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As peak oil and global warming concerns become nearly universal, car makers and customizers are working to find ways to keep their products relevant. One way is to seek greener solutions. Another, and the way chosen by EDAG for their Rolls-Royce Phantom, is to make the car relevant to the modern hyper-connected lifestyle, and therefore a justifiable extravagance. Although better known for their literal take on the phrase 'land yacht', EDAG’s newest creation seems more likely to find a home - or provide one, as the case may be.

In fact, the EDAG is outfitted with so much kit it’s either the world’s smallest motorhome or the biggest mobile PC. Beyond mere creature comforts, the EDAG Phantom has an extensive selection of technological comforts as well. Some of the featured inclusions: mobile internet access, email and text messaging, a built-in PC, mobile phone and a fully intelligent navigation system. However, because EDAG recognizes the relatively quick obsolescense of such technologies, it will provide a means to integrate existing third-party devices into the vehicle’s systems, allowing the owner to upgrade each independently whenever he or she so chooses. All of this is couched in decidedly futuristic terms, however, so don’t expect it to see production in the near term.
Like any Rolls-Royce, EDAG’s version never fails to swaddle the passenger in physical comfort. But the EDAG Phantom adds to that comfort in ways most people simply wouldn’t think of. A prime example: the articulated roof that allows graceful, upright entry into the Phantom’s recessed rear seat. Because the panel essentially cuts the top of the car in half, special reinforcements had to be made, and in order to keep the weight down, the exterior of the panel is dressed in carbon fiber. A bespoke interior complements the tastefully modified exterior .
The EDAG Phantom will be on display at the Geneva Motor Show next month.
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That has got to be one of the most stupid coach works I've ever seen.

Besides developments aimed at improving their ecological compatibility, the question of comfort will be a decisive factor in the marketing success of future vehicle types. Having said this, in the age of networked communication and infotainment systems, the term "comfort" is not limited purely to physical comfort in the car. A car of tomorrow will have to provide the customer with the ability to access any data and information which he or she needs for either private or professional use. Merging the realms of vehicle, office, home and worldwide service and infotainment options defines the future meaning of the word comfort in the automotive branch.
As a global partner to the automotive industry, EDAG has defined "the vision of comfort" as its leading theme, and this will take centre stage at the company's presentation at the 2008 Geneva Show. With its presentation of the articulated roof for the Rolls Royce Phantom, EDAG is showcasing its first step towards its target of developing complex, innovative luxury solutions.

"Vision of Comfort" — Focus: Vehicle Body
Innovative vehicle body concepts in the exterior and interior will also contribute to an increase in com-fort within the car in the future. Ergonomically optimised package concepts, such as access aids, serve to improve convenience considerably. Controls, seating comfort, air conditioning and visibility all have to undergo constant refinement, as requirements are always changing. This will mean that vehicle derivatives, created by designers and engineers to have optimised functions and guarantee user convenience, will become an absolute must. Using the example of one means of optimising access to a Rolls Royce Phantom, EDAG will be documenting its expertise in the development and close-to-production implementation of innovative luxury concepts within the field of vehicle bodies.
Optimised entry to a Rolls Royce Phantom
Not even a Rolls Royce Phantom will be able to satisfy its owner's every wish. One example is the seat behind the 'C' pillar in the rear of the car, which traditionally creates a feeling of security and privacy.
With the production model, however, this does have a price: namely the fact that it is impossible, even for someone of average height, to enter and leave the car in an upright position. The solution that EDAG developed is an articulated roof over the rear seat area, so that passengers can get into and out of the car in comfort.
It might sound trivial, but the job called for a great deal of technical finesse. First of all, EDAG's Product Development and Production departments worked out various concepts for raising the roof and the lateral roof frame together. It goes without saying that the exclusive interior design was to be borne in mind at all times, and that neither rigidity, comfort nor sealing capacity were to be compromised under any circumstances whatsoever.
There was no way to avoid severing the lateral roof frame of the aluminium spaceframe. A reinforcement cut from solid metal, which at one and the same time incorporates the kinematics, water channel, locking mechanisms, seals and finger protection, does, however, provide the essential rigidity of the body.
The aluminium structure for the roof was likewise cut from the solid. To save weight, the roof's outer skin panel is made of synthetic carbon-fibre material. The roof's interior trims were re-designed, and covered with original quality Rolls Royce materials. By simply pressing a button, the driver or passenger can activate the specially developed electronic controls, and raise the hydraulically powered roof segment with practically no sound whatsoever. Modification of the roof structure has had no effect on either the car's handling or its interior acoustics.

seems pointless

Reminds me of the buses with the side access for handycapped people.

I don't like it, this is not a Rolls-type-of thing ...!