Rolls-Royce Motor Cars CEO, Torsten Muller-Otvos, may have found the occasion unusual as a new Rolls-Royce has usually been unveiled to the world with much fanfare in a glamourous venue. But like many car companies last year, the pandemic prevented such traditional activities and Rolls-Royce had to launch its new model online, perhaps for the first time.
The new model was a new generation of the Ghost, coming after an 11-year production run with the previous one. Rolls-Royce obviously does not follow the industry ‘norm’ of a 5-year product cycle, and its customers also would not expect change too often. Change comes when it is appropriate to do so and in the 10 years that passed after the first generation was launched in 2009, much had changed in the world.
New generation of younger customers
Attitudes have evolved and even those who buy Rolls-Royce today are younger than ever before. Thus the potential customers had first to be consulted and Rolls-Royce listened carefully to what they wanted: their expectations indicated that the new super-luxury limousine would have to be ‘dynamic, serenely comfortable and perfect in its minimalism’.
The new model is now in Malaysia, officially launched today by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Kuala Lumpur with prices (excluding taxes) starting from RM1.45 million for the standard body and RM1.65 million for the extended version. A customer is likely to pay more as virtually every Rolls-Royce customer will want some degree of personalization, and the company’s Bespoke division will meet every requirement.
Just two carry-over items
While most manufacturers will carry over a certain number of parts and systems to control costs, the new Ghost has only two items carried over from the previous generation – the Spirit of Ecstasy figurine (that can disappear into its base) and the Rolls-Royce umbrellas that slide into the doors (which you cannot buy).
But even while everything is new, simplicity was a keyword in the development process with ‘reduction’ being pursued. This would satisfy the new generation of customers to whom minimalism is appreciated along with a ‘post-opulent’ design.
A larger Ghost, with simplicity
The new Phantom is still recognizably a Rolls-Royce with its vertical grille and imposing dimensions. Its overall length is now 5546 mm, 89 mm more than the first generation Ghost, while overall width has grown by 30 mm to 1978 mm. Yet, the simplicity has not compromised anything and where technology is concerned, customers will be getting the latest advanced systems to keep them comfortable and safe on their journeys.
Notable high-tech equipment and features include LED and laser headlights with more than 600 metres of illuminated range; Vision Assist (including day and night-time wildlife and pedestrian warning); Alertness Assistant; a 4-camera system with panoramic view, all-round visibility and helicopter view; Active Cruise Control; an industry-leading 7×3 high-resolution head-up display; wifi hotspot; self-parking; and the very latest navigation and entertainment system.
Architecture of Luxury
The new Ghost has a proprietary aluminium spaceframe known as the ‘Architecture of Luxury’ and it is already used for the Phantom as well as the Cullinan SUV. The spaceframe makes possible an acoustically superior, highly rigid and dynamic proposition for a new car. To the ‘Architecture of Luxury’ is added an all-wheel drivetrain, all-wheel steering and completely redesigned Planar Suspension System, which further enhances the marque’s hallmark Magic Carpet Ride. This was achieved without compromising the car’s low centre of gravity, which aids cornering dynamics.
Further capitalizing on the company’s aluminium expertise, the metal superstructure of the new Ghost is 100% made of the material. The car’s outer body is rendered as one clean, expansive piece, flowing seamlessly from the A-pillar, over the roof and backwards to the rear of the car, recalling the seemingly one-piece coachbuilt Silver Dawn and Silver Cloud models.
Under the long bonnet is the 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine, originally adapted from the BMW N74 V12 engine. For the latest generation, it has been updated technically and specific tuning extracts 563 bhp/850 Nm from the engine, with maximum torque available from just 1,600 rpm, or just 600 rpm above idle. To further refine its already remarkable acoustic properties, the air intake system incorporates larger porting.
Needless to say, the interior has a cocooned atmosphere with the finest materials used. Even the air the occupants breathe is of a high quality, thanks to the Micro Environment Purification System claimed to create the cleanest micro-environment within a car.
Besides the double-glazed windows, more than 100 kgs of various sound insulation materials around the cabin, in the structure and even in the tyres achieves the ‘Formula of Serenity’. It creates an atmosphere of quietness which is akin to a ‘whisper’ – a soft undertone that is experienced as a single, subtle note. Such quietness allows full enjoyment of the superlative audio system which, in Bespoke Audio form, comprises an 18-channel, 18-speaker, 1,300W audiophile grade system.
At the front, the new illuminated fascia takes pride of place. Located on the passenger side of the dashboard, the constellation and wordmark are completely invisible when the interior lights are not in operation. Perfectly attuned to new Ghost’s Post Opulent design treatment, the Bespoke Collective chose not to use simple screen technology to achieve the effect they desired. Instead, they embarked on creating a highly complex and true luxury innovation.
The illumination itself comes from 152 LEDs mounted above and beneath the fascia, each meticulously colour matched to the cabin’s clock and instrument dial lighting. Overhead, the owner can specify any pattern for the Starlight Headliner which has up to 1,600 fibreoptic lights.
Self-opening and closing doors
Today’s Rolls-Royce owners do not have to exert effort closing doors as the required actions are power-assisted with the touch of a button, a much appreciated and celebrated convenience. For the new Ghost, it has been developed further and, for the first time, the occupants can now also open the doors with power assistance.
The longer Ghost
In standard form, the new Ghost already has generous space but for those who must have more, there is the option of ordering the Ghost Extended. This has 170 mm more space for the rear area and is the most rear legroom of any 4-door sedan. However, where owners of earlier generations may have wanted to make their extended version more apparent, many of today’s customers prefer a pure, minimalist approach. This led the designers to ‘camouflage’ the extra length by only extending the rear door and body around the rear door openings, preserving the lines of the car.
Leading every Rolls-Royce for 110 years – the Spirit of Ecstasy
