Rolls-Royce has revealed that its new sub-Phantom saloon will be called Ghost. The announcement was made by Rolls CEO Tom Purves at a press conference held at the Shanghai motor show this morning, and he also teased at other future models that will bear the Ghost name.
Rolls-Royce Ghost? What happended to RR4 and 200EX?
RR4 was just the codename for the ‘baby’ Rolls, as it was the fourth model in the new-generation of cars under BMW ownership (after the Phantom, Phantom DHC and Phantom Coupe). And 200EX is the name of the concept car (pictured right) that was unveield at the Geneva motor show earlier in March – we’ll the the (almost unchanged) production car later this year.
Speaking at the press conference in Shanghai, CEO Tom Purves said: ‘It [Ghost] is one of the most revered names in the automotive industry, evoking images of adventure and technical innovation. The name reflects this new model’s breadth of abilities. The first cars to bear the Ghost name were known not only for impressive dependability and refinement but also great flair and style. This car will be the first in a new generation of models to carry this evocative name and will give us two pinnacle product lines – Phantom and Ghost.’
Rolls-Royce won’t officially confirm anything, but as they plan to produce over 2000 Ghost models every year, company insiders have hinted at a line-up that will mirror the long-wheelbase, coupe and convertible range offered by the Phantom.
Remind me what the technical specifications of the Rolls-Royce Ghost are?
Under that huge bonnet is a turbocharged 6.6-litre V12, developed from the new all-aluminium 6.0-litre recently reveleaed in the BMW 7-series. Rolls won’t reveal the outputs of the new engine, only claiming that it will produce upwards of 500bhp – but the smaller BMW engine produces 536bhp, and 553lb ft from just 1500rpm, so performance from the Ghost should be adequate.
The 6.6-litre engine powers the rear wheels via an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission – there are no more technical details but the same auto will come with stop/start in future BMWs so Rolls may also feature the technology.
Inside there’s seating for four or five (dependant on what options boxes you tick), and there should be plenty of room to lounge about thanks to the 3295mm wheelbase, making it gbigger than even the long-wheelbase new 7-series (at 3210mm).
Production of the Rolls-Royce Ghost will begin at the company’s Goodwood factory later in 2009 and go on sale in the autumn of this year. It is expected to cost around £180,000.
>> Click ‘Add your comment and let us know what you think of the Rolls-Royce Ghost name? Should Rolls have picked something else? What would you call the sub-Phantom saloon?