Rolls Royce Ghost revealed.

Rolls Royce has finally taken the wraps off the all new Rolls Royce Ghost.  Previously named the 200EX in concept form, the Ghost is set to be placed as a smaller, less expensive and less formal alternative to the Phantom.  The Ghost has also been designed to be less of a chauffeur-driven vehicle like the Phantom, but rather a car the owners can drive themselves (it measures 400mm less than the Phantom). 

The engine given the task to propel this 2.4 tonne vehicle is a 563hp 6.6l V12 with twin-turbos and direct fuel injection, accompanied with a very healthy dose of 575 lb ft of torque from as low as 1500rpm.  This new engine is connected to a ZF eight speed automatic transmission channelling drive to the rear wheels, and allows a 0-60 mph sprint in 4.7seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155mph.  The Ghost is able to get as much as 20.8mpg (13.6l/100 km) while emitting 317g/km of CO2.

Rolls Royce has also made sure to include as many features as possible to ensure that life with the Ghost is made very easy. Among the features are; a keyless entry system that unlocks the vehicle when it detects the key from at least 1.5 metres away; a voice activated system to control the new central control system; a number of cameras around the car for ease of manoeuvring, helping with blind junctions and detecting obstacles; a night vision camera; a head-up display which projects speed and or navigation directions onto the windscreen; a lane departure warning system; a high beam assistance system which automatically manages the operation of dipped and main beam lights for night time driving; and an active cruise control system complete with a Stop & Go function.

In terms of competition, the Ghost seems to be targeting the Bentley Continental Flying Spur. Both vehicles are similar in layout, their prices aren't that far apart, and both have been designed to uphold traditional British luxury while embracing the modern world. But one could also see the Ghost as a more expensive alternative to the long versions of the BMW 7 series, Mercedes-Benz S Class, Jaguar XJ and Audi A8. The Rolls Royce Ghost will cost between €200,000 and €300,000, making it nearly twice as expensive as a base BMW 760li. The Ghost will be introduced to the public at this year’s Frankfurt Motor show.

---