Revealed: 2010 Rolls Royce Ghost

2009 seems to be the year of new cars and all new models. A number of cars are in-line to make their debut at the coveted Frankfurt Motor Show and the new Rolls Royce Ghost is no exception. It looks virtually identical to the 200EX concept and the new RR somehow manages to blend classic Rolls Roce design themes with modern style. The signature vertical grip up front is now sloping in an effort to resemble a jet intake, and the slim Xenon headlights mimic that of its older brother, the Phantom.

Moving back, the Ghost retains the signature suicide doors or coach doors in RR lingo, and a much more subtle and lower profile line than the Phantom. At the rear, modern design cues are apparent in the form of LED taillights, optional chrome exhaust tips, and shockingly a hint of Bangled BMWs or rather “Bangle Butt”. And for maximum street presence, a contrasting Silver Satin paint finish can be applied to the hood, grille, and to areas surrounding the windscreen.

The interior is everything a Rolls Royce should be, luxurious and elegant and it is exactly that. The driver is greeted by cow-herds of leather, chrome detailing, “violin key” switches, frosted instrument dials, and of course, masses of timber. Other creature comforts include four-zone automatic air-conditioning (with condensation prevention and solar compensation) and individual lounge seating massage, heating and cooling.

If that’s not luxurious enough, Rolls Royce offers lambswool floor mats, a panoramic sunroof, veneered tables, and a cool box with integrated champagne glasses. The company also offers a “theatre configuration” that includes two 9.2-inch LCD screens (mounted in back of the front seats) and a glovebox-mounted six-disc multi-media changer.

In terms of technology, the Ghost is packed with all the latest developments. A comfort entry (aka passive entry) system unlocks the doors as you approach, a series of cameras (rear, front side and top) help you park, and a night vision system (with pedestrian recognition) helps you see in the dark. Other techno goodies include a heads-up display, a lane departure warning system (that vibrates the steering wheel if you leave a lane without signaling), high beam assistance (automatically adjusts headlight settings for optimum lighting), and active cruise control with stop & go technology.

Power comes from a brand new 6.6-liter turbocharged V12 engine with 563 bhp (420 kW / 570 PS) and 780 Nm (575 lb ft) of torque. Backed up by an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, the Ghost accelerates from 0-100kmh in 4.7 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds) before hitting a limited top speed of 250 km/h. If you’re worried about fuel consumption, you’ll be happy to know the Ghost averages 13.6 l/100km in combined cycle.

Based on the BMW 7-Series, the Ghost measures 5399mm (212.6 inches) in length with a 3295mm (129.7 inches) wheelbase, 1948mm (76.7 inches) in width, and 1550mm (61 inches) in height. The luxury sedan rides on an advanced air suspension that features multi-link aluminum front and rear axles, Active Roll Stabilization, and Variable Damping Control.

Set to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the Ghost will be priced from £165,000 (UK), €213,000 (in Europe), $245,000 (US) and $250,000 USD virtually everywhere else.

Source: WorldCarFans