Rolls-Royce unveils an autonomous car for the 1%

There is a point where luxury vehicles go from practical to extreme. To some, a reasonably-priced Lexus or BMW provides the perfect balance between luxury and price. To others, a limousine driven by a chauffeur is the very definition of a luxury ride. To the extremely wealthy however, brands of choice include Rolls-Royce and Bugatti are where it’s at. For those people, the Rolls-Royce Vision Next 100 concept car takes things to a new level.

Not only would passengers of this ridiculously-designed vehicle be treated to a roof that opens instead of just a standard door, couch-style seating for up to three passengers, silk upholstery, Madagascar wood interior, and a full-width organic LED display, but it also happens to be a completely self-driving car without the need of a steering wheel or some ugly set of pedals.

Oh no, not this car. This car will pick you up with its automatically-opening cocoon and fender design that resembles two metallic boxes surrounding tires that only peek through the sides to remind you that yes, this is actually a car.

Once inside, you are greeted by Eleanor, your digital personal assist. She will guide your journey from point A to point B at the command of your voice.

Its design is ambitious. It comes out of a science fiction novel where speed bumps and steep driveways don’t exist and their owners would laugh at the extremely high costs of replacing one of its gigantic fenders that sit inches above the ground if and when it inevitably becomes damaged because the car drove over a rock or hit a pothole.

That said, this is a concept car, and that means that there is very little chance that the design presented will actually see the light of day. It does, however, give us a glimpse into the ambitions of one of the world’s most prestigious car brands. Its ultra-wide screen and expansive cabin could very well be standard additions to autonomous vehicles in the near future. Especially as we enter an age where things like steering wheels and pedals are all but obsolete.

Rolls-Royce concept uses an AI assistant and (projected) red carpet to make your commute luxurious

In London, England on Thursday morning, Rolls-Royce debuted its latest concept car, the Vision Next 100, which it has codenamed the 103EX. It follows in the footsteps of the BMW Vision Next 100, which debuted back in March.

While the Bimmer was all about sleek and sporty connected — and eco-friendly — mobility, the Rolls is understandably all about luxury. There's much to discuss, so let's dig right in.

Ignoring the body lines for a minute, let's delve into what is perhaps the car's standout feature. Intriguingly, it's one you'll never really see, per se. It's called "Eleanor," after the Rolls-Royce hood ornament.

The new Rolls-Royce VISION NEXT 100 car at its launch at The Roundhouse in north London.

IMAGE: RICK FINDLER/PA WIRE

In the Rolls-Royce 103EX, Eleanor is more than just a lighted piece of crystal; instead, she's a virtual assistant — one tied into all parts of your life, but especially mobility.

Using AI, Eleanor gets to know your habits, preferences and schedules and compiles options for your day. Once you're ready to leave the house, you call for her and she brings the car around. Imagine Tesla's Summon, but on a grander scale.

On the way to your first appointment, Eleanor will brief you on your day and allow you to tailor your mobility further.

If you were hoping this car would be powered by a Rolls V12, think again. This car is powered by, as Rolls puts it, "a futuristic, powerful, zero-emission drivetrain."

Of course, since the 103EX is driverless, you can comfortably relax on a sofa covered in the world's finest leather and surrounded by the most elegant wood. Up front, you can take meetings or simply watch your favorite show on the car's large OLED display.

When you arrive at your destination, the long hood, Parthenon grille and glowing "Spirit of Ecstasy" flying lady hood ornament will signal to onlookers your importance and gravitas.

The new Rolls-Royce VISION NEXT 100 car at its launch at The Roundhouse in north London.

IMAGE: RICK FINDLER/PA WIRE

As if the looks weren't enough, once the doors open, the 103EX projects a red light onto the ground, mimicking a red carpet you can step out on like the VIP you are.

While the 103EX is a bit of a far-off look into the future of the world's ultimate luxury brand, if developments from BMW hint at moves that Rolls-Royce might make, it's not toofar off. Following the debut of the BMW Vision Next 100, the German automaker said it will create an autonomous luxury sedan for 2021 called iNext.

So, could Rolls make the 103EX in five years? We'll have to wait and see.

If you'd like to see the Rolls-Royce 103EX in person, it will be on display at the Roundhouse in London from June 18 to 26.

This '80s Rolls-Royce up for auction could be a real-life version of 'The Homer'

OK, this pistachio-green British family truckster might not quite be as crazy as "The Homer," but it's close.

This 1983 Rolls-Royce Silver Spur Estate is headed to auction May 20 in Berlin, Germany. And, amazingly, its wagon body isn't its wildest feature.

First off, no: Rolls-Royce never made a wagon. The car was commissioned in 1983 for a private buyer in Britain who used it to tow his race car. (We should be so lucky, right?)

IMAGE: AUCTIONATA

If that weren't mad enough, he also had the 6.75-liter V8 engine converted to run not on gasoline but rather propane instead — for some reason. Perhaps he did it for better economy?

Although the car has 122,289 kilometers (75,986 miles) on the gray leather odometer, the interior appears in fantastic condition. That just proves, though, that Rolls-Royce built this thing to last. That, or the owner didn't attend many races.

Thankfully, Rolls never made a wagon of its own. Because, if it had, it might have well put the British luxury brand out of business just like The Homer did with Powell Motors.

If you're hoping to own this truly one-of-a-kind Rolls, you won't have to spend as much as you might think. The auction house expects it to sell around the $29,000 mark, which is probably about 1/20th what it'd cost you to have one made from a modern Roller today.

IMAGE: AUCTION

AIR POLLUTION, SMART CITIES, SMART HOME

What do you think the nickname for a Rolls-Royce roller bag might be? A "roller roller?" No, really, I am asking. You tell me

On Friday, Rolls-Royce unveiled a six-piece luggage set made for jet-set Rolls-Royce owners who want to bring the elite elegance of their motorcar with them while they travel.

The $45,854 set isn't just rebadged Louis Vuitton luggage; it was created specifically for Rolls-Royce.

IMAGE: ROLLS-ROYCE

Just like the illustrious Rolls-Royce cars, the Grand Tourer piece of the luggage set includes self-righting wheel centers emblazoned with the double-R logo. That way, even if people don't see you get out of your Rolls, they'll know you have one.

Toss your clothes inside the Long Weekender piece and you won't ever have to worry about getting a $10,000 blouse stuck in an errant zipper. That's because it features magnetic fasteners carved from solid billet of machine-polished aerospace-grade aluminum. Magnifique!

IMAGE: ROLLS-ROYCE

Finishing off the whole look, the Rolls' The Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament shape is embossed into the outside of every piece.

If you'd like to know more about the set, you can ring your neighborhood Rolls-Royce showroom. Your second call should be me, because I'd like to be your new travel buddy.