Another unique presence at the 2010 New York Auto Show was the latest Rolls Royce model, Ghost. The new Rolls which is built atop the BMW 7 series platform, it has a shorter wheelbase than the Phantom or Drophead Coupe.
Rolls Royce Ghost share some interior and exterior materials with the aforementioned models, but at the same time has a very modern and round design giving the impression of a smaller and sportier luxury vehicle.
Anyone who has been around these vehicles are of course aware that the Ghost is much more tailored to the driver and provides a much more dynamic driving experience, a bit in a contrast with the usually chauffeur driven Phantom. This is also obvious in the power department since the twin-turbocharged V12 in the Ghost is a lot more potent than the currently offered V12 naturally aspirated engine in the Phantom . Of course, since the Ghost is built on the 7 Series extended platform, the overall weight is lower therefore its dynamics are improved.
Compared to the Phantom, with its attitude of the infinite superiority, the Ghost’s interior, while still luxurious, it certainly feels closer to the “regular people”. Ghost also offers a very exclusive interior design, unique within the brand.
When it comes to agility and athletic capabilities, the Ghost feels superior to its big brother, an expected outcome in our opinion. Both in longitudinal dynamics and lateral dynamics, the new entry-level offering into the world of Rolls Royce, is sportier, offering a unique combination of ultra-luxury and high performance.
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.
The first production models have been sold even before the car was launched and Rolls Royce expects to exceed their sales projections.
Photos by Shawn Molnar
