Rolls-Royce has elevated the concept of luxury with the Wraith Kryptos, an ultra-exclusive edition imbued with a captivating mystery. Only 50 of these remarkable vehicles were crafted, each concealing a hidden encrypted message, making it a treasure hunt for the privileged few. The name ‘Kryptos’, originating from ancient Greek, speaks to the theme of secrecy and concealment, aptly reflecting the enigmatic nature of each car, which harbors a clandestine message embedded within its design.
On the Rolls-Royce website says, “Hidden in plain sight on each Wraith Kryptos is a coded message, denoted by four ciphers developed in absolute secrecy at Goodwood, the Home of Rolls‑Royce.” As the owners of the Wraith Kryptos took possession of their vehicles in 2021, Rolls-Royce tantalised them with an email containing the initial clue, enticing them to unravel the mystery with the promise of a special prize for the first to succeed.
Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, emphasised the exceptional nature of the Wraith Kryptos Collection, describing it as a fusion of cryptographic intrigue and automotive excellence. He revealed that the journey to decode the hidden message begins with the Spirit of Ecstasy, the iconic figurine adorning the bonnet of every Rolls-Royce, which holds the key to unlocking the cipher.
Designer Katrin Lehmann unveiled that deciphering the mysterious messages intricately woven into the Wraith Kryptos required uncovering a ‘key,’ a pivotal element concealed within the vehicle’s interior and exterior design. Remarkably, only Lehmann and Müller-Ötvös possess the complete sequence necessary for decoding the messages, with the solution safeguarded within the CEO’s secure envelope.
The Wraith Kryptos stands alongside other limited edition variants of the Rolls-Royce Wraith, including the Black Badge and Landspeed Edition. Additionally, there’s a glimpse into the imaginative possibilities with the yacht-inspired Rolls-Royce Regatta, a bespoke version of the Wraith that, regrettably, never came to fruition. As the saga of the Wraith Kryptos unfolds, it epitomises the fusion of automotive artistry and cryptographic intrigue, captivating enthusiasts with its aura of exclusivity and mystery.