Inside The Mind Of An Automotive Geek

Have you ever wondered who’s behind Rolls-Royce’s success for the past productive years of the company? Since the legendary and the most celebrated brand was bought by BMW in 1998, this man carried Rolls-Royce to success, and he’s no other than Ian Cameron, Rolls-Royce’s Design Manager. But before being a 15-year BMW-Group veteran, he first joined and worked with Range Rover and he also, before that, worked on the Z8 Roadster. Talk about great experience, huh?

The automobilemag.com has provided a sweet and fun conversation with Rolls-Royce Design Manager Ian Cameron. Let’s have a peek on the short interview organized by automobilemag.com.

How does this Drophead Coupe's design differ from the four-door Phantom's?
Ian Cameron (IC) : We know the customer for this car will be quite different. The Phantom is a much more formal sort of beast. With this car, the message of performance is much clearer. I think the design, the form, the streamlining, the way the grille is integrated into the body and the subtle haunches over the rear wheels separate it from the Phantom. This all suggests that you will enjoy the elements of this car in a unique Rolls Royce way. Rolls Royce has always had an open car in its model line, and it's very nice to have that back.

Do these two cars represent the design vision for future Rolls Royce cars?
IC: This is certainly one part of the future of Rolls Royce, but not the only one. We have announced a smaller car that will be a different set of products, but it will be a Rolls Royce.

Heritage plays a critically important role in the design of any Rolls Royce.
IC: Absolutely. The coach doors, for example. This is the most elegant way to get in and out of a car, and it is true to the coachbuilders of the '30s. Also, in the materials we've used, we've been inspired by Americas Cup J-Class yachts of the 1930s. That was the closest you could get to the elements of speed and performance, and Rolls Royce has always been interested in delivering performance and driving enjoyment. Also the whole way this car is tuned. This is the Phantom platform, but we've taken 10 inches out of the wheelbase to improve its agility, and the suspension geometry has been changed to optimize its handling.

How do you feel about the responsibility of being the Rolls Royce designer?
IC: It is something that keeps you awake at night, because the challenge and the excitement of trying to produce the best car in the world is very humbling. At least that makes the job very clear.