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Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Private Office Dubai presents one-of-one Bespoke commission, ‘The Pearl Cullinan’
Commissioned by a son as a surprise birthday gift for his father: fascia motif features the Arabic symbol for ‘father’ inlaid in stainless steel
One of the most extensive uses of mother-of-pearl ever seen in a Bespoke Rolls-Royce motor car, including central rotary dial and clock surround
Rear Picnic Tables handmade at the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood, each including 1,351 individually selected pieces of mother-of-pearl
Bespoke paint finish inspired by the colours of most prized pearl in the owner’s collection
“The Middle East region has long been the source of many of the most technically complex, creatively ambitious Bespoke commissions ever undertaken by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. ‘The Pearl Cullinan’ stands at the very summit of those achievements and is a supreme example of the marque’s creativity and craftsmanship. It is also the very first client Bespoke project to be commissioned through our Private Office Dubai. This is an extension of the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood and gives clients direct access to our talented Bespoke designers, together with the full support of their local dealer partner. As the motor car is a birthday gift to the father of a longstanding patron, it adds a very special dimension to the project: it has been a privilege to create such a magnificent motor car to mark this auspicious occasion. ‘The Pearl Cullinan’ not only has a deep personal meaning to both father and son, it also commemorates the great heritage story of the family. At Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, highly Bespoke commissions have always been crafted with deep emotional connections in mind and each motor car has its own tale.”
César Habib, Regional Director Middle East & Africa, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is delighted to present ‘The Pearl Cullinan’ – a magnificent, one-of-one Bespoke motor car commissioned by the owner’s family to mark a significant birthday. It is also the first Bespoke project to be revealed by the Private Office Dubai, which works with local Dealer Partners to bring the authentic Goodwood experience to clients across the Middle East and Africa region.
‘The Pearl Cullinan’ was commissioned in early 2022 by a longstanding Rolls-Royce client, to mark his father’s 90th birthday. Regional Director, César Habib, and Bespoke Lead Designer, Michelle Lusby, were originally introduced to the father with the purpose of understanding his passions and life story; these meetings provided valuable insights to inform the design direction for the commission.
BESPOKE PEARL ROSE EXTERIOR FINISH
The Bespoke Pearl Rose finish is inspired by the colour of the owner’s most prized pearl in his extensive, world-class collection and is reserved exclusively for this motor car: it will not be available to any other client in future. Paint specialists at the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood used carefully selected pigments to replicate a delicate hint of pink rarely found in natural pearls. Unusually, the paint combines both metallic and pearlescent effects to give exceptional depth and lustre.
Perfecting the finish required around 30 different iterations, each applied to a full-sized body panel. These were pre-checked under daylight simulation lamps in the Atelier at Goodwood, then sent to the client to make sure the colour was correct when viewed under the Middle Eastern sun. The paint also underwent extensive technical testing to ensure it will remain unaltered by heat or UV light over its lifetime.
The Pearl Rose finish is complemented with a single coachline, applied by hand in Rose Gold paint, to match the rose gold-plated Spirit of Ecstasy mascot. The rose gold theme also extends to the Bespoke treadplates, which are revealed on each of the four door sills upon opening.
INTERIOR: THE ART OF PRESENTATION
The interior of ‘The Pearl Cullinan’ features two different leather colours. The front seats – where the father prefers to travel as a passenger – are finished in his favourite Cashmere Grey. In reference to the family’s heritage, the rear seats are trimmed in Ardent Red which takes inspiration from the colour of the material on which pearls are presented to customers, to best highlight their subtle natural colour variations. In a similar vein, the burr walnut veneer echoes the wooden presentation boxes in which pearls are traditionally handed over to customers upon purchase.
Bespoke embroidery detailing includes ‘RR’ monograms in Rose Gold thread on the headrests, and rear seat inserts in Grace White, inspired by the symmetrical growth patterns of an oyster shell and angled at the same precise 55 degrees as the veneer.
A CELEBRATION OF MOTHER-OF-PEARL
‘The Pearl Cullinan’ features one of the most extensive uses of mother-of-pearl ever seen in a Rolls-Royce motor car. The natural variations of this beautiful material created opportunities and challenges in equal measure for the marque’s designers and craftspeople.
This is particularly apparent with the detailed design of the Picnic Tables, fitted to the rear of the front passenger seats. The upper surface features an intricate, circular pattern inspired by traditional Arabic design that draws the eye inwards to a central point. Each tabletop is then inlaid with 1,351 separate pieces of mother-of-pearl, every one individually selected and placed by hand in the surrounding burr walnut marquetry and sealed with clear lacquer. The natural shade and colour differences in both the mother-of-pearl and the wood mean each tabletop is a unique work of art.
The burr walnut fascia incorporates an exquisite mother-of-pearl inlay inspired by traditional Middle Eastern art. At its centre is the Arabic word for ‘father’, inlaid in stainless steel. In a first for Rolls-Royce, the Bespoke dashboard clock is set in a mother-of-pearl surround; the dial and hands are in rose gold. The centre rotary dial is also finished with mother-of-pearl, giving it a tactile, jewel-like quality.
Above the occupants, the Bespoke Starlight Headliner shows the sky as it appeared on the night and at the very place the commissioning client’s father was born.
Michelle Lusby, Bespoke Lead Designer at the Private Office Dubai, said, “For me, there was a huge emotional connection with this Bespoke project. I had the privilege of spending time with the commissioning family, which allowed me to discuss details of the design directly with them, and really understand their true significance. Their unique use of mother-of-pearl was a great creative and technical challenge for us: to see the Picnic Tables go from my original digital designs to those beautiful, highly detailed finished works of art was fantastic. This is a truly special commission in so many ways, and a project we aspire to have as Rolls-Royce designers. Emotions inspire our imaginations.”
NEDCcorr (combined) CO2 emission: 348 g/km; Fuel consumption: 18.6 mpg / 15.2 l/100km. WLTP (combined) CO2 emission: 377-368 g/km; Fuel consumption: 17.1-17.5 mpg / 16.5-16.1 l/100km.
According to United States law, it is possible for a private citizen to own a military tank that has been decommissioned. These tanks can often be found at high-end auctions. However, there is a major catch – the tank must be nonfunctional in terms of its cannon. While the motor and treads can still work, you are not allowed to purchase or possess any ammunition for it. This is why most decommissioned tanks are sold in a nonfunctional state. If you want to drive the tank, you will have to repair it yourself. Nevertheless, once the tank is fixed, you are free to drive it as much as you want. Some U.S. states even allow tanks with properly rubberized treads to be driven on public roads, although this is mostly limited to private property.
In theory, a private citizen can own a fully functioning tank with a cannon. However, to legally possess such a tank, you would need to obtain a federally-issued Destructive Device permit. Obtaining this permit is not easy, as it requires various licensure and background checks. Even if you have military training, the use of the cannon is only permitted in specific circumstances. All in all, the distinction between owning a functional or nonfunctional tank is not worth pursuing.
Owning a tank can be an option if you are incredibly wealthy and desire an unusual lawn ornament. However, it comes with a hefty cost and numerous inconveniences.
“With the Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost Ékleipsis, we draw inspiration from the rare and mesmerizing phenomenon of a total solar eclipse. These limited-edition motor cars reflect the rarity and beauty of Rolls-Royce Private Collections. Our team of designers, engineers, and craftspeople have once again showcased their craftsmanship, creating exquisite details that embody our brand’s ambition and excellence. We are incredibly proud to present these cars to our most significant clients worldwide, as they inspire us to continue pushing the boundaries of modern luxury.”
Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars introduces the Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost Ékleipsis Private Collection, inspired by the captivating phenomenon of a solar eclipse. These bespoke cars explore the interplay of light and darkness, recreating the awe-inspiring moment when the Moon completely obscures the Sun.
The Rolls-Royce Ghost, infused with the Black Badge spirit, provides the perfect canvas for expressing the beauty of this celestial wonder.
The launch of this highly exclusive collection, limited to 25 examples, coincides with the annular solar eclipse visible in parts of the Western Hemisphere on October 14th.
EXTERIOR: GOLDEN DARKNESS
The motor car’s Lyrical Copper exterior color captures the mysterious and ethereal light of a total solar eclipse. The finish contains powdered copper pigment, creating a rich iridescence when illuminated. Mandarin accents adorn the inserts below the Pantheon Grille and brake callipers, reminiscent of the intense sunlight observed during an eclipse. The hand-painted coachline in Mandarin features an abstract representation of the transition from sunlight to darkness as the Moon approaches to cover the Sun.
ANIMATED STARLIGHT HEADLINER
The Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost Ékleipsis boasts a bespoke Starlight Headliner with a unique animation that invokes the sense of awe and wonder experienced during an eclipse. When the coach doors close and the engine starts, the ‘stars’ in the headliner darken, beginning a mesmerizing sequence that replicates a total solar eclipse. A circle of 940 ‘stars’ represents the bright corona of light around the shadow of the Moon, while 192 illuminating ‘stars’ recreate the otherworldly spectacle of stars visible during daylight in a solar eclipse.
The animation lasts exactly seven minutes and 31 seconds, mimicking the duration of a total solar eclipse. Once the time elapses, the night sky’s full constellation of stars is restored. This technical feature required a year of development and three prototypes to perfect the design and sequencing of the ‘stars’.
ILLUMINATED FASCIA AND ‘DIAMOND RING’ TIMEPIECE
The illuminated fascia of the Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost Ékleipsis is adorned with 1,846 laser-etched ‘stars’ symbolizing the timeline of a total eclipse. Each ‘star’ underwent precise adjustment by a bespoke designer, taking over 100 hours to achieve the mesmerizing effect.
The fascia also houses a bespoke timepiece with a brilliant-cut 0.5-carat diamond, reminiscent of the ‘Diamond Ring’ effect observed during an eclipse. It is the first time in Rolls-Royce history that a gemstone has been integrated into the clock’s bezel. Rigorous tests ensured the diamond’s secure placement, subjecting the assembly to extreme temperature cycles. The timepiece’s dark aluminum surround features an etching, revealing the bright metal underneath. Over 14 design iterations were made to achieve this contemporary masterpiece.
PANORAMIC SUNSET INTERIOR
The interior of the Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost Ékleipsis captures the moment of a solar eclipse, when a golden twilight envelops the surroundings, creating the illusion of a 360-degree sunset. The bi-colored seats feature a unique perforated artwork with over 200,000 individual perforations.
The bold Mandarin leather is tinted in black and perforated to reveal a contrasting brighter color underneath, creating a visual effect with depth and subtlety. The Bespoke Collective developed a unique pattern using computational design tools, refining it over seven trials and iterations.
Finishing touches include illuminated treadplates, coach doors with concealed Mandarin-piped umbrellas, and a custom indoor motor car cover with the Private Collection’s wordmark.
All 25 examples of the Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost Ékleipsis Private Collection have been reserved by clients around the world.
NEDCcorr (combined) CO2 emission: 359 g/km; Fuel consumption: 15.8 mpg / 18.0 l/100km. WLTP (combined) CO2 emission: 359 g/km; Fuel consumption: 17.9 mpg / 15.8 l/100km. Further information: https://bit.ly/3XtQW7q
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BYD, the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker, had its proposal to invest $1 billion in India rejected by the Indian government. The rejection came after concerns were raised about security issues related to Chinese investments in the country. BYD had planned to partner with a private Hyderabad-based company, Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Ltd, to establish an EV manufacturing plant in Hyderabad. The joint venture aimed to produce 10,000 to 15,000 electric cars per year, with Megha Engineering handling the capital requirements and BYD providing the technology. This development is part of the ongoing tensions between India and China, which have impacted the flow of foreign direct investment. BYD currently has two models available in India, the E6 MPV and Atto 3 electric SUV, and had showcased its upcoming Seal EV sedan at Auto Expo 2023. Despite the rejection of its investment proposal, BYD has been involved in various sectors in India, including material handling equipment, public sector transport, and heavy-duty trucks.
New York, June 28, 2023 – GMF Capital (GMF), a leading private investment firm and family office for Gary Fegel, announced today that it has completed the acquisition of Motorsport Network Media LLC (MSNM), a global digital media platform in the motorsport and automotive industries. The terms of the acquisition involve GMF Media, an affiliate of GMF Capital, acquiring the controlling majority stake in MSNM, with an option to purchase the remaining minority interest at a later date.
MSNM is recognized as the world’s largest independent motorsport and automotive media platform, boasting over 40 million monthly users and more than 15 million followers on social media. Under GMF’s control, the acquisition includes nearly 50 flagship motorsport and automotive digital properties such as Motorsport.com, Autosport, Motorsport-Total, GPOne, Motor1.com, and InsideEVs.com. Additionally, the deal encompasses the Motorsport Network brand name, Motorsport.tv (a leading video platform for live and on-demand streaming), and the Autosport Awards (the world’s premier motorsport racing annual awards ceremony).
Gary Fegel, the Founder and Principal of GMF Capital, expressed excitement regarding the acquisition: “We are excited to acquire Motorsport Network Media’s impressive, world-class portfolio of media assets, which are primed for significant growth with the surging popularity of motorsport, particularly Formula 1, in the U.S. and internationally. We will leverage the brands’ market-leading position across the motorsport and automotive industries and push the business to the center of fandom. Our acquisition will allow the business to aggressively pursue new growth opportunities, which will benefit employees, advertisers, partners, and tens of millions of users worldwide.”
This acquisition marks GMF’s first foray into the sports, automotive, and media category. Since its establishment in 2013, GMF Capital and its affiliates have invested over $5.5 billion primarily in private equity, real estate, and alternative investments.
The President of Motorsport Network, James Allen, expressed confidence in the future of the media business: “Today’s announcement marks the next exciting chapter for Motorsport Network and our leading media business. We have had significant acquisition interest in our media assets over the years but found in GMF Capital a buyer that truly values what we have built and shares our vision for the future. The media franchise has continued strong performance, and we believe it will thrive under GMF Capital’s direction.”
About GMF Capital:
GMF Capital was established in 2013 by Gary Fegel as a single-family office to invest capital on behalf of himself, his family, and like-minded investors. With offices in New York City and Switzerland, GMF Capital and its affiliates have invested over $5.5 billion primarily in private equity, real estate, and alternative investments. Before founding GMF Capital, Fegel served as a Senior Partner at Glencore Plc, one of the world’s largest commodity trading and mining companies.
For more information about GMF Capital, please visit www.gmfcapital.com.
Advisors:
Legal counsel to GMF Capital: Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP
Legal counsel to Motorsport Network LLC: Snell & Wilmer LLP
Media Contacts:
For GMF Capital:
info@gmfcapital.com
zach.groen@finnpartners.com
For Motorsport Network:
mediarelations@motorsport.com
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“ Since the inauguration last July of the Private Office Dubai, the first Private Office outside the UK, I am thrilled to say that our clients have been immersing themselves in a n unrivalled creative environment. Bringing Goodwood to the Middle East, the Private Office is a space which provides a unique experience; it’s where our clients can bring their ideas to life and explore the marque’s Home and people in real-time, via seamless technology. The success of this concept is clear to see as the Private Office’s first commission is revealed: a mesmerizing Ghost Extended work of art.”
César Habib, Regional Director Middle East & Africa, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ unrivalled Bespoke capabilities, endless creativity and excellence in engineering enable the marque’s clients to give their imagination free rein, as they commission their unique and deeply personal motor car. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the Private Office – a concept which brings together clients, designers and engineers and which is being expanded from Goodwood to other major luxury centres around the world. Private Office Dubai was the first to be inaugurated outside the Home of Rolls-Royce, more will follow in due course.
Only eleven months since Private Office Dubai was opened, Rolls-Royce is delighted to present the first commission from the Office: displaying dazzling craftsmanship and great creativity, this Bespoke presentation of Ghost Extended is a true work of art.
Reflecting an evolved appreciation of luxury, one defined by purity, but underpinned by great substance, Ghost Extended embodies elegance and agility. The purest expression of Rolls-Royce, it is a motor car that inspires greatness.
Inspired by the magic of the Middle Eastern sunrise and the mystery of the Arabian sands, this Bespoke Ghost Extended radiates luxury, capturing the imagination as its Sunrise Sparkle exterior gleams against Dubai’s skyline. Guided by the Spirit of Ecstasy, and enhanced by the hand painted Coachline in Moccasin, a single, sculpted shoulder line extends from the front to back, creating a continuous silhouette. Elegantly luminous in the dark of the night, the illuminated Pantheon Grille emits an ethereal glow.
The interior of this Bespoke Ghost Extended is defined by elegance. A serene realm in Grace White and Moccasin, cocooned by the finest materials, drivers and passengers alike are transfixed by a rarefied vision of pure beauty, as the Starlight Headliner is emphasised with an ephemeral show of shooting stars.
Ghost Extended is built on the Architecture of Luxury, Rolls-Royce’s proprietary all-aluminium spaceframe that underpins every Rolls-Royce model. The marque’s hallmark Magic Carpet Ride is delivered by the marque’s unrivalled Planar Suspension System, itself the result of more than 10 years’ exhaustive testing and refinement by specialist engineers. Featuring continuously variable, electronically controlled shock absorbers, self-levelling high-volume air strut assemblies and a world-first upper wishbone damper; Ghost and Ghost Extended are the first-ever production motor cars to benefit from this spectacular technology, with Ghost Extended also offering all-wheel drive and all-wheel steering.
Power is provided by a 6.75-litre twin turbocharged engine developed exclusively for Ghost. It produces 571PS and 850Nm of torque. The requirement for silence when travelling is answered through 100kg of acoustic damping materials incorporated into the chassis, bodywork and tyres, delivering exhilarating performance without disturbing the serenity within.
“Ghost presents a world of boundless potential, and t his Bespoke Ghost Extended is another example of what we are capable of creating . Ghost, like every Rolls-Royce, presents a perfect blank canvas where we can inspire greatness with ambitious creativity and endless elegant possibilities. Whether it’s a Ghost, Ghost Extended or even Black Badge Ghost, there are no limits to what Ghost can become – all one has to do is imagine.”
Chris Hardy, Bespoke Client Experience Manager – Private Office Dubai
NEDCcorr (combined): CO2 emission: 343 g/km; Fuel consumption: 18.8 mpg / 15.0 l/100km WLTP (combined): CO2 emission: 348-359 g/km; Fuel consumption: 18-18.5 mpg / 15.3-15.7 l/100km.
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