Rolls-Royce Ghost

The Rolls-Royce Ghost

What it isn't is a 7-series with a Rolls-Royce body. No, the Ghost is the new baby Rolls, and it shares less than 20 percent of parts with the big BMW. Underhood, the Ghost uses BMW's V12 engine block, stroked to 6.6 liters. The twin-turbo V12 produces 563 hp, good enough for a 4.7-second 0-to-60-mph time. It will go on sale in February for $250,000, including destination and gas-guzzler charges.

What's it like to drive? Awesome, as you'd expect. The Ghost feels a lot more British than we thought it would. It drives very much like a Rolls: Smooth, smooth ride, seamless acceleration and whisper-quiet at all speeds. The car will go through corners as well, with nicely weighted steering and adaptive roll control. It is fast and, did we say smooth? The car feels well connected to the road.

Do I want it? Indeed you do. It's the everyday Rolls-Royce. Rolls says it has orders for 1,500 cars, and all will be built at the firm's Goodwood assembly plant. It's an impressive car, gorgeous inside and out, and one that should be hugely successful. It deserves to be.

Rolls-Royce Ghost Images and Review

Manufacturer Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
Parent company BMW Group
Production 2010-present
Model year(s) 2010-present
Class Full-size luxury car
Body style(s) 4-door saloon
Layout FR layout
Engine(s) 6.6 L twin-turbo V12 563 bhp (420 kW)
Transmission(s) 8-speed automatic
Wheelbase 3,295 mm (129.7 in)
Length 5,399 mm (212.6 in)
Width 1,948 mm (76.7 in)
Height 1,550 mm (61 in)
Curb weight 2,470 kg (5,400 lb)
Related BMW 7 Series (F01)
Designer Ian Cameron

Rolls-Royce Ghost

Rolls-Royce Ghost

Rolls-Royce Ghost

Rolls-Royce Ghost

Rolls-Royce Ghost

Rolls-Royce Ghost

Rolls-Royce Ghost

Rolls-Royce Ghost

Rolls-Royce Ghost

Rolls-Royce Ghost

2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost official details in depth

We have reported about the 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost formerly. Now Rolls-Royce has announced official performance specifications for the highly anticipated 2010 Ghost, which will be unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show in September.

Under the hood, the 2010 Ghost gets a 6.6L turbocharged V12 engine, paired up with a ZF-sourced 8-speed automatic gearbox. The V12 engine produces 563 hp (420 kW) and 780 Nm (575lb-ft) of torque at a low 1500 rpm, which makes the car more powerful than the Phantom despite being positioned below it. Top speed will be limited to 155 mph, with a 0-60-mph time of 4.7 seconds (4.8 in North America, the company notes).

The Ghost features a Phantom-inspired styling in a smaller version. While the Phantom's dimensions stretch to around 5,834 mm, the Ghost will measure in at 5,399mm in length, 1,948mm across, stand 1,550mm in height, and 3295mm in wheelbase. Inside there will be generous seating for five adults.

Rolls-Royce has also confirmed that the car will make use of the very latest developments in chassis engineering, including a new four corner air suspension system matched to multi-link aluminum front and rear axle geometry. A new chassis management system will also be fitted and is designed to control the car’s anti-roll stabilization and the suspension stiffness to ensure the best possible comfort for occupants. In a result, the fully integrated system allows each of the Rolls Royce Ghost’s dynamic handling systems to work together in harmony, providing the optimum levels of refinement and comfort at all times.

“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." According to Rolls-Royce's Director of Engineering, Helmut Riedl.

“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. Rolls Royce 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 Rolls Royce Ghost stable and flat, preventing it from wallowing or pitching in the corners or imposing undesirable forces on those inside.”

As we have previously reported, the Rolls-Royce Ghost will almost double production at the company’s factory in Goodwood in the UK. Till now, more than 10,000 people have already expressed interest in the new model. As for the price, Rolls-Royce also confirmed UK and European sales will begin in late 2009 with pricing from £165,000 and €213,000 respectively (excluding taxes and delivery charges). U.S. and Asia Pacific region sales will begin sometime during the second quarter of 2010, with pricing in North America at US$245,000 and Rest of World US$250,000.

Spy shots: 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost caught undisguised

Rolls Royce has announced that the 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost will be launched in early 2010, which is positioned below the current Phantom range. With the new car, the number of vehicles built by the ultra-luxury automaker is expected to double each year. The Ghost may give Rolls-Royce a more attainable model to compete against the Bentley Continental Flying Spur, as well as the upcoming 2010 Aston Martin Rapide.

From the latest spy shots we can see that the Ghost is heavily influenced by the 2009 Rolls-Royce EX200 concept car.

The Ghost essentially resembles a vehicle with modern Rolls-Royce lines in a slightly smaller package than the current Phantom. Design elements such as the elevated prow, long bonnet, short front overhang, sharply raked A-pillar and elegant tail should give it an air of informal presence, while also allowing for a sportier appearance.

The vehicle features a pair of suicide-style rear-hinged doors in the back, and is designed to comfortably seat five adults. It stretches roughly 5,399mm in length, 1,948m across and stands 1,550m in height.

According to its designers, the interior will be kept deliberately clear. The controls will be neatly sculptured, with more important functions emphasised by accents of chrome. As for the rest of the cabin, you will only find the finest in leather and natural wood trim and plenty of mood lighting.

Drive will come from a 6.6L turbocharged V12, with an 8-speed gearbox sending power rearward, and maximum torque of 750Nm. Power at the crankshaft is expected to top 500hp (373kW). Some technologies will also be shared with the Phantom and the Drophead. The engine itself may be a bit smaller than the Phantom line's powerplant, but output is still very healthy.

The car will be unveiled officially at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. Production will start at the company’s Goodwood manufacturing facility on the south coast of England later in the year. And sales should begin in early 2010 and prices are speculated at around £180,000 (US$286,600) a pop.