The new super-luxury saloon Rolls-Royce Ghost was previewed in KL today for the first time and it brought along class, quality, excellence, finesse and a lot of poise to Malaysian roads. For RM2.6million, it had better be all that and some. But lets not forget for a second that this is Rolls-Royce we are talking about here, there is no other vehicle more superior than this, you could pull up next to a Enzo and you'd still not be out-classed. That's the presence and grandeur that comes together with any Rolls-Royce, old or new.
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The Ghost is smaller and more dynamic than previous Rolls-Royce models but is instantly recognisable as a Rolls-Royce, achieving a new modernism but remaining true to its luxurious heritage. The Ghost is also the first in a new Rolls-Royce model series, and is completely separate from the Phantom family which comprises the Phantom, Phantom Extended Wheelbase (four-door saloons), Phantom Drophead Coupe (convertible) and Phantom Coupe (fixed roof).
At the preview, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Asia Pacific Regional Director Colin Kelly said, " Ghost is a more informal design that broadens the appeal of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, combining refinement, new technology and contemporary style. It bears all the hallmarks of other Rolls-Royce cars, using the finest wood and leather materials and employing manufacturing standards which are no different to the Phantom. The Ghost will be built-to-order."
Some details on the car:
Peerless Comfort
The interior of the Ghost features a number of Rolls-Royce design cues such as traditional violin key switches and eyeball air vents. Deep-pile carpets can be complemented by optional lambswool floor mats for a truly luxurious feel.
Housed within the front doors are integrated Teflon-coated umbrellas, while the rear coach doors, unique to Rolls-Royce open to a generous 83 degrees. The interior space is filled with natural light, enhanced by an optional Panorama Sunroof, which extends from the front into the rear compartment. Four-zone automatic air-conditioning, automatic air-recircuilation, condensation prevention and solar compensation, lounge or individual seating (the latter with optional massage function) offer outstanding comfort for passengers.
Picnic tables, incorporating the finest leather and veneers matched to the rest of Ghost's interior, also house two 9.2in LCD screens in the back of the front seats/ The Ghost audio system deliver 600 Watts of sound through 1 10-channel amplifier and 16 speakers, including two floor-mounted subwoofers. USB and auxiliary inputs allow for the integration of external audio devices, while a 12.5GB hard drive enables storage of music files from USB or CD player sources.
Riding on a sophisticated four corner air suspension, the Ghost can detect even the smallest of changes. For example, it will sense the movement of a single rear passenger from one side of the seat to the other and will compensate accordingly. A lift and kneel function raises or lowers Ghost by 25mm.
A host of optional aids make Ghost the most driver-focused Rolls-Royce yet, and include rear, front, side and top view cameras, Night Vision camera, Heads-Up Display, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assistance, Adaptive Directional Headlights, and Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go Active Brake Intervention. Optional Comfort Entry allows easy access to the car, unlocking doors when the key fob is within 1.5 meters.
Exemplary Performance
Ghost is the most powerful Rolls-Royce built to date, yet it delivers its performance in an entirely Rolls-Royce manner - effortlessly. The epitome of dynamic refinement, the Ghost drivetrain comprises a unique 6.6-liter twin-turbo charged V12 engine and a new 8-speed automatic ZF gearbox.
Peak power output of 563bhp/420kW/570PS at 5250rpm is combined with a max torque of 780Nm/575lb-ft at only 1500rpm. This results in the Ghost being able to reach 100km/h in 4.9 seconds and onto a electronically limited 250km/h.
Electronic aids keep Ghost composed on virtually any surface and include Anti-Roll Stabilisation, Dynamic Brake Control and Dynamic Stability Control, Dynamic Traction Control and Cornering Brake Control. Ghost's handling and safety systems operate as one, imperceptible to the driver and passengers.
Production
Production of Ghost has begun at Goodwood and Malaysia's first customer cars are expected to be delivered in the second quarter of 2010. In order to cope with the anticipated demand, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has increased its manufacturing workforce by 50%.
In Malaysia, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Kuala Lumpur is based at Quill 9, 112 Jalan Semangat, 46300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan.
The Rolls-Royce Ghost starts at RM2.6 million but because every car is built to order, prices will vary.
