Rolls-Royce confirms Ghost figures
July 22, 2009 by Matt Brogan
Rolls-Royce have today confirmed the headline performance figures for its upcoming Ghost model which is set to premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
The Ghost will be powered by an all-new 6.6-litre, turbo-charged V12 engine unique to Rolls-Royce. Mated to an eight-speed ZF gearbox, the unit will produce 420kW - that should see a 0-100km/h time of 4.7 seconds. Top speed will be governed to 250km/h.
“First and foremost Ghost is a Rolls-Royce. This means that despite its extraordinary performance figures it has been engineered for effortless composure and refined power delivery. This is illustrated by the significant levels of low down torque available which makes pulling away very smooth and for an exceptionally relaxed driving experience,” said Rolls-Royce Director of Engineering, Helmut Riedl.
“Rolls-Royce power is entirely different to anything else in the automotive world. It is delivered free from stress and exertion but at the same time must engage the driver. Ghost is about fingertip control while still enjoying a dynamic connection with the road.
“Equally passengers need to be cosseted from the physical sensations of acceleration, braking and cornering. Our chassis set up keeps Ghost stable and flat, preventing it from wallowing or pitching in the corners or imposing undesirable forces on those inside.”
Rolls-Royce has already confirmed that the Ghost will ride on an intelligent four corner air suspension system using multi link aluminium front and rear axles.
The fully integrated system allows each of the Ghost’s dynamic handling systems to work together in harmony, providing the optimum levels of refinement and comfort at all times.
The vehicle acoustics also play a vital role in creating the authentic Rolls-Royce environment. Naturally engine, exhaust and even tyre noise have been engineered to be inaudible as far as possible, both internally and externally.
“Ghost is not about a single superlative but rather a careful blend of attributes. A Rolls-Royce should carry its power with grace, agility and refinement and this is never achieved by a focus on outright performance,”said Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Chief Executive Officer, Tom Purves.
“Mastery comes in creating a balance and having driven the Ghost again recently I can say confidently that our engineering team has achieved this in fine style.”
Customer deliveries of Ghost in the UK and Europe will begin late in 2009 with pricing from £165,000 (AUD$333,000).
Customer deliveries in other markets including the USA and Australia will begin from the second quarter 2010. Full technical specification will be released later in the year.
Print it: 
*****PRIMO!*****
That’s VERY good news because i think the 1 x million-dollars of the current RR model scares off a few potential customers.
Wonder if its going to be a 750iL cloned/based or something all new?
Whats the target price?
Will Benz fight back with its Maybach [BEST back seat in the business] and release a cheaper model?
Looks like the recession we had to have is all dead and buried!
Cheers
F-0
Brilliant figures, though I do worry a bit that Rolls Royce may have done a Porsche here and made the cheaper second model better or at least as good as the top of the line, as Porsche did with the Cayman S.
With a price like that and vastly better performance, would a Phantom be worth it anymore? Doesn’t seem so to me. Still, the proof is in the driving, but I suspect this will win there too. Seems like a winner.