In what might be the most dignified form of showing off since the Queen's garden parties, Rolls-Royce has just released images from their latest Global Media Drive in Provence. And before you ask - no, this isn't just some fancy way of saying "we let journalists drive our cars." This is Rolls-Royce we're talking about. You see, when Rolls-Royce does a media drive, it's more like orchestrating a royal wedding. These events are where the world's automotive press gets to experience not just the cars, but the entire Rolls-Royce lifestyle. It's where journalists pretend they're properly wealthy for a few days while trying not to scratch cars that cost more than their houses. The latest spectacular was held in Provence - because obviously, you can't properly evaluate a Ghost Series II while driving through an industrial estate. The location was chosen with the same attention to detail that goes into hand-stitching their leather seats. Think sweeping mountain roads, medieval villages, and the kind of scenery that makes even professional photographers get excited. The stars of the show were the new Ghost Series II and its more rebellious sibling, the Black Badge Ghost Series II. These aren't just updates - they're what happens when Rolls-Royce decides their "entry-level" model (if you can call anything starting at £250,000 "entry-level") needs a bit more pizzazz. The photos that have emerged show these magnificent beasts in their natural habitat - wafting through the French countryside with all the grace of a swan that's been to finishing school. The Ghost Series II, in particular, looks right at home among the lavender fields and ancient châteaux, while the Black Badge version appears to be plotting a sophisticated rebellion against conventional luxury. What's particularly interesting about these drives is that Rolls-Royce rarely changes the formula: find the most picturesque location possible, add some impossibly beautiful cars, throw in some five-star hospitality, and let the journalists pretend they're part of the one percent for a few days. It's a recipe that's worked since the days of Henry Royce himself, and judging by these images from Provence, it's still working beautifully. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to figure out how to convince Rolls-Royce that I'm important enough to be invited to the next one. Perhaps I should start by buying a better suit.
