Being driven as you sit in the back of a Rolls-Royce is a benchmark of luxury for the privileged few. However, when the wealthy become accustomed to the fineries in life, where do you go from there? Rolls-Royce has addressed this problem by recreating the infinite depths of the universe in the leather roof lining of models like the Phantom, Ghost, or Wraith Eagle VIII with its optional Starlight Headlining feature.
The luxury brand achieves this by installing between 800 and 1,600 fiber optic lights, individually and painstakingly set at the correct depth in perforations to ensure just the right amount of twinkle. Prices depend on the number of lights and customizations that are opted for, but at this point, cost is likely irrelevant to the deep-pocketed consumer.
Once installed, the lights are activated and controlled from the car’s infotainment console and can be adjusted for brightness. The “stars” can be customized in different colors, depict the constellations as they were at any point in recent history, or create patterns, such as a family crest or company logo.
Rolls-Royce calls the resulting ambiance “magical,” although some might also see it as an over-the-top and ostentatious addition to an already impressive vehicle. Rolls-Royce’s motto is “Inspiring Greatness,” and whether the Starlight Headlining achieves this is subjective. It certainly helps to differentiate between those who value their vehicle for its performance and specifications and those who use it to project an image, though.