BMW BLOG

First reports of a hybrid model by Rolls-Royce appeared back in September when several car publications published some rumors around a Rolls Royce hybrid. Initially it was being said that the Phantom model is the candidate for the new hybrid, but today, the Autocar returns with new information on the possible hybrid, only this time, the new Ghost is being mentioned.

Since RR Ghost shares the same rear-wheel drive platform as the F01 7 Series model, the implementation of BMW’s ActiveHybrid technology found in the 7 Series can simply the development process.

In the current configuration, Ghost is powered by a  6.2-liter V12 563 horsepower, 575 lb-ft gasoline engine. The hybrid system will add an electric motor in a mild hybrid application, with no electric only propulsion possible. The automatic start-stop system developed by BMW will also come into play to further reduce fuel consumption.

The electric motor, which will be rated at 27 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque, will be mated to the Ghost’s 8-speed ZF automatic transmission and run on a small 0.6kW/h lithium-ion battery pack mounted in the trunk. Kinetic energy created during overrun and braking will be collected and stored in the battery.

The Ghost hybrid will forget all about the traditional alternator and the engine will be started by the 20kW electric motor.

Same as the numbers announced for the BMW ActiveHybrid 7, the fuel consumption will be improved by around 15 percent.

No word on when the Rolls Royce Ghost hybrid will be available, but we expect the development and testing process to last a few more years.

[Source: Autocar ]