This is the World’s First Rolls-Royce to Have a Laser-Etched Bonnet

Rolls-Royce’s Dubai office has just unveiled a specially commissioned Phantom Extended Wheelbase – the Phantom Arabesque, that pays tribute to the ‘mashrabiya’ lattice work art of Arabia. One of five to be produced, this is the first example in the world of laser etching on the bonnet of a car. The five special units are being commissioned by invitation only.  The new artwork celebrates the forms and geometry of traditional mashrabiya latticework – a defining feature of traditional houses, palaces, and courtyards throughout the Middle East. The ‘mashrabiya’ pattern is reinterpreted in various ways: as the first laser-engraved bonnet ever created for a Rolls-Royce, as an intricate Blackwood and Bolivar marquetry Gallery artwork, and as a suite of Bespoke motifs subtly placed throughout the motor car.

Phantom Arabesque

The Phantom Arabesque is the first Rolls-Royce in history to be graced with a fully laser-engraved bonnet. This newly patented technique is the result of a five-year development programme led by the marque’s Exterior Surface Centre. It draws inspiration from the Italian sgraffito technique – the artistic practice of revealing contrasting layers of colour by precisely removing upper surfaces. Five years of experimentation, testing, and calibration were required to perfect a process capable of delivering the depth, clarity, and consistency demanded by Rolls-Royce artisans.

To achieve the effect, the bonnet was first painted in a darker colour, then sealed beneath multiple layers of clear coat before a lighter top layer was applied. The geometric mashrabiya pattern was then engraved to a depth of just 145–190 microns into the uppermost surface, revealing the darker tone beneath. The result was this richly textured, three-dimensional surface that catches the light and invites exploration: a pattern intended to be discovered by both the eye and the hand. Each of the engraved areas is then meticulously hand-sanded to ensure an even, sculptural finish.

The car is presented in a bespoke two-tone finish, with the main body in Diamond Black and the upper surfaces in contrasting Silver. The same colour is used for the single hand-painted short coachline, which is elevated with a mashrabiya motif. The exterior is further enhanced with an illuminated Pantheon grille, set within a Dark Chrome surround and complemented by an up-lit Spirit of Ecstasy figurine, as well as 22-inch part-polished alloy wheels.

The interior suite is finished in serene Selby grey and black leathers with black seat piping and carpets, elevated by contrasting Black mashrabiya motifs embroidered on the front and rear headrests. Mesmerising Starlight Doors are trimmed with Selby Grey piping and black contrast stitching—illuminated treadplates bearing a cross-section of the bonnet engraving motif complete this landmark commission. 

The Phantom Arabesque’s interior centerpiece is presented within the Gallery, which runs the full width of the front fascia. An intricate bespoke marquetry artwork crafted from Blackwood and Black Bolivar wood echoes the mashrabiya design cues and is subtly elevated with an offset clock presented in a complementary dark colourway.