Rolls-Royce rolls out one-off Ghost Golden Sunbird in China

In 2001, archeologists in the palace city of Chengdu, China, uncovered the Golden Sun Bird, an ancient artifact that dates back to the Shang Dynasty from 1000 BC. The disc depicts the sun and is made of almost solid gold, measuring five inches across and weighing 20 grams. The city adopted it as its logo, and now Rolls-Royce has commemorated the find and the heritage behind it with a unique one-off.

Based on the long-wheelbase version of the Ghost, the Golden Sunbird edition features a two-tone white and gold paint scheme, with gold coachline and gold grille topped by a gold Spirit of Ecstasy. The interior has likewise been gilded with gold embroidery atop the light brown leather and white trim to match the coachwork.

The result may be elegant but is certainly not subtle. And of course it's just the latest in a long line of special editions and one-offs Rolls-Royce has crafted, particularly for markets in the Middle and Far East.

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Rolls Royce joins BAE in US air force trainer competition

LONDON, Sept 12 | Thu Sep 12, 2013 10:35am EDT

LONDON, Sept 12 (Reuters) - British engineer Rolls Royce is joining a BAE Systems team to compete for a $10 billion deal to replace the U.S. air force's ageing T-38 training jets.

BAE, along with American firms Northrop Grumman and an L-3 Communications unit, are offering the U.S. about 350 Hawk training jets. A decision over the T-X program, as it is known, was expected next year but has been pushed back due to U.S. budget cuts.

The companies said in a statement on Thursday that Rolls Royce will join the team as an engine supplier, and will lead the support and integration of the Adour Mk951 engine on the Hawk aircraft.

High value contracts like these are being fiercely fought over by defence companies as Western governments reel back spending. Other firms competing for the T-X program include Lockheed Martin and Finmeccanica's aerospace arm.

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