Rolls-Royce Ghost
The Rolls-Royce Ghost from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Ltd
The name "Ghost" was first associated with a Rolls-Royce Motor Car in 1906 with their now legendary Silver Ghost. Autocar in 1907 said the Silver Ghost was the "Best car in the world". Since then, and in with the introduction of the Silver Ghost; Rolls-Royce has been widely recognised as being the best. The new Phantom from Rolls-Royce seems to have largely succeeded in wrestling this elusive crown from the automotive world, and when this new Ghost oozes onto our roads later in 2009, we will see just how good this new "baby Rolls-Royce" really is.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars CEO, Tom Purves, said, “We are delighted to formally announce the Rolls-Royce Ghost. It is one of the most revered names in the automotive industry, evoking images of adventure and technical innovation. The name reflects this new model’s breadth of abilities. The first cars to bear the Ghost name were known not only for impressive dependability and refinement but also great flair and style. This car will be the first in a new generation of models to carry this evocative name and will give us two pinnacle product lines – Phantom and Ghost.
From the offset this car has a very different character than that of the Phantom. The emphasis seems to be more focused on the driver where the Phantom seems to focus on the rear passengers. Albeit the chauffeurs experience of the Phantom is superb in many respects, the Phantom is a very elegant and easy car to drive, despite it’s size. The Ghost seems to be the first Rolls-Royce ever made to broadcast it’s performance figures, where before Sir Henry might have said that the power is "adequate". Now we find 563 horses under the Ghosts long bonnet, a far cry from the original Silver Ghost’s 40hp. The Silver Ghost had a larger engine though of 7036cc but only half as many cylinders as the new Rolls-Royce.
An aristocratic lady once asked Sir Henry, “what would happen if the factory at Derby produced a bad car?” Sir Henry answered, “Madam. The man on the gate would not let it out of the works”.
Rolls-Royce Director of Engineering, Helmut Riedl said, “First and foremost Ghost is a Rolls-Royce. This means that despite its extraordinary performance figures it has been engineered for effortless composure and refined power delivery. This is illustrated by the significant levels of low down torque available which makes pulling away very smooth and for an exceptionally relaxed driving experience.”
Rolls-Royce Ghost performance figures & technical specification:
- No. of doors/seats: 4/5
- Vehicle length: 5399 mm / 212.6 inches?
- Vehicle width 1948 mm / 76.7 inches?
- Vehicle height: 1550 mm / 61 inches?
- Wheelbase: 3295 mm / 129.7 inches?
- Engine: new 6.6 litre turbocharged V12
- Engine power output of 563 bhp / 420 kW / 570 PS @ 5250 rpm
- 0-60mph in 4.7 seconds / 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds*
- Top speed of 155 mph / 250 km/h (electronically governed)
- Maximum torque 780 Nm / 575 lb ft @ 1500 rpm
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Riedl continues, “Rolls-Royce power is entirely different to anything else in the automotive world. It is delivered free from stress and exertion but at the same time must engage the driver. Ghost is about fingertip control while still enjoying a dynamic connection with the road. Equally passengers need to be cosseted from the physical sensations of acceleration, braking and cornering. Our chassis set up keeps Ghost stable and flat, preventing it from wallowing or pitching in the corners or imposing undesirable forces on those inside.”
Front view of Rolls-Royce Ghost
A Magic Carpet Ride
When Rolls-Royce Motor Cars describe their new Rolls-Royce Ghost as a "magic carpet ride" then you can expect greatness in how this new vehicle will perform. It uses a sophisticated dynamic system which can detect even a passengers movements in the car and compensate accordingly.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Chief Executive Officer, Tom Purves, said, “Ghost is not about a single superlative but rather a careful blend of attributes. A Rolls-Royce should carry its power with grace, agility and refinement and this is never achieved by a focus on outright performance. Mastery comes in creating a balance and having driven the Ghost again recently I can say confidently that our engineering team has achieved this in fine style”.
Rolls-Royce Ghost Design
“Alluring, inviting, approachable – this car captivates with each encounter” – Chief Designer, Ian Cameron
The Ghost began life as the 200EX aka RR4 and also known informally as the Baby Rolls-Royce
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars described the 200EX as:
200EX has a dynamic edge to its styling and is noticeably less formal than previous models. Its size, style and expression broaden the appeal of the car, making it more appropriate for a wider range of circumstances. “200EX is a touring saloon with more than a little panache and perhaps more bravado than one might have expected from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars,” says Cameron. “What you see is a modern car that is immediately recognisable as a true Rolls-Royce, even from angles that obscure the grille and Spirit of Ecstasy. Design elements such as the elevated prow, long bonnet, short front overhang, sharply raked A-pillar and elegant tail give 200EX an air of informal presence – powerful but unobtrusive.”
The exterior design is dominated by large, uninterrupted surfaces, while ?nely sculptured horizontal lines add de?nition and geometric precision. In combination, the upward-sweeping sill line and low-cut roof create a powerful pro?le. The tapered rear is enhanced by powerful shoulders and ?anks that draw in sharply, narrowing as they ?ow from the rear wings to the tail-lights.
The rear-hinged coach doors give the car a natural presence and sense of theatre. Revived in 2003 on the Phantom, this signature feature lends added functionality and style to the design. Opening through a generous 83 degrees, the coach doors offer the widest rear access in the car industry as well as providing the warmest of welcomes to those about to step inside.
At the front, a pair of LED headlamps ?ank the latest evolution of the world’s most famous grille. “We wanted this to be less reminiscent of the traditional ‘Parthenon’ style and more like a jet intake,” says Ian Cameron. The sides of the intake have been curved inwards and the vanes set back into the opening. It’s a more dynamic form that moves on from the design ?rst seen on the Phantom Drophead Coupé.
Side panel of the Rolls-Royce Ghost
The Rolls-Royce Ghost will be built on its own dedicated production line at Goodwood but will share paint, wood and leather workshops with the Phantom series of cars. Rolls-Royce has expanded all areas of its manufacturing facility over the last 18 months to prepare for the introduction of the Ghost model.
Customer deliveries of Ghost in the UK and Europe will begin late in 2009 with pricing from £165,000 excluding taxes and delivery charges. Customer deliveries in other markets including the USA and Asia Pacific region will begin from the second quarter 2010.
