Rolls-Royce Wraith revealed: 465kW ‘gentlemen’s gran turismo’

Combining a sleek fastback silhouette and a 465kW/800Nm twin-turbocharged 6.6-litre V12 engine capable of ensuring sir arrives at 100km/h from rest in 4.6 seconds, the Rolls-Royce Wraith has been dubbed the “ultimate gentlemen’s gran turismo” by the company’s CEO Torsten Muller-Otvos.

Using the same powerplant found in the Rolls-Royce Ghost – on which the Wraith is based – but delivering 45kW more power and 20Nm more torque from 1500rpm, the new two-door Rolls-Royce Wraith sees an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission link to satellite-aided technology that uses GPS mapping data to ensure the correct gear is always pre-selected for the road ahead in what is a debut for the system.

Rolls-Royce says the incorporation of the Satellite Aided Transmission (SAT) technology provides a new level of effortless power delivery giving an even more polished driving experience and further enhancing the marque-coined trait of 'waftability'.

While the car’s suspension has been tuned to minimise body roll, Rolls-Royce says the improvements in agility have been achieved with "absolutely no compromise to the sensation of riding on a bed of air”.

The Wraith’s long coupe design, strong lines and raked rear window accentuate the car’s wide rear track, shorter wheelbase and low roof height.

Coach-style doors lead to an interior that features Phantom-grade leathers, expanses of Canadel wood panelling, a Starlight headliner with 1340 fibre optic lights hand-woven into the roof lining to give the impression of a starry night sky, and a voice-activated navigation and connectivity system that Rolls-Royce calls ‘on-board valet’. A head-up display, adaptive headlights and keyless opening boot function are all also included.

Priced in Europe from €245,000 ($313,000), Rolls-Royce Wraith deliveries are expected to start in the final quarter of 2013.

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