Why Are Rolls Royces Getting So EXPENSIVE!?

World renowned designer, Frank Stephenson, analyses the new Rolls Royce Amethyst drop tail and tries his best to justify the astronomical price tag.
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Hey everyone,
Here's an episode we've had in the vault for a few weeks while we have been launching the Sketch With Frank programme. I did a video last year about RR's Boat Tail, which was then the most expensive car on the market. Once I saw that the iconic British marque had one-upped their own opulence I knew I had to have a look to see if there was any justification to this price at all.
Enjoy!
Frank.

[@nougatbitz]

If this is supposed to echo the design theme of a yacht, then only the wood grain theme and the idea of a drop tail make sense. In execution however the rear is as busy as a jet sky. The front is so calm and elegant while the back doesn’t know what it wants to be.

[@davids1816]

Agree, I'd have loved to see them do something like an automated Targa, or just a plain drop top. The elegant lines of the basic design of the car deserved better.

[@gtv6chuck]

A yacht was my first impression as well when I saw the rear. The overhanging roof edge also looks like the roof of a yacht. Someone who would buy this car probably has at least a 250 foot yacht.

[@pjetrs]

The original Audi A7 nailed the yacht influenced design. This not so much

[@etcarief]

Land Yacht fr, outranks Dodge

[@rahulmandala4930]

In all honesty, I feel that Maybach's Vision 6 did the "Yacht for the road" ethos better than the RR. There is sleekness and uniformity displayed throughout the design. Also, the thing has a serious road presence. That's not to say the RR lacks presence, but RR could've designed this one-off way better.

[@hotake0503]

The Design language of the roof is, the same as Mini Paceman to me😂

[@darrens3]

God, you're kinda right!

[@donjuan150]

Exactly....thought Frank would mention that after he worked on the 2002 Mini.

[@FrankStephensondesign]

@@donjuan150 I was already with Ferrari and Maserati in 2002 Don Juan.

[@MAX6000YEN]

It's the roof of the Citroën DS, the old one, it looks like it.

[@kellingtonlink956]

It is as if Rolls Royce hired three separate Design Teams. One Team for the front (other than those headlamps… it is a pass), a Second Team for the interior (traditional, tasteful … definitely RR!) and Third Team … which were either on ‘acid’, trained as video game designers… or were from a kindergarten classroom! Thanks for your insightful video.

[@SonglyWryt]

BMW pissed off some designers.

[@AnarchistMetalhead]

it seems to be Rolls Royce front and rear sections from separate models, with a mid section created by a random guy in his garage to fit the platform of a shorter car than either of those Rolls Royce cars were

[@manoman0]

I think the team for the rear end came from Nissan.

[@MaticTheProto]

@@SonglyWrytwas about to say that it sounds like bmw

[@Kilaueaorph4n]

The end is an expensive combination of Mustang and Peugeot 3008. And just because it is expensive it doesn’t mean it’s better. 😅

[@isakjohansson7134]

The Peugeot 3008 looks far nicer than this

[@andygriffiths9916]

At some angles I am getting a teeny tiny Skoda vibe on the grill 😬 and Citroen DS at the roof rear window area.

[@kalmmonke5037]

new honda accord

[@dwqdwwdwqdqwd2950]

the huge secondary grill wasn't even mentioned, looks like chrome dots you can spec on a peugeot. Some mercedes have them too.

[@Chris-liwymi]

as someone who could never afford something likes this, it seems to be a way to just take millions from someone who has the money and says "fuck it why not" but yeah definitely not worth that price. meanwhile people are in a race to pay billions for yachts with like 2 inches of difference, people will spend their money how they want, if you make it someone will pay for it.

[@TreeGod.]

You just gotta market to the right people

[@th7321]

I’m no designer but to me it’s fussy, overwrought and all a bit pointless. It’s actually vulgar

[@ThrottleBody]

This comment kind of proves you’re missing the point. It’s not designed for the masses and they’re all sold. Do you really think someone paying that much is going to buy something available to the masses?

[@tanssi2145]

Just like a good song, you don’t have to be an expert to know when it’s good or bad I think amongst the superfluous overdesign of modern times it’s not particularly vulgar, only for RR

[@ninobrown6479]

Isn't that the point of this kind of car? I mean what else would you expect? I seriously wonder.

[@rockeroller]

The back end, deck , roof are vulgar, but the vulgarity of any modern Lamborghini puts this to shame.

[@richardsmith579]

Perfect for its market of course.

[@Steveo15]

Refrigerator door handles? exactly my thoughts👌😂 great video & analisis. Keep up the good work!

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Thanks Steve! 👍

[@darrens3]

I think one of the key aspects is that the massing of the car is heavy where it should be light and light where it should be heavy. I know this from designing buildings where you want something to look like it is handling a load rather than looking too thin or too off centre such that even with things like cantilevers you have a rule of how much mass you put into the design before the cantilever occurs such that it looks like the rest of the building is holding it down and 'grounding' it. Here they have not really employed that 'architectural' technique of massing in an effective manner that accurately describes how the 'weight' or 'mass' of the car is transmitted.

[@maat111]

The roof end is reminiscent of the Citroen DS

[@MrOrtmeier]

Frank if you look closely this is modelled on a yacht. That's all I'm seeing. The roof of from a yacht, the wheels are propellors, the rest deck and bumper with angled lights is 100% the rest of a yacht. Even the two tips where the RR symbol is, is from boating. It's basically a yacht for the land

[@elliottso6949]

adding to that the wooden back and some of the inspiration from the boat tail

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Yes, and a yacht with a roof that comes off. Hmmm…

[@MrOrtmeier]

@@FrankStephensondesign 🤣 yes indeed ... I didn't say I like it but I think for whatever reason the yacht seems to be the theme. Maybe people who own yachts are billionaires and can actually afford this thing Give me a beautiful Italian designed car anyday over this ♥️

[@syazwanchawan8779]

When we thought only rich peoples can scam us, then RR is scamming the rich 😂

[@isakjohansson7134]

Robin Royce

[@baoquoc3710]

Royce from da Hood

[@darrens3]

20:17 - Really nice spot there Frank for the cabinet makers and designers among us; I do carpentry in my spare time as well as doing architecture for my main profession. That wood is not effectively 'book-matched' as strongly as it is on the rear and dash sections, on the armrest and centre console. By opting for a shallow angle in the book-matching in those central armrest areas it makes the centre console look 'weak' compared with the strong directionality of the panels to the doors et al, so much so it just looks like its almost just a normal one direction section of wood, thus defeating the point of having a book-match ironically! You're right, and that's a rather good spot from someone that doesn't do carpentry! If it comes up next time you can accurately say that the "book-matching of the wood is not consistent." As book-matching should look as if a butterfly has opened its wings or a page has been opened in a book; hence the term. And it should be consistent across whatever item it is. You can technically also book-match fabrics and leather graining too, so that can go for seats and dashes too!

[@geraint8989]

No limit on budget, therefore gluttonous customer was milked. Many ‘unique’ yet unimpressive design elements, equivalent to a restaurateur delivering a succession of £10k plates of food with assurance that ingredients are most expensive possible and in combinations nobody else has been served.

[@rishnot16]

They should take some inspiration from the Aston Martin 0ne-77, a beautiful car with splendid surface treatments on its body.

[@g0d182]

that has some seemingly unnecessary/tacked on front bumper arc design

[@kayEnt3rtainm3nt]

When you got to the interior portion of the video, it called to mind just how many people seem to regard the design of automotive interiors as an afterthought. Do you think you might ever want to make a video on the interior design of cars? I would value your insight into this otherwise under-analyzed aspect.

[@shahnauronas9697]

Agreed. The interior - visually- struck me as feeling dated already (the color accent didn’t help). Only the precise metalwork and materials gave me the sense it was made today. So, yeah, feels like an afterthought.

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Great suggestion kay! The interior design is super critical and should always be in tune and harmony with the exterior design.

[@kayEnt3rtainm3nt]

@@FrankStephensondesign Thank you! 😊

[@donmacquarrie9161]

It would also be interesting if you could do a video, on your favorite designs, outside of the world of automobiles. I suspect you are probably a collector of fine things. Be fascinating to see your aesthetic eye applied to other objects @@FrankStephensondesign

[@FrankStephensondesign]

@@donmacquarrie9161 Would love to Don, though I’d be opening up the “treasures” within my lair to everybody. Probably not a bad thing as it’d show many of things that influence my design tastes outside of what people know me for. Might give it a shot one day!

[@ngacni]

In the front it does remind me of the Skoda. The roof at the rear reminds me of Citroen DS. From the side view proportions it looks almost like its front wheel drive. The rear part with the wood reminds me a bit of a pickup truck;) The steering wheel is boring. The price tag, well, I have lost for words

[@imariusgreab]

I was thinking of exactly the same cars.

[@sebastianbucur5135]

Citroen DS, I noticed that, too. But here is not well made

[@Dggb2345]

Skoda and Rolls Royce. Ouch 😂

[@tomaslarsen7814]

C6

[@Ichioku]

Citroen DS, a great look in it's day, but a very strange aesthetic for a British marque,

[@ieatpanadol1548]

The car is clearly designed around having its roof hidden. With the roof hidden away it looks far more harmonious in terms of design. Unclear if the roof can actually be stored in the rear compartment, but I expect the strange shape is so that it can be done. Other expensive RR cars that feature such a mechanism are usually soft top, which allows far better design. But as the amethyst drop tail appears to have a single piece of adjustable tint glass for a luxury sun roof, compromises have to be made. Such expense for a sunroof feature that may never be used, because it makes it look awful, is debatable. It's questionable what Rolls Royce or the customer were thinking. But hey, I'm sure that the millions of dollars is probably nothing to them anyway.

[@rockeroller]

Good call. The grill would look better if the vertical ribs had equal spacing, versus the two center ribs being closer. And the roof? Looks like an afterthought.

[@MillywiggZ]

Dunno. Whenever I think of Rolls Royce the front grill should look like a gate, every piece handmade like sculpture and should at least look bullet proof. This car looks like one of the weirder cars you unlock in 'Ridge Racer 4' or 'Grand Theft Auto's attempt to look like a RR mixed with an Alfa Romeo. Sometimes I think they should go back and make their cars look like horse-drawn carriages again with the overall shape.

[@howardlake6178]

When I first saw the back of the roof, I thought of one of my favourite designs. The Citroen DS. So I had a look at a few pictures, and I would say..definitely inspired by it. Then, when you revealed the air brushed out, fuel filler, I thought let’s go back to the DS. And I would say the same. I wish I could attach photos here 😂

[@BradBolin]

Exactly, I thought the same thing. It also evokes cheaper cars with the new "floating roof" design, like the Kia Soul. The DS is an organic, interesting shape; the parts go together. The Rolls is a mess. It's like they designed one of their standard cars, ripped off the roof and the back and bolted on something that could justify a $30MM upcharge. Ugly. It's so bad, in fact, that I suspect even the sort of philistine that will buy this will be unwilling to pay that much.

[@JelanDaDon]

I feel like they played it safe upfront, and went crazy around back. Almost like two separate teams designed each half and it was fused together. The weird roof that Frank points out, reminds me of that Mini Cooper Roadster.

[@Real_MisterSir]

I get the feeling that if this design was made as a project by a student, they would receive a fair bit of criticism from their teachers. However, since it comes from an already established brand at the peak of the industry, they are somehow held to a lesser standard than what one could expect. At the same time, being as boutique as they are, I am not one to judge whether this car and its design hits the mark with the intended customers or not. My personal critical take is first of all, what is the overarching grander vision here? To me, it sits somewhere in line with the philosophy of the Boat Tail, in the sense that it appears to want to bring the maritime aesthetic onto the road. The sloping droptail design, the roof that floats on top of the windows, the lines and light catchers that emphasize a sloping downwards curve from front to rear. Every element has a very distinct maritime and yacht design approach. Ultimately though, I do not believe RR succeeded in this approach. The car overall loses a lot of its elegance end sweeping clean lines through a mismatch of disproportioned body elements. I almost get the feeling that if they could lower the car into the sea, so half of the main body was submerged, then the rest of the body and the greenhouse would sit in better harmony. Alas, on the road we don't have such luxuries, we have to match all proportions visibly, and this is in my opinion the biggest weak point of this car. The front itself I find lacking of character and importance, almost like it's trying to fly under the radar. This is perhaps a good thing depending on who you ask, but for the most expensive car in the world, I feel like it deserves to make a statement and command road presence. For the interior, I think they have done a decent job. It's very conventional Rolls Royce, with most of the emphasis put on the material and finish, rather than the implementation and volumes. It's a safe approach, and one they know how to do well. I would love to see Rolls Royce try to bring their classic aesthetics and values into a modern interior space (in terms of volumes), just to see what they could do with no strings attached. I still get the feeling that they're working with strings attached, not really expressing their creativity at its peak potential, perhaps it's simply not time for that yet. One can hope they will break this mold in the future :)

[@RS-xx9ve]

Frank is diplomatically saying "its sh1te".

[@ThutoMolefi]

I guess this is just one of those things my unrefined palate cannot appreciate.

[@brettgogoll9677]

I cant stop seeing Citroen DS at the rear of the roof.

[@psyrebro]

I mean that from rear 3/4, it is obvious that the inspiration for this car was quite simply a "boat". Or maybe if we want to sell it a "yacht". I think the overhang on the roof was completely intentional as it is "boat like", and glass in between is just there because it has to be. Then when you go lower and take a look at the rear end, the wood and more specifically the rear fender, the boat inspiration becomes clear. Those design decisions are intentional, whether anyone likes it is a completely different matter. I personally don't.

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Yep, but except that a roof on a yacht isn’t usually removable. 😉👍

[@mwest3583]

30 million will buy an ACTUAL OPULENT YACHT! That price is just insane.

[@richardike2342]

Frank, thanks for another fantastic analysis from a grandmaster in Car Design. I thought that Rolls-Royce looked great, and the interior is spectacular. But my biggest issue was the odd shape of the roof, and it is not even automated. The triangular side sculpting was very bold in the renderings, but timid on the actual Car. It makes it look like they were not very confident about it. I also thought the Taillight was too small, it should have been doubled; 4 instead of 2. I firmly agree with you that the back end doesn't look like a Rolls-Royce, that was my first impression too. One thing that is unique about Rolls-Royce is their consistent ability to execute reverse wedge-shape designs, the complete opposite of the Car industry design standard. However, Rolls-Royce stands as a testament to the ultimate power of branding. That's because if you change that Rolls-Royce logo to a Toyota, Nissan, Honda etc, the vehicle would suddenly look ugly. But with the RR logo, it appears exquisite. Nevertheless, as to why Cars like this exist in the first place, the ultra-wealthy use them as banks. They purchase them as a means of tying down their money. And the value of such assets accrue with time, which is like a bank account gaining interest. When they choose to auction them, they get much more out of the deal.

[@ceciliaayala9304]

I am a fan of your videos, they are very interesting. I would like to see a video of you reviewing the design of the 2003 or 2007 Chrysler 300 (that's one of my favorite cars) keep up the good work.

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Coming soon Cecilia!

[@DWJamieson]

Shades of Citroen DS in that roof design

[@MichaelBrown-ho5wc]

Frank, I think it would be so neat if you could compare and contrast a modern Rolls-Royce to say something like the Shadow series from the 70s and 80s. It would be an interesting to watch to get your take on how those cars were designed. I personally owned several Rolls-Royce vehicles, newer ones and older ones, and I can tell you without a doubt the older shadows get the most attention people absolutely love them.

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Great suggestion Michael!

[@stefanegger]

THE SPACING!!! You are so right about that. But I guess it is not the spacing but the blades on the left are turned to the left and the ones on the right are tuning to the right, making the middle space awkward. Renault Megane had a similar back window or steps on the side view like this roof section. I am not sure about that, it seems more like a prototype or design concept rather than something I would like getting for free and be seen in. I would more see a crazy Frech design try in the back rather than a classic RR. It looks a bit like a Citroen DS from the back I think or something like that, the roof and glass. It was just my first association I had. The fuel cap is terrible, they should have either integrated it into the flat shape better or make it stand out like a real chrome design piece. The side line with the light/dark shadow effect on the door almost makes sense when you see the back 3/4 view - the line almost is the same as the one enclosing the lights, but it has a bit different curvature and angle to it. Almost. Other than that, I cannot really connect this light play area on the door with any other line on the car. I guess they got inspired on the back by a mix of Megane, DS and Ford Ka - and hoped that they can cover it with a nice wood and high prize. For me, the car is a disappointment, I mean the front is not special and has weird spacing and the back is scrambled up and the side view is both.

[@Andreas-yt9wv]

Stephenson your OCD is your outstanding talent. This was like a good wine to me and what I need to pay attention to explained by a guy who is an expert on it because he loves it so much. (Likeable Gourmet)

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Thank you Andreas, glad you understand!

[@Techjunkiero]

Great analysis Frank. A $28M RR with Jeep Grand Cherokee headlights and a rear that reminds me of a Mustang. It says a LOT. 😎

[@lindaoffenbach]

Thank you so much again for your profound exquisite analyses and for engaging my deep love and soul for aesthetics 💓 Whilst not being a designer or artist at all, my love in that area has always run very deep. I can relate to most of your points immediately. My personal addition to all of it would be that I'd prefer a tad wider diameter of the wheels. Whilst being large already, they somehow still tend to dwarf just a little too much in the overall design somehow in my view (balance). The rear does confuse me much, and I'm really questioning what it is what it is to represent, even to such a degree that the wood-deck seems to be out of place. On the other hand, the door handles at the side are very fine for me; they are to be ornaments I gather, and they suit that purpose spot on in my view. As for the front lights; they actually are exactly as I have envisioned them earlier in my own dreams and thoughts about car design; love them. As with you, I am very happy with the interior and how they've crafted it so elegantly and traditionally. Is such a car worth it. Well, I suppose these will be going to the Middle-East I may presume, where money just isn't an object; targeted towards a handful of happy few. Was I in that position, would I buy this car... Yes, I think so but I would like to make some subtle changes if possible.

[@jamesengland7461]

I must say, the Cadillac Celestiq doesn't look as bad as this...

[@zaytsevand]

Frank, you're genius. I can't even fathom the skill and patience required to say everything you've said BAD about RR design without being put on the 007 target list.

[@donmacquarrie9161]

😂

[@Eclipse.7897]

For 30 Million i'd expect a car like the Bentley Exp 100 Concept (but road legal of course)

[@osamamaddani]

4:48 That fender extending over the headlight and the line cut is the same way as what was done on the Audi A6 C6 by Walter de Silva

[@zimcam1]

@FrankStephenson I agree, the back and front are too far divorced. the rear has too many action lines relative to the front. However, I think you could add your comments for when it is in the "drop-head" configuration. I think the convertible roof ruins MOST of the appeal of this car. Still. I think you nailed it with the no compromise point. Also, let's take the door handles and mirrors off of this thing with a signature "after" rendering by you?

[@benzinapaul7416]

Still got the cheap looking column stalks and column gear change stalk

[@gummibrot4948]

Wonderfully described. Very exciting details. I have the Citroen Ami6 in mind. Design like a New Year's Eve fireworks display.

[@aviatorel32]

Frank I just discovered your channel and absolutely love the analysis. I’m curious if you could make an episode about planes, for instance, Cessna TTX or Visionjet and tell what would you do different or how would you change the paint scheme. Thank you for sharing your talent with the world.

[@Harpreet06]

Are you going to do a video on the new Caterham?

[@Gliese380]

I would be ashamed to drive a car that expensive.

[@Labergemusic]

One of those designers was like "You know what, that Mini Coupe is a GREAT look"

[@BDFTP69420]

The steering wheel and turn signal/wiper stalks look straight out of the BMW parts bin... Insane for this price point.

[@4everyoung869]

Because it is 😂😂😂

[@vasankandiah6947]

@FrankStephensondesign that kind of roof design was already seen on the Citroën DS ... just add the tailights on it ..

[@alexanderortiz1185]

30 million could feed a nation...the car better fly

[@MateuszZwierzycki]

literally, you could get a big mac menu for every citizen of czech republic

[@MateuszZwierzycki]

well, at least double cheesburger, but still :D

[@FrankStephensondesign]

No fries and a Coke with that burger???

[@MateuszZwierzycki]

Not anymore, maybe 20 years ago.@@FrankStephensondesign

[@Allmentux]

The feature next to the door handle seems to be the side signal indicator. And the rear roof reminds me of a Citroen DS! Anyway awesome discussion of a fascinating car :)

[@henrikmielicke2489]

I really love these detailed design critiques from your professional point of view. Explaining how and why certain shapes and lines come together - or don't. Regarding the slats in the grille, I think the reflections on their shape are uneven as they're not parallel to one another - how unlucky for us OCDs. The roofline reminds me of the '67 DS, too. Completely unrelated, Frank: Have you seen a "Mini Label tag" yet? They recently made me laugh out loud in a parking lot and I was wondering if you, as the original designer, would appreciate them. Cheers

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Thanks Henrik! Tag? I had to Google that one! Kinda like in the theme of those eyelash thingies they put on the VW Beetle headlights. Or the inspired by the famous Levi’s tag… Pretty funny!

[@henrikmielicke2489]

Glad you liked them, they fall in line with Mini's playful image, I thought. Happy New Year to you, looking forward to your next analysis! 👌 @@FrankStephensondesign

[@spx730]

the best looking part to me is rims 😅 front grill is definitely pissing me off with that middle section

[@lucasmoreno5330]

You shouldn't be able to see parking sensors on a £100k car, let alone £30m.

[@smaniz]

In Germany we say "Fantasiepreise"

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Jawohl!

[@onsokumaru4663]

One thing I can appreciate in this day and age is automakers who don't put big laptop screens on the dashboard

[@rao180677]

Another great design class! To me a car to be convertible needs to look (at least) good with the top on and great with the top down. For a RR though, I guess it needs to look great both ways. And this one doesn't. Which is a shame really because it does have that boat or yacht look and I've seen much more elegant yachts. From the 3/4 rear view I cannot help to think about how the Citroen DS convertible did it so well when compared to this. Another thing is the usage of such a low profile tires... I don't know... Gives it a fragile look for such a monumental shape. Like a big bodybuilder wearing high heals... it just doesn't match.

[@PWCDN]

wow the grill looks cheap, the material looks scuffed and because of the inverted angles, it looks like half the grill has been damaged like when heat sink fins get smashed, other than that, pretty nice. its crazy that we're going into the digital gauge cluster era that analog is now luxury. Guess I'm keeping my 2013 Honda Accord!

[@westmus]

The car manufactures only put screens into cars because it's a cheaper solution than gauges and switches.

[@bluesky9093]

Great analysis as usual Frank. I agree with you observations on the grill and headlights, the center of the grill bugged me the moment I saw it. Rolls missed the opportunity to take advantage of the curves present on the front of the car, starting on the outer edge of each headlight and dropping down to the front bumper. IMHO some larger headlights to both fit the scale of the car and take advantage of those front curves is a missed design element. I also think the angle of the forward shut line of the doors would look better if the angle matched the rake of the windshield, maybe not possible from a practical standpoint. The rear of the car is not executed well at all, it looks like someone was trying too hard to break away from RR traditional design. The gauges are sublime, I absolutely love them.

[@Quinten1994]

That sounds about right. It is what it is.. That boat tail is a way better design that will age like fine wine.

[@revenantwolzart]

Looks worth only $57,000 🤣

[@davidhunternyc1]

That's a question? ... nonetheless, the car is hideous looking.

[@aldrichuyliong8143]

3:00 I honestly don't think that center rib on the grille is not equally spaced. It's just the angle of the other ribs create the visual illusion that the center is "pinched".

[@borislavzikatanov1579]

The roof gives me old Citroen DS vibes and the tail lights of a modern Ford Mustang.

[@elthamtreehugger5320]

Because the rich are getting richer

[@admiralbeez8143]

I’m reminded of British Daimler and their outrageous Lady Docker cars, where the firm lost the plot.

[@misterxmistery7424]

It's simple. RR found a new business model that by creating a one of a kind models they can maximize profits (these vehicles use the same platform and tech as their so-called mainstream cars like Phantom). And they are always sold out in an instant. It's just an easy money strategy

[@TheBas008]

The fact that Frank doesn't analyse the fact that the intake looks unimpressive because its set on an 50/50 ratio makes me doubt his expertise in shape dynamics

[@andoletube]

He's analysing the images as released by RR. And the car will look like this a good deal of the time. You're hilarious thinking you have anything on Frank regarding "shape dynamics". Oh and it's a grill, not an "intake".

[@charu1473]

You are correct, Since you are clearly much more of an expert I am very excited for the day they announce you, TheBas008 as chief designer of McLaren

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Go easy on @TheBas008 guys, he’s probably one of those one third, two thirds kind of people. Let’s hope he gets 1.618 at some point. 👍

[@TheBas008]

30/70 rule is one of the first fundamental things you learn in design school. It applies to literally anything in design. I don't know what you're on about

[@TheBas008]

I dare you to a design challenge as me as a amateur vs professional car designer. Free content

[@aranlaartist]

Hi Frank, its Aran. It's your detail that makes you different and a great designer!

[@kurtwheller6295]

Thanks for this awesome video!

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Glad you liked it Kurt!

[@neilferguson4497]

Great video Frank and team as always!! Where do i buy one??

[@heytherecat]

Phew, was about to drop my deposit for this car. From OCD person to OCD person, thank you.

[@davidbeaulieu1305]

the V element in the wood patern, we call it ''bookmatch''.

[@pauljames907]

09:04 - ‘What over car has very similar architecture to this?’ - when referring the the rear of the car. I would say the rear of the car looks like a Saab 900.

[@iankuah8606]

The roof panel reminds me of the flybridge of a yacht, which maybe was the inspiration, conscious or otherwise. The car definitely looks better in its al fresco configuration. As for the 'face' of the car I can't help thinking that the grille could have been made a bit more imposing by extending it slightly downwards into the bumper area.

[@sanjaysrivatsavrayala4141]

Big fan of your design and also a very good analysis. Can you please make a video about Ford gt(2019) and Alfa Romeo Giulia

[@soulreaper1981]

I see the headlamps and the undergril and see a grinning face 😂

[@adriancobaschi8510]

That car better have LIFETIME WARRANTY AND DETAILING AND WHATEVER GOES WRONG I BRING TO YOU TO FIX FOR FREE!

[@RAGAJALANG]

I personally donʼt mind the roof. To me, it looks fine and unique, kind of reminds me of an open boat with canopy on its top deck instead of a yachtʼs enclosed cabin. But, I strongly agree that the rear lights couldʼve looked stronger. Iʼm not a fan of the rear bumper treatment. I might be nitpicking here, but it doesnʼt look as elegant and clean as the rest of the car. Excuse my English btw. And as always, I love your analysis and explanations on the design, Frank!

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Thank you for the feedback! 👍

[@angusmcintosh1857]

Great review but I think you’re wrong about the spacing of the grill fins. It’s been a feature on many Rolls Royces (if not all) that the grill fins change angle half way across and catch the light differently on each side from some angles. I think the narrower spacing of the two centre fins is simply the result of where this angle changes. In that sense It’s a deliberate design feature and not a lack of attention to detail.

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Yes it’’s visually wrong Angus. The designed way would be to start with a symmetrical fin at the center.

[@angusmcintosh1857]

Take a look at the Silver Shadow grille for example. The same narrower spacing of the front edges of the middle two fins due to the change in angle. They’ve been doing it for ever.

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Yep! Time to step up.

[@janurbahn279]

First association: Goggo Coupe TS 250

[@DavidJohnson-gh3si]

The rear light treatment reminds me of a Mustang. Anyway, great review as always, thanks!

[@dmtk10]

Hi Frank! Are you planning to review the BMW Neue Klasse Concept? It's going to change the design philosophy of the whole BMW lineup. I would be really interested in your opinion and I think it would be great content for your channel. Thanks!

[@BuzzaB77]

Can we pool together and get poor frank a lint roller? our boy here is clearly out of work at the moment 🤣🤣 (sorry mate couldn't resist , great video though thanks for sharing your immense expertise)

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Buzz, what I’m wearing there is actually white. The black is actually the fur that my 2 Bernese Mountain Dogs shed onto me when they hug me before I go off to make these videos! 😉👍

[@meantares]

In my humble yet critical opinion, this is not a refined design. The front bears resemblance to Skoda. I think it’s a Fabia I think of when I see it. The rear side view (boot section) bears resemblance to a Ford Mustang with that strip of rear plastic of a light. The C-pillar section reminds me of Citroën DS. The rear looks like a combination of Renault Megane and Citroën DS. I also believe, the light creases on the doors are a precursor to more severe folds in future models. But then, this is what happens when a German company is in charge at Rolls Royce.

[@NLBassist]

The wood split in the middle is called bookmatching in guitar world

[@UpTheAnte1987]

That roof overhang reminds me of the original Citroen DS

[@budokai910]

thinking about it, I'd love to see frank designing a luxury model. Don't think I've ever seen one from you

[@habitatone]

They should make the doors be hinged like the Renault Avantime's but in the suicide style. Backwards. You will get an opening motion like in Cyberpunk 2077's cars and it would be glorious. This car reminds me of the mini cooper coupé, the ford gt90 concept and citroen's design language.

[@leebeenine]

love the front end, the back needs a little smoothing the lines are awkward when Frank will you add your improvements to it? PS agree nothing justifies that kind of price tag only that someone is willing to pay it

[@vindarusurianam71]

My gripe is both headlights and taillights are miniscule for overall aesthetics.... Especially taillights are like stucked pencil sized taillights to industrial freezer sized rear end...

[@komatoseshinobi2735]

Excellent break down Frank

[@Odihmantich]

I think this pinched spacing is the front gives it somewhat of a fractal quality. like it’s gushing out from the middle where it would go on into infinity if you dived in there.

[@FrankStephensondesign]

It’s a bit too narrow to dive in there I think.

[@itsthepens]

Total free reign given to the design, giving rise to extremely expensive tooling? Yes. Extremely low production run, passing the entire R&D costs to a very few customers and leading to astronomical cost? Yes. Stunt pricing to sell to billionaires who must have exclusivity at any cost? Yes. Misshapen and ugly? Yes.

[@rmp5s]

The fenders...very interesting. Never noticed that! The rear roofline is goofy af to my eye. Looks pretty great with the top down, but top up?..."convoluted" is a great way to put it. Looks ridiculous from the rear.

[@stfnMDQ]

the front is like some new Škoda SUV :D the side view is imho very nice :)

[@DM-ot2pi]

If you watch their release of that car, they explain it all. For the center spacing of the grill, I'm shocked you didn't figure out that centered right. you're looking at shadows! I agree on the handles & and rear, but again, they explain it perfectly

[@federicomuttini776]

Frank, we’d love to see your analysis of Pagani designs :)

[@GeorgeChipo]

The tail from the sideview kind of reminds me of the one of BMW Z8. Am I the only one? P.S. I love how Mr. Stephenson designed his own sideburns in a V shape and pointed out that centre wooden piece could use a bit of V shape as well. : )

[@firstprototype]

Design sketches of this car are amazing 😮 will be looking cool, only if RR will make it on phantom platform 😊