Rolls Royce has officially launched the cute, ultra luxurious and very powerful, Ghost. While the beginning official photos of the concept were released back in February, the Rolls fans had to look a few more months for the unveiling of the production model.

The Ghost is scheduled to make its debut adjacent week at the Frankfurt Auto Show and it is expected to be one of the evidence's stars. Until the real time photos which volition be featured on your number one BMW news website, let'southward savour the official shots from the UK based company.

Press Release

Autumn 2006, Paris motor bear witness: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars announced that work had begun on a new model series. The new motorcar would be in production and on sale by the turn of the decade. The only other facts confirmed at that phase were that it would exist 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…

Rolls Royce Ghost photosi 26 655x439

Piffling 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 fourth dimension 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, still with powerful, purposeful proportions. Information technology is a true and uncompromising Rolls-Royce in every sense."

As sightings of clandestine development models on the route 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 pattern cues just in birthday more than compelling mode. Information technology was a clear statement of intent.

What the design team was seeking to create was a mod Rolls-Royce that accomplished a new dynamism only remained truthful to its luxurious heritage. They had found inspiration in contemporary piece of furniture, architecture and yachts but besides in the spirit of the 1930s – that sense of risk and endeavour – which they wanted to capture in the character of this new automobile.

"200EX is a modern execution of timeless Rolls-Royce elegance, breaking with some areas of tradition but retaining the core values that brand our marque unique," said Principal Executive Officeholder Tom Purves. "We look the more breezy design to broaden the appeal of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, alluring people who appreciate its fusion of refinement, new technology and contemporary way."

After the prove, 200EX embarked on a world bout, during which farther 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 boggling functioning figures. Information technology would ride on an intelligent air break system offer peerless ride and dynamics. And information technology would be called Ghost.

"Ghost is one of the about revered names in automotive industry," said Tom Purves. "It evokes images of adventure and technical innovation. The commencement cars to bear the Ghost name were known not only for impressive dependability and refinement but also not bad 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'southward design and technology 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'due south flowing lines are dominated by its purple 'Yacht Line' styling. Large, uninterrupted surfaces menses 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 cocky-righting cycle centres and the Xenon headlamps that frame the latest evolution of the Rolls-Royce grille. Here the sides of the intake take been curved inwards and the vanes prepare back into the opening. "We wanted this to be less reminiscent of the traditional Parthenon mode and more similar 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 past setting silverish metal 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, non to complicate it.

"Ghost is as refined and cosseting as anything this marque has always produced."
Charles Coldham, Interior Designer

Inside Ghost, the interior design team has come 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 exist complemented by optional lambswool floor mats for a truly luxurious experience.

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

Four-zone automatic air conditioning tin can be individually tailored to each rider's requirements, with split up controls for front and rear. Automatic air recirculation, condensation prevention and solar compensation are delivered through classic chromed eyeball vents controlled via organ-end plungers.

Inside Ghost's ample doors and loftier shoulder line, occupants feel serene, cosseted and safe. In the rear, the intimate ambience of the lounge seat is emphasised by its position backside the C-pillar, heightening the sense of privacy. The breezy seating creates a convivial environment, its slight curve allowing yous to turn more than easily towards the person next to you. Its elevated position gives a articulate view by the electronically retracting Spirit of Ecstasy to the route ahead.

Individual lounge seating is offered as an culling to the standard lounge configuration. This allows the improver of a massage part and too perforated leather for a cooling stream of air from the seat surface. Auxiliary rear climate control allows the rider to regulate the temperature of the air on their side of the machine, without intrusion on the other. A cool box with interior illumination and integrated champagne spectacles is too 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 ambient is an sound 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.v GB hard drive enables storage of music files from USB or CD player sources.

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

Engineering A BENCHMARK

"The balance of refinement and dynamic ability is astonishing."
Helmut Riedl, Engineering Managing director

When considering a Rolls-Royce car it is usual to recall of forest, leather and chrome, but the company has its roots in engineering science. The refinement of its cease 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 class and craftsmanship exists at a nano level.

Ghost is built around a steel monocoque body, which means at that place is no separation of chassis and body. The advantage of this structure 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 torso has been engineered with a double front bulkhead to help insulate the interior from engine noise. Information technology is synthetic from steel sections and then wrapped in steel panels, which are brazed past hand. This allows a about-seamless bring together, which is then sanded by hand until it is perfect. In total, Ghost's frame contains 4.9m of seam weld and braze and half-dozen,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 Managing director

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

The new air suspension arrangement in Ghost is so sensitive that it can detect even the smallest of changes. For example, it will sense the movement of a unmarried rear passenger from 1 side of the seat to the other and recoup appropriately. A complex computer system reads multiple inputs from sensors effectually the car; the dampers lone make private load calculations every ii.5 milliseconds. This ensures not merely perfect comfort just also precise steering and dynamics for the driver. The air pause 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 whatsoever 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 Direction systems, significant 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 whatever 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 – plenty to propel Ghost from 0-lx mph in just four.7 seconds* and on to an electronically governed top speed of 155mph. With 780 Nm of torque available at just 1,500rpm, delivery of ability is immediate and extremely smooth.

Ability is transmitted through an viii-speed, shift-by-wire, automatic ZF gearbox. What this achieves is a feeling of endless, surging power, which is illustrated by the power reserve judge on the fascia, replacing the more common rev counter. The new powertrain delivers this performance while emitting merely 317g/km of CO2. Fuel consumption is 20.8 mpg / 13.half dozen 50/100km.*

Safety remains paramount and the very latest technologies are used in Ghost. Side-bear on beams in the forepart and rear doors combine with progressive rear crumple zones to absorb impacts. The Advanced Crash and Safety Management (ACSM) system takes measurements two,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 condom features to deploy in which areas in the effect of an blow. If necessary, ACSM will actuate – among other things – seatbelt pre-tensioners and all encompassing airbags surrounding the cabin, creating a safety zone for all occupants.

A Modernistic ROLLS-ROYCE

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

The principle of simplicity extends to the human action of driving Ghost. The host of complex engineering software and technologies below the surface serve to make driving easier and more enjoyable, not to intrude or misfile.

"Nothing should distract from the pleasance of driving Ghost."
Helmut Riedl, Applied science Director

Ghost is more driver-focused than any Rolls-Royce car before information technology. 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 articulate; it is spacious in design and has an intuitive layout. The controls are neatly sculpted, with the more than important functions emphasised past accents of chrome. The soft lite of the musical instrument console glows through the familiar black-rimmed steering wheel, which in turn employs a number of violin keys as well every bit an ergonomic roller-ball control.

The control heart display is concealed behind a veneered panel until its services are chosen upon. All features such every bit satellite navigation, telephone, communication and entertainment functions are displayed here and managed via a central rotary controller, flanked past quick-access buttons on the front end middle console.

The optional commuter assistance systems and technologies in Ghost are notable for their discretion and ease of performance. From the moment the driver approaches the machine, optional Comfort Entry** allows easy admission, unlocking the doors when the primal fob is within 1.5 metres and the cool chromed handle is grasped. Once you are in the motorcar, voice control allows you lot to select from the command systems menus without using the fundamental controller.

For ease of manoeuvring, cameras located effectually the machine serve a number of purposes. Rear, front side and top view cameras can combine to requite a fish-heart view at blind junctions or provide basis images with obstruction 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 observe objects upwards to 300 metres away and display them on the central screen in the dash. The car's command organization receives infrared oestrus images from the camera and, taking into account the car's speed and direction, classifies them to assess imminent danger. It and then determines what action, if whatsoever, needs to exist taken and if necessary displays a warning to the driver.

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

Lane Departure Alert** alerts the driver should the motorcar commencement to drift out of its electric current lane. When activated, information technology uses an integrated camera, located just in front of the rear view mirror, to monitor road markings and the vehicle'due south position. The driver is warned by a discreet vibration through the steering cycle. If the driver uses the directional indicators before and after the lane change, the wheel volition not vibrate.

High Beam Help** automatically manages the operation of dipped and main beam lights while driving at night. When activated, the aforementioned camera used by the Lane Departure Warning organization monitors the light from any source at the front of the vehicle and automatically dips or raises the headlights accordingly. Adaptive, directional headlights likewise improve illumination of the road ahead and adapt to the route weather, be they pelting or fog or merely when the car is making a turn.

Active Cruise Control with Stop & Get** creates a relaxing driving feel, specially on long cruising journeys, every bit action is not required when the machine ahead speeds up or slows down, even when coming to a standstill. Agile Brake Intervention** also allows loma descent at a constant speed and the car'south Curve Speed Limiter communicates with the car'due south Dynamic Stability Command systems to reduce speed on bends if safe and condolement may exist 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 product process involves more than than 2,000 individual operations and takes at least 20 days to complete.

"Nosotros don't simply paint our cars, we strive to create an incredibly deep, flawless polish."
Lisa Taylor, Paint Acquaintance

Ghost shares the same paint shop as Phantom and spends 7 days existence painted and polished to perfection. Five stages are required for the Ghost body. First a phosphate electro-glaze is practical to protect against corrosion, and so a layer of primer, a colour coat and finally 2 coats of clear lacquer. The body is mitt-sanded between each layer and once the final coat is applied it is paw-polished for five hours.

Ghost is available in 12 exterior colours, each of which tin 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 spinous wire, ensuring that at that place are fewer imperfections in the leather. Whatsoever 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 color permeates right through the leather. The process also means the leather remains much more than supple, preventing neat or squeaking and ensuring immovability and longevity. All seats and interior panels are hand-stitched, using traditional upholstering techniques by those most skilled at their arts and crafts.

The natural dazzler of the veneers in Ghost is brought to life past the skill of dedicated craftsmen and women. The natural burrs and grains are called for their intricacy and involvement: veneer specialists choose only the finest logs from which these very thin cross sections are taken. Merely veneer from one tree is used in whatever car. This ensures not only that the grain matches throughout the interior, only that each area ages and colours at the same pace. The parts are milled and sanded past hand earlier being coated with five layers of lacquer for protection and a mirror-similar polish.

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 way. The chassis' poise delivers a dynamically engaging experience for the driver, yet a serene, comfy ride for passengers. Engine ability is delivered in a style which has become an engineering science signature, seemingly effortlessly and endlessly. The latest in-car technology falls easily to mitt while forming part of the background.

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

*Residue of Earth specification – figures for North America can exist establish in the technical specification

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

[Source: Rolls Royce ]