Launched at the Geneva Motor Show in a concept form and carrying the name EX200, the Ghost is Rolls Royce’s latest bet. With record sales in 2007 and 2008, RR hopes to return to high sales sometimes in 2010 and the Ghost can be the model that will pull them through.

The new Rolls which is built atop the most recent BMW 7 series platform, will be manufactured at the Goodwood plant and it will share some interior and exterior materials with the Phantom and Drophead Coupe, but fit into a shorter wheelbase. At the same time, RR Ghost has a very modern and round design giving the impression of a smaller and sportier luxury vehicle.

Rolls Royce Ghost measures 212.6 inches long, 83 inches wide and 61 inches tall, all of this sitting on seven-spoke 20 inch wheels wrapped in 285/40 and 255/45 tires. The engine used in the new “baby Rolls” is an all-new 6.6-liter V12 producing 507 horsepower.

As you would expect in any $300,000+ car, luxury standards are set at the highest level. The interior design is in-pair to company’s luxury standards, controls are neatly sculptured surrounded by chrome, and as usual, plenty of wood trim and fine leather.

As always, plenty of photos are available for you.

The Ghost is scheduled to make its debut next week at the Frankfurt Auto Show and it is expected to be one of the show’s stars. Until the real time photos which will be featured on your number one BMW news website, let’s enjoy the official shots from the UK based company.

Press Release

Autumn 2006, Paris motor show: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars announced that work had begun on a new model series. The new car would be in production and on sale by the turn of the decade. The only other facts confirmed at that stage were that it would be smaller than the Phantom saloon and priced somewhere between €200,000 and €300,000 before tax. Speculation about its style and specification began almost immediately…

Little was seen of the new car, codenamed RR4, until the spring of 2008, when Rolls-Royce released the first official sketches. The styling was instantly recognisable as a Rolls-Royce, although less traditional than previous models. At the time Chief Designer, Ian Cameron, said, “The RR4 has a more informal presence than the Phantom models with a greater emphasis on driving. In design terms this is expressed through its slightly smaller dimensions, yet with powerful, purposeful proportions. It is a true and uncompromising Rolls-Royce in every sense.”

As sightings of secret development models on the road increased, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars unveiled 200EX, the experimental forerunner to Ghost, at the Geneva motor show in March 2009. An instant hit, 200EX bore the trademark Rolls-Royce design cues but in altogether more compelling fashion. It was a clear statement of intent.

What the design team was seeking to create was a modern Rolls-Royce that achieved a new dynamism but remained true to its luxurious heritage. They had found inspiration in contemporary furniture, architecture and yachts but also in the spirit of the 1930s – that sense of adventure and endeavour – which they wanted to capture in the character of this new car.

“200EX is a modern execution of timeless Rolls-Royce elegance, breaking with some areas of tradition but retaining the core values that make our marque unique,” said Chief Executive Officer Tom Purves. “We expect the more informal design to broaden the appeal of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, attracting people who appreciate its fusion of refinement, new technology and contemporary style.”

After the show, 200EX embarked on a world tour, during which further information about the forthcoming production model became available. It would be powered by a new 6.6 litre V12 unique to the marque, delivering 563 bhp with extraordinary performance figures. It would ride on an intelligent air suspension system offering peerless ride and dynamics. And it would be called Ghost.

“Ghost is one of the most revered names in automotive industry,” said Tom Purves. “It evokes images of adventure and technical innovation. The first cars to bear the Ghost name were known not only for impressive dependability and refinement but also great flair and style.”

Following the overwhelmingly positive reaction to 200EX during its travels, very few changes were made in the transition to the production Ghost – a tribute to the remarkable achievements of Ian Cameron’s and Helmut Riedl’s design and engineering teams.

In September 2009, the new Rolls-Royce Ghost was formally launched to the world.

DESIGNING THE FUTURE

“Simplicity is the hardest design principle to follow.”
Ian Cameron, Chief Designer

Ghost’s flowing lines are dominated by its majestic ‘Yacht Line’ styling. Large, uninterrupted surfaces flow between finely sculpted horizontal lines that provide definition. Together, the upward-sweeping sill line and low-cut roof create a powerful profile, almost as though the cabin has been pushed toward the rear. Powerful shoulders and flanks draw in sharply as they flow from the rear wings to the tail lights, while touches such as the optional chromed exhausts hint at Ghost’s more dynamic nature.

While incorporating classic Rolls-Royce design cues – the elevated prow, long bonnet, short front overhang, sharply raked A-pillar and elegant tail – Ghost exudes an informal aura. Contemporary touches include self-righting wheel centres and the Xenon headlamps that frame the latest evolution of the Rolls-Royce grille. Here the sides of the intake have been curved inwards and the vanes set back into the opening. “We wanted this to be less reminiscent of the traditional Parthenon style and more like a jet intake,” says Ian Cameron.

A contrasting Silver Satin finish (introduced on 200EX) is an option for the bonnet, grille and windscreen surround. The finish is achieved by setting silver metallic paint under a layer of lacquer, giving a flawless matte finish.

The central principle of delivering simplicity out of complexity runs throughout Ghost. Everything is designed, engineered and crafted to enhance the drive and ride experience, not to complicate it.

“Ghost is as refined and cosseting as anything this marque has ever produced.”
Charles Coldham, Interior Designer

Inside Ghost, the interior design team has come up with a contemporary ambience while staying true to Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ traditions of fine materials and peerless comfort. There are elegant, frosted lamps and chrome door handles, traditional violin key switches and eyeball air vents, frosted white dials and refined instrumentation. Deep-pile carpets can be complemented by optional lambswool floor mats for a truly luxurious feel.

Ghost is entered through substantial doors. Housed within the front doors are integrated Teflon-coated umbrellas. The rear doors are traditional, rear-hinged coach doors, opening to a generous 83 degrees. Once the passenger is inside, these doors can be closed at the touch of a button. The interior space is filled with natural light, enhanced by the optional Panorama Sunroof, which extends from the front into the rear compartment.

Four-zone automatic air conditioning can be individually tailored to each passenger’s requirements, with separate controls for front and rear. Automatic air recirculation, condensation prevention and solar compensation are delivered through classic chromed eyeball vents controlled via organ-stop plungers.

Within Ghost’s ample doors and high shoulder line, occupants feel serene, cosseted and safe. In the rear, the intimate ambience of the lounge seat is emphasised by its position behind the C-pillar, heightening the sense of privacy. The informal seating creates a convivial environment, its slight curve allowing you to turn more easily towards the person next to you. Its elevated position gives a clear view past the electronically retracting Spirit of Ecstasy to the road ahead.

Individual lounge seating is offered as an alternative to the standard lounge configuration. This allows the addition of a massage function and also perforated leather for a cooling stream of air from the seat surface. Auxiliary rear climate control allows the passenger to regulate the temperature of the air on their side of the car, without intrusion on the other. A cool box with interior illumination and integrated champagne glasses is also available.

Veneered picnic tables are another option, incorporating the finest leather and veneers matched to the rest of Ghost’s interior. Fitted to the rear of each front seat, these tables are a traditional Rolls-Royce design cue and finished with a veneered surface with leather-covered backs.

“Ghost is designed to be an escape from the outside world.”
Alan Sheppard, Interior Designer

Enhancing the Ghost ambience is an audio system delivering an exquisite experience. 600 Watts of sound are delivered through a 10-channel amplifier and 16 speakers, including two floor-mounted subwoofers. USB and auxiliary inputs allow for the integration of external audio devices and a 12.5 GB hard drive enables storage of music files from USB or CD player sources.

Available as an option with both seating arrangements is Theatre Configuration, which allows all settings that do not directly affect the driver to be controlled from the rear seat. The functions are displayed on two 9.2in LCD screens in the back of the front seats; these can be angled to suit the viewers by a central, armrest-mounted, rotary controller. The screens can be regulated independently of each other and the entertainment can also be listened to individually with most headphones. A six-disc multi-media changer, mounted in the glove compartment, is fitted as part of this option.

ENGINEERING A BENCHMARK

“The balance of refinement and dynamic ability is astonishing.”
Helmut Riedl, Engineering Director

When considering a Rolls-Royce car it is usual to think of wood, leather and chrome, but the company has its roots in engineering. The refinement of its end product stems from its engineers’ desire to get the smallest details correct. Long before the interior items are prepared, experts are working to ensure that the chassis components, power trains and bodywork are operating in fluid harmony. This is a world where welds are an art form and craftsmanship exists at a nano level.

Ghost is built around a steel monocoque body, which means there is no separation of chassis and body. The advantage of this construction is a reduction in exterior dimensions while preserving interior space. Consequently while Ghost is 400mm shorter overall than the Phantom saloon its interior space is comparable.

The body has been engineered with a double front bulkhead to help insulate the interior from engine noise. It is constructed from steel sections and then wrapped in steel panels, which are brazed by hand. This allows a near-seamless join, which is then sanded by hand until it is perfect. In total, Ghost’s frame contains 4.9m of seam weld and braze and 6,988 spot-welds. The bonnet and windscreen surround are then honed from aluminium.

“A Rolls-Royce should be graceful in every way: the way it handles, feels and brakes.”
Helmut Riedl, Engineering Director

Ghost rides on a bed of air. Double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension work with an intelligent, four-cornered, air-suspension system and electronic variable damping to deliver the refinement that has been associated with Rolls-Royce for more than 100 years.

The new air suspension system in Ghost is so sensitive that it can detect even the smallest of changes. For example, it will sense the movement of a single rear passenger from one side of the seat to the other and compensate accordingly. A complex computer system reads multiple inputs from sensors around the car; the dampers alone make individual load calculations every 2.5 milliseconds. This ensures not only perfect comfort but also precise steering and dynamics for the driver. The air suspension system also incorporates a lift and kneel function, raising or lowering Ghost by 25mm.

Ghost also has a series of complex electronic aids to keep it composed on virtually any surface. These include Anti-Roll Stabilisation, Dynamic Brake Control and Dynamic Stability Control, including Dynamic Traction Control and Cornering Brake Control. These individual technologies work together under dual Integrated Chassis Management systems, meaning that even when subjected to a vigorous test Ghost remains perfectly poised. Its handling and safety systems operate as one, imperceptibly to the driver and passengers, to maintain optimum contact with the road in any condition.

“Our challenge,” says Engineering Director Helmut Riedl, “has been to preserve the prerequisite levels of comfort while delivering the most modern, dynamically interesting drive ever in a Rolls-Royce.”

Ghost is powered by a brand new, 6.6 litre twin-turbo V12 engine, unique to the model. Featuring direct injection, it produces 563bhp – enough to propel Ghost from 0-60 mph in just 4.7 seconds* and on to an electronically governed top speed of 155mph. With 780 Nm of torque available at just 1,500rpm, delivery of power is immediate and extremely smooth.

Power is transmitted through an eight-speed, shift-by-wire, automatic ZF gearbox. What this achieves is a feeling of endless, surging power, which is illustrated by the power reserve gauge on the fascia, replacing the more common rev counter. The new powertrain delivers this performance while emitting just 317g/km of CO2. Fuel consumption is 20.8 mpg / 13.6 l/100km.*

Safety remains paramount and the very latest technologies are used in Ghost. Side-impact beams in the front and rear doors combine with progressive rear crumple zones to absorb impacts. The Advanced Crash and Safety Management (ACSM) system takes measurements 2,000 times per second from sensors located around the vehicle. The ACSM uses this information – in conjunction with the engine and chassis management systems – to judge which safety features to deploy in which areas in the event of an accident. If necessary, ACSM will activate – among other things – seatbelt pre-tensioners and all encompassing airbags surrounding the cabin, creating a safe zone for all occupants.

A MODERN ROLLS-ROYCE

Ghost is the most powerful car that Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has ever produced. However, Rolls-Royce power is delivered in a very different manner to other cars. It arrives in an elegant, cosseting way that some have described as being designed to lower the pulse, not raise it.

The principle of simplicity extends to the act of driving Ghost. The host of complex engineering software and technologies beneath the surface serve to make driving easier and more enjoyable, not to intrude or confuse.

“Nothing should distract from the pleasure of driving Ghost.”
Helmut Riedl, Engineering Director

Ghost is more driver-focused than any Rolls-Royce car before it. The driver sits in a slightly elevated position behind the wheel, described as the authority position. This makes the view of the road much clearer. The fascia has been kept deliberately clear; it is spacious in design and has an intuitive layout. The controls are neatly sculpted, with the more important functions emphasised by accents of chrome. The soft light of the instrument panel glows through the familiar black-rimmed steering wheel, which in turn employs a number of violin keys as well as an ergonomic roller-ball control.

The control centre display is concealed behind a veneered panel until its services are called upon. All features such as satellite navigation, telephone, communication and entertainment functions are displayed here and managed via a central rotary controller, flanked by quick-access buttons on the front centre console.

The optional driver assistance systems and technologies in Ghost are notable for their discretion and ease of operation. From the moment the driver approaches the car, optional Comfort Entry** allows easy access, unlocking the doors when the key fob is within 1.5 metres and the cool chromed handle is grasped. Once you are in the car, voice control allows you to select from the control systems menus without using the central controller.

For ease of manoeuvring, cameras located around the car serve a number of purposes. Rear, front side and top view cameras can combine to give a fish-eye view at blind junctions or provide ground images with obstacle recognition and reverse path prediction when parking.

Positioned discreetly within the grille is a Night Vision** camera. When activated, this safety feature works with Pedestrian Recognition to detect objects up to 300 metres away and display them on the central screen in the dash. The car’s control system receives infrared heat images from the camera and, taking into account the car’s speed and direction, classifies them to assess imminent danger. It then determines what action, if any, needs to be taken and if necessary displays a warning to the driver.

The Head-up Display relays crucial information such as speed or navigation directions onto the windscreen directly in front of the driver. This information is visible only to the driver and can be tailored to show only the details required and at a position suitable to the driver.

Lane Departure Warning** alerts the driver should the car start to drift out of its current lane. When activated, it uses an integrated camera, located just in front of the rear view mirror, to monitor road markings and the vehicle’s position. The driver is warned by a discreet vibration through the steering wheel. If the driver uses the directional indicators before and after the lane change, the wheel will not vibrate.

High Beam Assistance** automatically manages the operation of dipped and main beam lights while driving at night. When activated, the same camera used by the Lane Departure Warning system monitors the light from any source at the front of the vehicle and automatically dips or raises the headlights accordingly. Adaptive, directional headlights also improve illumination of the road ahead and adapt to the road conditions, be they rain or fog or simply when the car is making a turn.

Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go** creates a relaxing driving experience, particularly on long cruising journeys, as action is not required when the car ahead speeds up or slows down, even when coming to a standstill. Active Brake Intervention** also allows hill descent at a constant speed and the car’s Curve Speed Limiter communicates with the car’s Dynamic Stability Control systems to reduce speed on bends if safety and comfort may be compromised.

LEGENDARY CRAFTSMANSHIP

Rolls-Royce has a reputation for producing cars that transcend the mere automotive. There is a magic attached to the name, which stems in part from exquisite attention to detail and the fine materials used throughout.

Passing through 60 pairs of hands, the production process involves more than 2,000 individual operations and takes at least 20 days to complete.

“We don’t just paint our cars, we strive to create an incredibly deep, flawless shine.”
Lisa Taylor, Paint Associate

Ghost shares the same paint shop as Phantom and spends seven days being painted and polished to perfection. Five stages are required for the Ghost body. First a phosphate electro-coat is applied to protect against corrosion, then a layer of primer, a colour coat and finally two coats of clear lacquer. The body is hand-sanded between each layer and once the final coat is applied it is hand-polished for five hours.

Ghost is available in 12 exterior colours, each of which can be contrasted by the optional Silver Satin bonnet.

Flawless leather is an absolute requirement for the interior of a Rolls-Royce. For this reason, our leather is sourced from bulls raised in pastures free of barbed wire, ensuring that there are fewer imperfections in the leather. Any other marks are carefully avoided by our skilled laser cutters. At least eight hides are used for an interior, and to ensure colour consistency, each hide comes from a batch dyed at the same time. The hides are drum-dyed rather than painted, ensuring that the colour permeates right through the leather. The process also means the leather remains much more supple, preventing cracking or squeaking and ensuring durability and longevity. All seats and interior panels are hand-stitched, using traditional upholstering techniques by those most skilled at their craft.

The natural beauty of the veneers in Ghost is brought to life by the skill of dedicated craftsmen and women. The natural burrs and grains are chosen for their intricacy and interest: veneer specialists choose only the finest logs from which these very thin cross sections are taken. Only veneer from one tree is used in any car. This ensures not only that the grain matches throughout the interior, but that each area ages and colours at the same pace. The parts are milled and sanded by hand before being coated with five layers of lacquer for protection and a mirror-like shine.

EPILOGUE

Ghost is a vision of simplicity – of taking the core values of Rolls-Royce and creating contemporary effortless luxury. Ghost has been engineered to ride and drive in peerless fashion. The chassis’ poise delivers a dynamically engaging experience for the driver, yet a serene, comfortable ride for passengers. Engine power is delivered in a manner which has become an engineering signature, seemingly effortlessly and endlessly. The latest in-car technology falls easily to hand while forming part of the background.

Ghost embodies 21st-century Rolls-Royce: more than 100 years of engineering and design excellence expressed in modern and uncompromised style.

*Rest of World specification – figures for North America can be found in the technical specification

** Option not available in some markets due to legal restrictions

[Source: Rolls Royce ]

The engine is matted to an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, similar to what we will see in future BMW models. The Ghost accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in only 4.7 seconds and has a maximum electronically limited speed of 155 mph(250 km/h).

As we have previously mentioned, the new Rolls Royce Ghost was built on the long wheelbase platform from the new 7 Series and measures 5,399mm (212.6 inches) in length, 3,295mm (129.7 inches) in wheelbase, 1,948mm (76.7 inches) in width, and 1,550mm (61 inches) in height.

With this occasion, Rolls Royce also revealed the highly awaited pricing, which as you might have expected, it’s not on the low side. In the UK, the Baby Rolls will sell for £165,000, while in rest of Europe, the base price starts at €213,000.

Those of us that live in the U.S. and would like to purchase the Ghost, will have to shell out $245,000. Rest of the world? $250,000

Despite the high pricing tag, sources close to BMW AG stated that the first models have already been sold out and that the first  customer will be able to pick up his first Ghost in September.

Press Release

ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS CONFIRMS GHOST FIGURES

• 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

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has confirmed headline performance figures for Ghost, their new model which will be unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show in September.

The Ghost will be powered by a brand new 6.6 litre turbo charged V12 engine unique to Rolls-Royce. This engine will produce 563 bhp, delivering a 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds and a governed top speed of 155 mph. The engine is combined with an 8-speed automatic ZF gearbox.

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.”

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.”

Rolls-Royce has already confirmed that the Ghost will ride on an intelligent four corner air suspension system using multi link aluminium front and rear axles. The fully integrated system allows each of the Ghost’s dynamic handling systems to work together in harmony, providing the optimum levels of refinement and comfort at all times.

The vehicle acoustics also play a vital role in creating the authentic Rolls-Royce environment. Naturally engine, exhaust and even tyre noise have been engineered to be inaudible as far as possible, both internally and externally.

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”.

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.

A full technical specification will be released later in the year.

Note:

* 0-60 mph 4.7 seconds (4.8 seconds North America)
* 0-100 km/h 4.9 seconds (5.0 seconds North America)

1. Ghost 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
Gearbox: 8-speed ZF
Power output: 563 bhp / 420 kW / 570 PS @ 5250 rpm
Max torque @ engine speed: 780 Nm / 575 lb ft @ 1500 rpm
Top speed: 155 mph / 250 km/h (electronically governed)
0-60 mph 4.7 seconds (4.8 seconds North America)*
0-100 km/h 4.9 seconds (5.0 seconds North America)*

2. Ghost pricing (excluding taxes and delivery charges):

UK £165,000
Europe €213,000
North America US$245,000
Rest of World US$250,000

3. From quarter four 2009, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars will offer five models: Ghost, Phantom, Phantom Extended Wheelbase, Phantom Drophead Coupé and Phantom Coupé. The Rolls-Royce Phantom range of cars is powered by a naturally aspirated direct injection 6.75 litre V12 engine that produces 453 bhp at 5350 rpm (338 kW/460 PS) and 720 Nm of torque at 3500 rpm.

4. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars retailed 1212 cars around the world in 2008, a 20 per cent increase over the previous year and marking five years of continued growth since the Phantom was first launched in 2003.

The “visualizer” gives the options to learn more about the EX200/Ghost and also to select different color combinations, both interior and exterior. We have seen plenty of spy photos so far showcasing the exterior design, but there was a shortage of interior shots.

As expected, the interior design is in-pair to company’s luxury standards, controls are neatly sculptured surrounded by chrome, and as usual, plenty of wood trim and fine leather. Now, you have the ability to combine all these options and see how they blend together.

Those of you hoping to get a price associated with the options, well, you might have to wait a little longer, Rolls Royce has omitted to provide any pricing at this point.

Expect to see the production model at the Frankfurt Auto Show this Fall.

Rolls Royce Ghost Configurator

Sure, it’s all about visuals, but in the end, the truth is that a color can make or break a vehicle. Now, let’s look at the “real” dimensions: Rolls Royce Ghost measures 5399mm (212.6 inches) in length, 3295mm (129.7 inches) in wheelbase, 1948mm (76.7 inches) in width, and 1550mm (61 inches) in height and shares the same platform as the new 7 Series.

Not very small when compared to the 7, right? Despite the technical numbers showing the Ghost as being a massive car, the truth is that the design lines are executed far better than the previous RR model, a very modern, round design and surprising, a sportier look.

It is worth mentioning that the Rolls Royce Ghost is not a replacement for the Phantom model, but rather a competitor for the Bentley Continental Flying Spur. Ghost is equipped with a 6.6-liter turbocharged V12 engine with more than 500 horsepower, a powerplant not seen before on any BMW Group product and up to 80% of its components will be unique.

To improve the handling, Rolls Royce announced that the new Ghost will feature an advanced air suspension system which will increase the ride comfort. The state-of-the-art chassis uses an intelligent four corner air suspension system and multi link aluminum front and rear axles.

The Rolls Royce Ghost production model will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September and will be manufactured at the Goodwood plant in the UK.

[Source: Worldcarfans ]

Today, Rolls Royce announced that the new Ghost will feature an advanced air suspension system which will increase the ride comfort. The state-of-the-art chassis uses an intelligent four corner air suspension system and multi link aluminium front and rear axles.

The Active Roll Stabilization and Variable Damping Control systems also increase the overall ride experience making the Ghost “as refined and as cosseting as anything that this marque has ever produced.”, says Rolls-Royce Motor Cars CEO, Tom Purves.

Rolls-Royce Engineering Director, Helmut Riedl builds on this by saying that “The individual technologies determining handling and safety work together controlled by dual Integrated Chassis Management systems meaning that even under vigorous testing the Ghost remains perfectly poised. We are very proud of our engineering team’s achievements with Ghost. The balance of refinement and dynamic ability is astonishing.”

According to Rolls Royce, the new air suspension system has the ability to sense even the movement of a single rear sitting passenger from one side to another, and automatically adjust the system. Several sensors are communicating with the on-board computer which in turn can offer precise steering and dynamics for the driver.

The air suspension system also incorporates a lift and kneel function, raising or lowering the Ghost by 25mm

Sounds pretty exciting what Rolls Royce has prepared for its customer and we look forward to seeing the car later this fall.

Press Release

Rolls-Royce Ghost will deliver impeccable poise

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars will ensure that the new Ghost model delivers peerless riding dynamics by making use of the very latest developments in chassis engineering.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars CEO, Tom Purves, says, “The Ghost will be as refined and as cosseting as anything that this marque has ever produced. But it will have a dynamic vitality afforded to it due to the latest technology and engineering techniques. These have been bestowed on this car with the same care and attention as the more traditional materials within.”

Rolls-Royce Engineering Director, Helmut Riedl, says, “A Rolls-Royce should be effortless in every way: the way it accelerates, brakes and handles. It should do all of these functions with apparent ease regardless of the complex mechanicals that are working out of sight of the driver and passengers. The driver simply has to point the car in the preferred direction of travel and press the accelerator.”

He continues, “The individual technologies determining handling and safety work together controlled by dual Integrated Chassis Management systems meaning that even under vigorous testing the Ghost remains perfectly poised. We are very proud of our engineering team’s achievements with Ghost. The balance of refinement and dynamic ability is astonishing.”

At the heart of the Rolls-Royce Ghost’s magic carpet ride will be a state-of-the-art chassis which uses an intelligent four corner air suspension system and multi link aluminium front and rear axles.

Designed to be fully integrated, each of the cars dynamic handling and safety systems has been engineered to work together in harmony. Systems such as Active Roll Stabilisation, four corner air springs and Variable Damping Control operate as one, imperceptibly to the driver and passengers to provide the best possible comfort for occupants and to ensure that the tyres maintain optimum contact with the road, even on rough surfaces for driving safety.

The new air suspension system is so sensitive that it can detect even the smallest of changes; for example the movement of a single rear passenger from one side of the seat to the other, and will compensate accordingly. The complex on-board computer system reads multiple inputs from sensors around the car – the dampers alone making individual load calculations every 2.5 milliseconds. This ensures not only perfect comfort but also precise steering and dynamics for the driver. The air suspension system also incorporates a lift and kneel function, raising or lowering the Ghost by 25mm. This can either assist with entry and exit or allow the Ghost to travel over uneven ground.

In engineering the Ghost, Rolls-Royce has delivered poise, precision and unrivaled comfort. The Ghost will be built on its own dedicated production line at Goodwood and will share paint, wood and leather workshops with the Phantom series of cars. Series production will begin later in 2009.

[Source: Worldcarfans ]

For those of you that might have missed our multiple articles on the new Rolls Royce, it is worth repeating some of the things we have learned so far: the new Rolls which is built atop the most recent BMW 7 series platform and it will be manufactured at the Goodwood plant where Rolls Royce has already added more shifts and extended the working hours and workforce increase will help overcoming any shortage in production.

The Ghost will be built on its own dedicated line, but it will share some interior and exterior materials with the Phantom and Drophead Coupe.

As far as the exterior design, RR Ghost has a very modern and round corners giving the impression of a smaller and sportier luxury vehicle when compared to its predecessors.

Rolls Royce Ghost measures 212.6 inches long, 83 inches wide and 61 inches tall, all of this sitting on seven-spoke 20 inch wheels wrapped in 285/40 and 255/45 tires. The engine used in the new “baby Rolls” is an all-new 6.6-liter V12 rumored to produce more than 500 horsepower.

The first models have already been sold out and the first customer will be able to pick up the first Ghost in September.

[Source: FastestCar ]

Both the Phantom and the Drophead Coupe received the Hamann special treatment which most of the time stands out due to the upgraded wheels.

Same as the 7 Series, the Rolls Royce model get an upgraded wheel size, from 21 inch to a whooping 23 inch. But the most impressive upgrade lies under the hood, where the 6.75-liter V12 engine receive an impressive power boost from 460 horsepower to 535 horsepower.

The peak torque has also increased, from 534 lb-ft(720Nm) to 616 lb-ft(835Nm). Top speed level was raised all the way up to 186 mph(300 km/h).

While no other details were released at this time – we expect a full press release shortly- there is one more item worth mentioning: the Hamann branded steering wheel was specifically designed for the Phantom models.

With a price tag of $400,000, we cannot wonder how much more the Hamann kit will add to this number….

P.S. Just in case you’re wondering: we definitely DO NOT dig these wheels.

[Source: Worldcarfans ]

While we have been used to seeing the funky black and white BMW camouflage, this time the Ghost gives us a “Panda-like” look, pretty cute if we might add.

Probably well known by now, but still worth mentioning again,  the new Rolls-Royce EX200 shares the same platform with the new 7 Series and it imports some design elements from Phantom and Drophead Coupe, but fit into a shorter wheelbase.

It is powered by a new V12 6.6-liter V12 producing 507 horsepower and the first units have already been pre-sold. The Rolls-Royce Ghost will go on sale this fall and 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 already added more shifts and extended the working hours and workforce increase will help overcoming any shortage in production. By the end of this year, the total number of employees on the payroll at the Goodwin plant will increase to 900.

Majority of the new positions will be in the wood, leather and paint shops since they are shared with the Phantom models. Also, the Ghost will be built on its own dedicated line.

Sources close to BMW confirmed that the Ghost first years production units have been been sold despite the fact that production will start in the fall.

[Source: Autoblog ]

The new Rolls which is built atop the most recent BMW 7 series platform, will be manufactured at the Goodwood plant and it will share some interior and exterior materials with the Phantom and Drophead Coupe, but fit into a shorter wheelbase. At the same time, RR Ghost has a very modern and round design giving the impression of a smaller and sportier luxury vehicle.

Rolls Royce Ghost measures 212.6 inches long, 83 inches wide and 61 inches tall, all of this sitting on seven-spoke 20 inch wheels wrapped in 285/40 and 255/45 tires. The engine used in the new “baby Rolls” is an all-new 6.6-liter V12 producing 507 horsepower.

According to sources close to BMW, first years production units have been been sold despite the fact that production will start in the fall. The first Rolls-Royce Ghost in a final production form will be introduced at the IAA Frankfurt Show in September.

As far as the competition, BMW introduces the RR Ghost as a response to the Bentley Continental Flying Spur.

[Photos courtesy of Autojunk.nl ]

Now, many purists think of this “entry-level” Rolls as blasphemy. Surely, to have the Spirit of Ecstasy mounted on the nose of anything even remotely affordable to anyone but the most corrupt international bankers is just watering-down the brand, right?

Perhaps so, but maybe the 200EX isn’t to blame. “Rolls-Royce” is indeed the quintessential brand of uncompromised luxury, but since BMW took ownership of the marque and released the current Phantom, “Rolls-Royce” has also become synonymous with ostentatious consumption. The cars (and their owners) are brash, unashamed, and over-styled. Rolls has become the Lamborghini of luxury. If you want to be subtle, you’d opt instead for a Maybach.

BMW has already made the Rolls-Royce brand a caricature of what it used to be. The new entry-level model will just make that cartoony image available to more people.

All of that is nothing new for BMW. Think of what the Mini brand has become. The cars really aren’t all that small (especially the Clubman). The overall package isn’t nearly as clever as the original. BMW just took the elements of the brand people remembered (sporting performance and retro styling cues) and applied them to a conventionally-designed hatchback. In my opinion, either BMW’s own Project i or Gordan Murray’s T.25 seems much more true to the essential premise of the original Mini.

It’s not that the Rolls-Royce and Mini automobiles produced under BMW’s management are bad cars; some would even argue that they’re better than their predecessors. The issue is that the brands’ images have been not just watered-down or evolved, but exaggerated and distorted in BMW’s flame-surfaced funhouse mirror.

Despite the previous rumors of the EX200 Concept being named “Silver Ghost”, Rolls-Royce decided to lose the Silver prefix and go with a simpler naming convention.

“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”, said Tom Purves.

The new Rolls which is built atop the most recent BMW 7 series platform, will be manufactured at the Goodwood plant and it will share some interior and exterior materials with the Phantom model. Rolls Royce Ghost is powered by a new 6.6-liter V12 producing 507 horsepower.

PRESS RELEASE

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has announced the name for its new model series which until now has been known as RR4. The name was announced by CEO, Tom Purves at a press conference held at the Shanghai motor show.

The new car will be called the Rolls-Royce Ghost and production will begin at the company’s Goodwood manufacturing facility on the south coast of England later in 2009.

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.

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.

The Chinese automaker Geely, which was mentioned a couple of days ago in one of our articles that stirred some controversy among our readers, has just released some photos of their latest high-end luxury model: Geely GE.

As soon as the first photos hit the web and the inbox of many auto publications, the stories about a Rolls Royce clone have started to flow around the internet. The general consensus was and still is that the Geely GE resembles the RR Phantom model more than it should.

Beside the exterior design approach identical to the Phantom, the 17.5-foot long GE comes loaded with isolation glass and wool carpet just like the “real deal”. To differentiate themselves a bit, the interior design gets a central single rear seat, similar to a throne.

To give Geely some credit also, the GE does not get suicide rear doors seen on the Rolls Royce Phantom models.

The Chinese luxury vehicle will make its debut at the Shanghai Auto Show later this month, but the questions remains if BMW AG’s lawyers are going to be busy for the next few months….

Here is an image of the Rolls Royce Phantom

P.S No, we’re not picking on the Chinese nation, we’re just saying…..

In the press release today, CEO Tom Purves talked about the 6.6-liter turbocharged engine developing over 500 horsepower through a ZF 8-speed transmission. He also spoke of improve fuel and CO2 efficiency over the already Rolls models.

Still no word on the naming convention for the EX200, but we should find out prior to the Frankfurt Auto Show.

[Source: Autoblog ]

PRESS RELEASE

ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS CONFIRMS FURTHER DETAILS FOR RR4

* New 6.6 litre turbo charged V12 engine unique to Rolls-Royce
* New 8-speed gearbox
* Engine power upwards of 500bhp (upwards of 373kW/507PS)

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has confirmed further details about the production version of 200EX, the experimental car shown at the Geneva motor show early in March 2009.

Rolls-Royce CEO, Tom Purves announced the details at a press conference in New York where 200EX is currently being shown to potential customers on the first leg of a world tour.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Purves said, “There has been a great deal of interest in this car since we first talked about producing a new model series in the autumn of 2006 and the reaction 200EX received at its unveiling at Geneva was very positive. As we move another step closer to the start of production at Goodwood, it is exciting to be able to share some of the specific technical details with customers and the media.”

He continued, “RR4 will deliver an authentic Rolls-Royce experience to owners, so expect peerless comfort and build quality. However, we have consciously engineered this car to be more involving and dynamic for those owners around the world that will wish to drive it themselves.”

RR4 will be powered by a brand new 6.6 litre turbo charged V12 engine unique to Rolls-Royce. The engine will be combined with an 8-speed automatic ZF gearbox. This new drive-train will significantly improve fuel and CO2 efficiency over the already class leading Phantom series of cars. Engine power will be upwards of 500bhp.

Further details about RR4 will be released over the coming months.

The unveiling of the new Rolls Royce EX200 Concept (Silver Ghost) at the Geneva Motor Show has been a tremendous success for BMW Group. Sources close to BMW confirmed that the EX200 first years production units have been been sold despite the fact that production will start in the fall.

As we reported earlier, the Rolls-Royce EX200 is built on the same platform as the new BMW 7 Series and it imports some design elements from Phantom and Drophead Coupe. Rolls Royce EX200 or Silver Ghost/Silver Cloud as presumably the official name will be, has a very modern, round design and surprising, a very sportier look.

The latest rumors speak of two new possible variants coming out of the Rolls-Royce gates in the near future: a coupe and a convertible model. Speculating even further, these two door models will slightly vary in design and it will be powered by the new V12 engine developed specifically for the new EX200.

The first Rolls-Royce EX200 in a final production form will be introduced at the IAA Frankfurt Show in September.

Our close friends over at GlobalMotors went the extra mile and put together some quite attractive renderings of the coupe and convertible models. If the droptop version will look anything or better than this rendering, then we are sold on it and might as well start collecting some money……

See more photos here

[Source: artibutorin for GlobalMotors ]

Rolls-Royce EX200 Silver Ghost Photo Gallery

The new Rolls-Royce EX200 shares the same platform with the new 7 Series and it imports some design elements from Phantom and Drophead Coupe, but fit into a shorter wheelbase. The EX200 has a very modern, round design and people that saw the car yesterday were impressed by how much smaller and sportier it really is.

Of course, it is still larger than most luxury sedans, at 212.6 inches long, 83 inches wide and 61 inches tall. To sweeten the deal -if you can call it this way- the Rolls-Royce EX200 will be powered by a V12 engine not seen before on any BMW Group product.

If you’re worried about the naming convention, you can breathe now, as with the previous models, when the 200EX enters production, it will lose the traditional Concept name tag in favor of something like Silver Cloud.

Pricing? Still unknown, but do expect to pay an arm and a leg for such a luxurious ride.

With that being said, we will expand a little bit and offer Rolls news as well, new launches, spy shots…etc..etc…Of course, we won’t move away from the main purpose of our blog, which is the BMW brand, but I’m sure it will be fun to see if the BMW design language will be incorporated in the other brands as well. There was already a rumor going around that some elements from the Rolls-Royce Phantom model might be included in the design of the next 1 Series.

For some time now, many spy photos of the “baby” Rolls, named 200EX,  have been going around the internet and the car was supposed to be unveiled at the Geneva Auto Show next month. The EX200 is due to launch in 2010 as a direct competitor to Bentley Continental Flying Spur.

Some styling of the EX200 comes from the Phantom and Drophead Coupe, but fit into a shorter wheelbase model, the same platform used in the new 7 Series. The EX200 is 212.6 inches long, 83 inches wide and 61 inches tall. All of this sitting on seven-spoke 20 inch wheels wrapped in 285/40 and 255/45 tires.

According to Tom Purves, RR CEO, the engine will be a V12 unit not seen before on any BMW-group product and up to 80% of its components will be unique.

Of course, the interior design is in-pair to company’s luxury standards, controls are neatly sculptured surrounded by chrome, and as usual, plenty of wood trim and fine leather.

The final name has not been chosen yet, EX200 represents just a concept naming convention, but when the production car will be unveiled in Frankfurt this fall, we should have the official name.

Pricing? Unknown at this time, but rumors are putting the Rolls Royce EX200 at around $250,000.

[Source: BMW AG and Autoblog ]