The Rolls-Royce Ghost is a British luxury car manufactured by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. The "Ghost" nameplate, named in honour of the Silver Ghost, a car first produced in 1906, was announced in April 2009 at the Auto Shanghai show. During development, the Ghost was known as the "RR04". Designed as a smaller, "more measured, more realistic car" than the Phantom, aiming for a lower price category for Rolls-Royce models, the retail price is around £170,000. The production model was officially unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. The Ghost Extended Wheelbase was introduced in 2011.
200EX concept (2009)
Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II. No Ordinary Power - Introducing Ghost Series II. The ultimate expression of modern dynamism and luxury.
The Rolls-Royce 200EX, officially unveiled at the March 2009 Geneva Motor Show, indicated the styling direction of the production model Ghost. The Ghost's design is virtually unaltered.
First generation
Initial release
The official name of the Rolls-Royce Ghost was originally announced in April 2009, the vehicle was officially unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, and went on sale in September 2009. Delivery in the UK and Europe began late in 2009, while in other markets (including the USA and Asia Pacific region) deliveries began from the second quarter 2010. The Ghost Extended Wheelbase whas unveiled in 2011.
Design
The Ghost was designed by Andreas Thurner and engineered by Helmut Riedl, who led the development of the larger Rolls-Royce Phantom. The Ghost, codenamed RR04 during its design phase, was developed to compete with vehicles significantly less expensive than the Phantom, such as the Bentley Flying Spur and V12 engine versions of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
The Ghost is based on a heavily modified platform shared with the F01 BMW 7 Series. The company concedes that 20% of parts are common to both cars. The Ghost has a 129.7-inch (3,290Â mm) wheelbase, roof height, bonnet height and track widths all of its own, and the Ghost uses Phantom-style air springs. The car also shares the FlexRay electronic system with its larger stablemate. The car has a curb weight of 5,445Â lb (2,470Â kg).
Like other current Rolls-Royce models, the Ghost uses parent company BMW's iDrive user interface; unlike the Phantom series, the Spirit of Ecstasy bonnet ornament along with more functions, are controlled using the system.
Engines
The Rolls-Royce Ghost features a modified version of the BMW N74 V12 engine, called the N74B66.
Transmissions
All models include ZF 8-speed PRNDLTronic automatic gearbox.
Performance
The engine allows the Ghost to accelerate from 0 to 60Â mph (97Â km/h) in 4.7 seconds, and has an electronically limited top speed of 155Â mph (250Â km/h).
Manufacturing
The Rolls-Royce Ghost is built on its own dedicated production line at the Goodwood plant, sharing paint, wood and leather workshops with the Phantom series.
2013 model year update
Engines
2014 model year update
Ghost Series II (2014-)
Rolls-Royce introduced the updated Series II Ghost at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show.
Visual changes over the Series I Ghost include re-sculpted headlights, and unbroken daytime running lights. The Series II also gained a tapered ‘wake channel’ on the bonnet, emanating from the Spirit of Ecstasy’s wings. Chrome inserts were added to the front air intakes, which had been enlarged so as to feed more cooling air to the front brakes. The bumpers were also subtly revised, while the side character line Rolls-Royce calls a "waft line" was slanted further forward. New alloy wheel and colour options were also offered.
On the inside, Rolls-Royce fitted re-designed front seats, and re-angled the rear seats so as to allow for easier communication with other passengers. The clock fascia and instrument dials gained polished metal chaplets that evoke premium watch design. Natural grain leather could now be fitted to the A and C pillars, and two new veneers became available.
Technical modifications include re-designed front and rear struts coupled to new steering gear, as well as adjusted dampers and new rear hydraulic axle bearings. The Series II also gained advanced LED headlights. With the Series II Rolls-Royce also offers a "Dynamic Driving Package" that they claim offers a more involving driving experience. "Satellite Aided Transmission" technology was added to all Ghosts, which utilises GPS data, as well as analysing the driving style of the driver, to select the most appropriate gear.
Gallery
Series I
Series II
Engines
Transmissions
See also
- Rolls-Royce 100EX a one-off V16 convertible celebrating RR's 100th birthday
- Rolls-Royce 101EX, aka the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupé (the production hardtop version of the 100EX)
- Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé, also based heavily on the 100EX
- Rolls-Royce Wraith, a Rolls-Royce motor car based on a coupé version of the Ghost
References
External links
- Official website
