When I first read about Rolls-Royce’s plan to add a second model range to its line-up, I thought it a wonderful idea. Where the grandiose Rolls-Royce Phantom, first launched by BMW in 2003, re-established the marque’s almost divine exceptionalism, the new Ghost could bring that concept down to a more human scale. In fact as Richard Carter, Rolls-Royce’s director of global communications put it, “We have always had two distinct model lines. It has been an ongoing theme for the brand ever since the Phantom I 20/30hp and the Phantom II 40/50hp.”
So, even though the modern day Phantom is a superlative car, its drawback is its grandiosity. In point of fact, many potential buyers expressed how they wanted the luxury of the Phantom but in a package that they could personally drive without drawing undue attention to themselves. So in offering a more reserved, more driver-focused and slightly more affordable car, Rolls-Royce would be producing just what the consumers were asking for. Moreover, the development costs of the new chassis and establishment costs of the new production line could be offset by basing a convertible (like a Corniche) and even a coupé (like a Camargue) on the Ghost’s frame.
The key question however is whether or not this Ghost is affordable. I personally was a little worried it wasn’t. Compare Bentley’s two-model range and that offered by Rolls-Royce. At 70,000 USD more than a Bentley Flying Spur, the Ghost is asking a lot. Additionally, Bentley is about to launch its Arnage replacement, the Mulsanne, which is only 40,000 USD more than the Ghost and a staggering 100,000 USD less than a Phantom. Of course cost alone is not what sways a purchase in this vehicle category. And naturally each of these cars has a unique character and its own appeal. So should I not dare to compare Bentleys with Rolls-Royces? The truth is that the Ghost’s more restrained presence, its increased driveability and its cheaper price tag mean that 80 per cent of Ghost buyers will be new to the brand. But over half of those buyers are likely to be Bentley converts, so I’d say that making a comparison is extremely pertinent.
Yet we still do not know exactly what the Ghost’s unique appeal is. I flew to Los Angeles for the global media launch in order to answer just that. First things first, ignore the false rumours; this car is not a dressed up BMW 7-series. Rolls-Royce did admit that the Ghost shares 20 per cent of itself with the BMW 7-series, the most important component being its engine architecture. Nevertheless the Ghost is a totally new car. The commonalities between the two reside in the climate-control system, some electrical wizardry and parts of the floorpan. Still, the two cars’ twin-turbocharged V-12 engines have been altered enough to make each one distinct - the Ghost’s is stroked to 6.6-litres (up from the BMW’s 6.0) while also getting some revised internals such as a new crank.
Looks-wise, the Ghost has got it just right. Chief designer Ian Cameron has penned a shape that is recognizably Rolls-Royce, yet – and this is the brilliant part – he’s managed to do so without the usually huge Parthenon-type grille. The new grille is in fact a sleeker and more modern interpretation of that iconic chrome-vaned radiator housing; one that sits within the bonnet rather than on it. Grounded by a terrifically powerful stance, the Ghost has fast-raking pillars and bodywork that contours around the wheels. The restrained, almost slab-sided flanks mask a subtlety of proportion that makes the car appear deceivingly small. The only things wrong in the looks department were the enormous side mirrors. When I raised this criticism to the designers, they seemed keenly aware of this detail but were resigned to the fact that new safety legislation dictated it.
One of the Ghost’s best attributes is that although it’s 435mm shorter, 42mm narrower and 82mm lower than a Phantom, its has almost as much room on the inside with a little more rear-seat headroom too. This is thanks to the fact that the designers did not go down the route of the Phantom’s lightweight yet cumbersome aluminium spaceframe, instead they opted for a standard (yet heavy) steel unibody. Furthermore, the Ghost is every bit as good at insulating its occupants as is its big brother. Rolls-Royces have the unique ability of cosseting you from the troubles of the world outside. From the moment you enter the cabin through those coach-style doors, you are filled with a sense of calm: the regally positioned seats are beautifully trimmed in the softest of leathers, the centre armrest is just where it should be and the dials are exquisitely readable. Oh, and this time around the designers at Goodwood decided that the umbrella needs to be hidden in the front doors not the rear ones, a subtle pointer at how this car is more driver focused.
Driving the car is a breeze. With the key in your pocket, you need simply press the starter button, pull the gearstick downwards (it’s now behind the steering wheel as it was in days gone by) and sit back as the car moves off almost imperceptibly. It takes only a few moments behind the wheel to appreciate that this new Rolls-Royce reintroduces the art of a beautifully smooth ride. It’s refreshing not to hear the PR team mention lap times around the Nürburgring. Yet, so confident of this car were Rolls’ engineers that they even let us loose on an abandoned airfield. This gave us the opportunity to witness just what the car is like at high speed, under extreme breaking and along some heavily pitted asphalt. The Ghost is a spectacularly good all-rounder. The steering is perfectly weighted and far more communicative than you’d expect. The adaptive air suspension and roll control keep you level and comfortable but most surprising of all - the car is blisteringly quick. I mean who would have thought a Rolls-Royce would be as quick as a Porsche Carrera S in the zero to 100 kilometre sprint? I’m already looking forward to the coupé variant, which should make the most of the car’s athleticism.
As it’s a Rolls, you’ll be able to order it in any colour you want, with whatever colour leather, and you’ll be able to choose any type of wood and inlays you can dream up. Want your family crest rendered into a cedarwood dashboard? Of course, sir. How about an enamel inlay of your pet Chihuahua, chasing a Great Dane? No problem at all. But you’ll have to be patient as not only does the bespoke team require time to satisfy your custom orders but it will take between six months and a year to get the custom shop tooled up for the Ghost. “For now, many customers will go ahead and order one of the 12 hand-rubbed exterior colours, eight hand-stitched leathers, and five hand-crafted woods. Then they’ll trade in this car for their bespoke creation once it is complete,” explained Alan Sheppard, the interior designer of the Ghost.
All in all, the Phantom remains the ultimate Rolls. It’s more than just a car; it’s a status symbol and a genuinely bespoke product. There is absolutely nothing in the world like a Phantom and, to be very honest, if you’re paying quarter of a million dollars for a car, what’s another 100k? Yet, you shouldn’t overlook the Ghost as it’s a very impressive vehicle. It manages to tick a lot of boxes and that means it’ll be many things to many people. For that reason it should be a smashing success. It’s surprisingly planted and therefore drives brilliantly but it still has the signature Rolls combination of silence and waftiness. It’s also a lot more usable, and cheaper, than the Phantom. But it does one thing the Phantom certainly doesn’t – it flies.
www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com
Specifications
Rolls-Royce Ghost
Cost 245,000 USD
Engine Twin Turbo 6.6-litre V12
Power 563 bhp
0-100 km/h 4.7 seconds
