat memory switches (four positions), as is the steering wheel. The interior mirror sensor controls the reflectance of all three mirrors so all change at the same time.
At launch, the monocoque, steel bodyshell of the Silver Seraph had 65 percent higher torsional rigidity than the Silver Spur. This has now been increased by a further 12 percent for the 2000 Model Year Silver Seraph. This stiffer bodyshell, in conjunction with a wide track and independent double wishbone suspension, provides greatly improved stability at speed and agility when cornering.
Ride & Handling
Developed and calibrated to provide the torque and power characteristics expected by Rolls-Royce owners, the V12 engine, controlled by an advanced engine management system, provides swift and refined performance and a controlled driving experience. The 5.4 litre engine delivers 322 bhp (240kw) at 5000 rpm, and 361 1bft (490 Nm) of torque at 3900 rpm. A progressive surge of power takes the Silver Seraph from 0-60mph in 7.0 seconds, through to a maximum speed governed to 140mph. A swift, refined and controlled driving experience providing a step-change in the levels of ride comfort and driver control.
The graceful progress of the Silver Seraph has been achieved through the synergy of increased body rigidity, a wider track, stiffened springs, computer-controlled dampers and independent double wishbone suspension design. This contributes to a high level of stability and driver control. The 50/50 weight distribution and automatic load compensation support this by maintaining handling characteristics under any load. Intelligent application of the latest proven technologies creates a thoroughly modern, durable motor car.
Tony Gott, chief executive of Rolls-Royce and Bentley Motor Cars said "Following the enthusiastic response to the launch of the Silver Seraph last year, and the ongoing feedback from many Rolls-Royce customers around the world, we are now pleased to introduce these changes for the 2000 Model Year. The changes are the result of major investment across the four door range and through the continued support of our parent company, we have been able to bring them to market at a comparatively early period in the life of the motor car.
'When originally designing the Silver Seraph, the challenge for our stylists and engineers was to retain the traditional Rolls-Royce strengths of refinement and craft skills. The 2000 Model Year upgrade now offers further enhancements towards ride comfort, convenience and driver control, to deliver a Rolls-Royce ride for the 21st century.'
|
