Haute automobile:  Rolls-Royce Phantom Edag

The ultimate decadence for people who already have everything: a special entry folding roof for the Rolls Royce Phantom. The German company Edag presents this ‘comfort-enhancing innovation’ at the Geneva Motor Show.

The multi millionaires and billionaires of the world have a rough life, so tuning company Edag has decided to make things a little easier for them. Debuting at the Geneva Auto Show the Rolls-Royce Phantom Edag has an articulating roof design that eliminates the need for rear passengers to duck down as they enter the car.

Inspiration for the roof opening comes from what Edag considers an oversight by Rolls-Royce. In factory models the C-pillar was purposely created extra large so rear passengers would have the sense of additional privacy and security. This however results in a rather difficult entry and exit from the vehicle, even for people of average height.

To overcome this problem, Edag had to use carbon fiber reinforcements in the roof and modify the interior ceiling with genuine Rolls-Royce parts to create a seamless look. The construction is complex, because things such as stiffness, noise level and water drainage were not allowed to be endangered. Edag therefore experimented with different constructions before finally being presented.

In order to be able to step out of the car in the most elegant and upright position, Edag presents a special roof that folds up. Maximum convenience is guaranteed at the push of a button, which is very useful during a movie premiere.

To open the roof panel, the driver or passenger simply presses a button and the hydraulically powered roof segment rises in a smooth, silent movement. Electric motors must ensure silent opening and closing.

Edag is a company that, among other things, works on the development and optimization of production processes at various car manufacturers. In 2005 Edag surprised us with the collaboration with the Swiss Rinspeed which resulted in the Rinspeed Edag Chopster, a small series built car based on Porsche Cayenne.

A year later they launched the Pontiac Solstice Edag Hardtop, and the VW New Beetle Edag Biwak. Last year the company presented the Edag Luv, a cross between an SUV and a Pick-up with ‘nautical characteristics’. The main purpose of these cars was to present a business card and to excite car manufacturers.

The Rolls-Royce Phantom Edag will not be standard in the showroom. But for those who want a copy, the Germans are willing to arrange it for you. Reportedly, Edag has already received a few orders, even before the car is actually shown to the public.

Come into the beautiful worlds of Rolls-Royce en Edag