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Yes, this is a Mirage, but no, you’re not seeing things. Following hot on the heels of the Peony edition Phantom, Rolls-Royce is introducing yet another special edition of the uber-luxury saloon exclusively for Middle Eastern customers.

Official details aren’t available yet, however the Mirage edition Phantom is reportedly named after a famous Arabian horse. It can be had in either black or white, and features 21″ wheels, special tailpipes, a carbon fiber interior (yeah, we’re serious) and a special emblem stitched into the headrests and assuredly emblazoned elsewhere around the luxury land-yacht. Of course, like the name Phantom Mirage might suggest, the performance image is all smoke and mirrors, with no actual mechanical changes made over the standard model. But like the likewise sporting-pretentious Maybach 57 Landaulet, you can bet buyers will be paying a considerable premium for this special edition.

Tom Purves, Chairman of BMW North America, is getting a new desk — one that is adorned with a silver Flying Lady. As of July 1, Purves will take over as the CEO of BMW’s Rolls-Royce brand in Goodwood, England. Replacing Tom Purves as the CEO of BMW’s North American Unit will be Jim O’Donnell, who has occupied the No. 2 seat since the beginning of this month.

Purves is no stranger to Rolls-Royce. He spent the first 17 years of his career there occupying several different management positions. The timing for his departure from BMW is interesting, though. BMW has a mandatory retirement age of 60. Coincidentally, that just happens to be the age Purves will celebrate on his birthday this November. Rolls-Royce, one of the most prestigious automakers in the world, doesn’t have a mandatory retirement age.
[Source: Automotive News, subs. req’d]