2010 Rolls Royce Ghost
By G.R. Whale
On Sale: Early 2010
Expected Pricing: $250,000?
The 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost is expected to go on sale early in 2010. It has alternately been called the small or baby Rolls, but this is akin to using the word small when discussing a new ocean liner. The Ghost is larger than the Mercedes-Benz S-Class or the Bentley Flying Spur. It's slightly smaller than the Rolls-Royce Phantom, any Maybach or a Chevy Suburban.
In keeping with its 21st century mission, the Ghost marries a more aerodynamic profile and signature coach doors and grille (the vanes are arced slightly to appear absolutely vertical) with general proportions laid down nearly a century ago: The profile is lithe and fluid, more presence than impact. It is minutely detailed, from the self-preserving Spirit of Ecstasy and wheel hubs that keep the RR logo vertical even in motion to the painted rain channel mimicking a body seam on lesser cars, but things like door pillars and handles are still done on a substantial scale. Rolls-Royce have at their disposal 44,000 shades of paint, and so long as safety is not compromised and it can be done to Rolls-Royce standards, any bespoke request or modification will be considered.
The cabin is no less detailed, with a variety of hides, woods, and carpets carefully fitted, the wood and chrome polished to a fare-the-well. A five-passenger configuration is standard, and the seating position is slightly lower and relaxed relative to the more upright formality of the Phantom. The rear seats are set back from the door opening as in any proper carriage, with every amenity available, including audio/video setups, a dedicated electrically adjusted purse holder and infinite climate control through 11 face-level vents. A generous wheelbase allows for genuine comfort all 'round, and extensive sealing suggests it will be silent apart from the sound system. Naturally, there is a fine analog clock, a quick-drying umbrella in a heated compartment inside each front door, and a central wheel/mouse controller for myriad systems fine-tuning.
However, the Ghost is envisioned more as a driver's car, one that includes requisite technologies like iPod interface and automatic-distance cruise control. That also means a performance oriented chassis, a six-and-three-quarter (never 6.7) liter twin-turbo V12 that should deliver prodigious horsepower and torque, an eight-speed automatic transmission, energy recapturing aids, and fully independent air suspension with variable dampers. Given parent-company BMW's finesse with dynamics, we expect the Ghost will ride superbly and handle lighter than its heft suggests.
Rolls-Royce have advanced from power ratings of "adequate" to "more than 500 horsepower" and are quick to point out the Ghost's best-in-class emissions and fuel consumption. In this class of one of two, that's probably easier than it sounds and a moot point altogether.
www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com
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