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Rolls-Royce Ghost

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For the luxury car produced by Rolls-Royce Limited in the early 1900s, see Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost.

Rolls-Royce Ghost
Overview
ManufacturerRolls-Royce Motor Cars
Production2009–present
Model years2010–present
AssemblyUnited Kingdom: West Sussex, England (Goodwood plant)
DesignerHenry Cloke[1]
Body and chassis
ClassFull-size luxury car (F)
Ultra-luxury car
Body style4-door saloon
Layout
  • FR (first generation)
  • F4 (second generation)
DoorsConventional doors (front)
Coach Doors (rear)
Chronology
PredecessorRolls-Royce Silver Seraph

The Rolls-Royce Ghost is a full-sized luxury car manufactured by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. The "Ghost" nameplate, named in honour of the Silver Ghost, a car first produced in 1906, was announced in April 2009 at the Auto Shanghai show. The production model was officially unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. The Ghost Extended Wheelbase was introduced in 2011. During development, the Ghost was known as the "RR04". It was designed as a smaller, "more measured, more realistic car" than the Phantom, aiming for a lower price category for Rolls-Royce models.

According to a statement by BMW AG, this generation of automobile, with an internal combustion engine, is to be produced until 2030, at which point the company intends to manufacture electric models only.[2]

200EX concept (2009)

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Rolls-Royce 200EX concept.

The Rolls-Royce 200EX, officially unveiled at the March 2009 Geneva Motor Show, indicated the styling direction of the production model Ghost. The Ghost's design is virtually unaltered.[3]

First generation

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First generation
Overview
ProductionSeptember 2009 – 2020
Model years2010–2020
Designer
  • Andreas Thurner (2006)
  • Charles Coldham (interior)
Body and chassis
PlatformBMW L6[4]
Related
Powertrain
Engine6.6 L N74B66 V12-T
Transmission8-speed 8HP90 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase
  • 3,295 mm (129.7 in)
  • 3,465 mm (136.4 in) (Extended Wheelbase)
Length
  • 5,399 mm (212.6 in)
  • 5,569 mm (219.3 in) (Extended Wheelbase)
Width1,948 mm (76.7 in)
Height1,550 mm (61 in)
Kerb weight
  • 2,490 kg (5,490 lb)
  • 2,520 kg (5,560 lb) (Extended Wheelbase)

The official name of the Rolls-Royce Ghost was originally announced in April 2009, the vehicle was officially unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, and went on sale in September 2009.[5][6] Delivery in the UK and Europe began late in 2009, while in other markets (including the US and Asia Pacific region) deliveries began from the second quarter 2010.[7] The Ghost Extended Wheelbase was unveiled in 2011.[8]

Ghost Series I (2009–2014)

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The Ghost was designed by Andreas Thurner and Charles Coldham and engineered by Helmut Riedl, who led the development of the larger Rolls-Royce Phantom.[9][10] The Ghost, codenamed RR04 during its design phase, was developed to compete with vehicles significantly less expensive than the Phantom, such as the Bentley Flying Spur and V12 engine versions of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

The Ghost is based on a platform shared with the F01 BMW 7 Series.[11] The company concedes that 20% of parts are common to both cars. The Ghost has a 129.7-inch (3,290 mm) wheelbase, roof height, bonnet height and track widths all of its own, and the Ghost uses Phantom-style air springs. The car also shares the FlexRay electronic system with its larger stablemate.[12] The car has a kerb weight of 5,445 lb (2,470 kg).[12] The Ghost's platform in turn is used for the Wraith grand tourer and Dawn convertible.

Like other current Rolls-Royce models, the Ghost uses parent company BMW's iDrive user interface; the Spirit of Ecstasy bonnet mascot along with more functions, are controlled using the system.[13] The Rolls-Royce Ghost is built on its own dedicated production line at the Goodwood plant, sharing paint, wood and leather workshops with the Phantom series.[14]

Torsten Müller-Ötvös, chief executive officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said of the company's new design chief, “He [Kabaň] is an exceptionally talented designer with a strong track record and a wide breadth of ability. It is testament to the success of our business that, as the world’s leading luxury house, we are able to attract the world’s very best design talent. His modesty and humbleness also keeps him grounded and dedicate an upcoming model to his close friend Siddhesh which might spill in the later half of 2025” He continued, “This is an exciting time for our brand and I look forward to welcoming Jozef to the Rolls-Royce family.”

Ghost Series II (2014–2020)

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Interior

Rolls-Royce introduced the updated Series II Ghost at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show.

Visual changes over the Series I Ghost include re-sculpted headlights, and unbroken daytime running lights. The Series II also gained a tapered 'wake channel' on the bonnet, emanating from the Spirit of Ecstasy's wings. Chrome inserts were added to the front air intakes, which had been enlarged so as to feed more cooling air to the front brakes. The bumpers were also subtly revised, while the side character line Rolls-Royce calls a "waft line" was slanted further forward. New alloy wheel and colour options were also offered. Like the 2009 Ghost, the 2014 Ghost Series II was designed by Andreas Thurner.

On the inside, Rolls-Royce fitted redesigned front seats, and reangled the rear seats so as to allow for easier communication with other passengers. The clock fascia and instrument dials gained polished metal chaplets that evoke premium watch design. Natural grain leather could now be fitted to the A and C pillars, and two new veneers became available.

Technical modifications include redesigned front and rear struts coupled to new steering gear, as well as adjusted dampers and new rear hydraulic axle bearings. The Series II also gained advanced LED headlights. With the Series II Rolls-Royce also offers a "Dynamic Driving Package" that they claim offers a more involving driving experience. "Satellite Aided Transmission" technology was added to all Ghosts, which utilises GPS data, as well as analysing the driving style of the driver, to select the most appropriate gear.[15]

Series II Black Badge

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The Rolls-Royce Ghost Black badge is a high performance variant of the Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II.

The Rolls-Royce Ghost black badge differs from the regular model as it has its exterior features coloured black such as the Spirit of Ecstasy and the exhaust system which are coloured silver in the Standard model. The car is also equipped with the unique Black Badge rim system.

The car has a 6.6-litre V12 engine which delivers a maximum power of 603 hp (450 kW) at 5,250 rpm and a maximum torque of 620 lb⋅ft (841 N⋅m) at 1,650 – 5,000 rpm. The car can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.8 s and has a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). Its power-to-weight ratio is 176.3 W/kg.[16]

The current Rolls-Royce Black Badge lineup includes the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, Wraith and the Dawn Black Badge cars.[17]

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Series I

  • Front
    Front
  • Rear
    Rear

Series II

  • Front
    Front
  • Rear
    Rear
  • Black Badge, front
    Black Badge, front
  • Black Badge, rear
    Black Badge, rear
  • Black Badge, interior
    Black Badge, interior
  • Rolls-Royce Ghost Zenith Edition (limited to 50 units)
    Rolls-Royce Ghost Zenith Edition (limited to 50 units)

Second generation

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Second generation
Overview
Production2020–present
Model years2021–present
DesignerHenry Cloke[1]
Body and chassis
PlatformArchitecture of Luxury
Related
Powertrain
Engine6.75 L N74B68 twin-turbocharged V12 (petrol)
Transmission8-speed 8HP90 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase
  • 3,295 mm (129.7 in)
  • 3,465 mm (136.4 in) (Extended Wheelbase)
Length
  • 5,545 mm (218.3 in)
  • 5,715 mm (225.0 in) (Extended Wheelbase)
Width1,979 mm (77.9 in)
Height1,550–1,552 mm (61.0–61.1 in)
Kerb weight
  • 2,553 kg (5,628 lb)
    2,599.1 kg (5,730 lb) (Extended Wheelbase)

The next-generation Ghost was spied testing for the first time on 24 January 2019 with a long-awaited update. The model was fully revealed on 1 September 2020.[1] Unlike the first generation, this car shares the same platform as the eighth-generation Phantom and the Cullinan SUV.

The latest Ghost iteration features all-wheel drive, all-wheel steering, a so-called "Planar" suspension and a new illuminated grille. The "Planar" suspension incorporates additional dampers and mass designed to address high-frequency vibrations. The illuminated grille, the first of its type to appear on a Rolls-Royce, features spokes illuminated by lights housed within the top triangular portion of the traditionally shaped grille.

Unlike its predecessor the new Ghost features the Rolls-Royce "Starlight headliner" in the interior which was previously limited to only the Phantom cars starting from the special edition of the Rolls-Royce Phantom (seventh generation), the Phantom Celestial. The Interior is also claimed to be more detailed than of its predecessor's.[18]

The new Ghost, with its new Interior and exterior features, is priced from US$311,900 upwards.[18]

  • Rear view
    Rear view
  • Interior
    Interior

Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended Wheelbase

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The Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended or the Ghost Extended Wheel Base (EWB) is a longer version of the Ghost which is less than 1% shorter than the standard-length Phantom, with most of the changes being to the enlarged rear seating area.

The exterior design is identical to the standard version but there are a few differences such as the illuminated Parthenon grille.

The car's interior features the iconic Rolls-Royce "Starlight headliner" made using LEDs and fibre optics which is used to give an impression of a night sky with stars. The version equipped on the Ghost extended also has shooting stars made by fibre optics along with the other features.[19]

The car's price has been estimated as US$345,900 which makes it less expensive than the Phantom and more than the Standard version.[20]

  • EWB, front view
    EWB, front view
  • EWB, rear view
    EWB, rear view

Rolls-Royce Ghost Black Badge

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The Rolls-Royce Ghost Black badge is a high performance variant of the Rolls-Royce Ghost Second Generation. It was unveiled in October 2021. It differs from the standard model by appearance due to black colour detailing.

It shares the same 6.75-litre V-12 of the standard model and its all-wheel-drive chassis. But the engine has been tuned to produce 592 hp (441 kW; 600 PS). It also returns an estimated 14 mpg‑US (17 L/100 km; 17 mpg‑imp). It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) in 4.2 seconds and to 100 mph (160 km/h) in 10.3 seconds. It has a top speed of 155 mph (249 km/h).

It is currently priced at $442,700 (base).[21]

  • 2022 Ghost Black Badge front view
    2022 Ghost Black Badge front view
  • Rolls-Royce Ghost Black Badge 6.75 l. V12
    Rolls-Royce Ghost Black Badge 6.75 l. V12

Specifications

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First generation

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Engines

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The Rolls-Royce Ghost features a modified version of the BMW N74 V12 engine, called the N74B66.

Petrol engines[22]
Model Years Type/code Power@rpm, torque@rpm
Ghost 2009– 6,592 cc (402.3 cu in) V12 twin turbo (N74B66) 570 PS (419 kW; 562 hp)@5250, 780 N⋅m (575 lb⋅ft)@1500
Ghost Extended Wheelbase 2011– 6,592 cc (402.3 cu in) V12 twin turbo (N74B66) 570 PS (419 kW; 562 hp)@5250, 780 N⋅m (575 lb⋅ft)@1500

Transmissions

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All models include ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox.[23]

Performance

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The engine allows the Ghost to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 4.7 seconds, and has an electronically limited top speed of 155.3 mph (250 km/h).[24]

2013 model year update

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Engines

[edit]
Petrol engines
Model Years Type/code Power@rpm, torque@rpm
Ghost 2012–2020 6,592 cc (402.3 cu in) V12 twin turbo (N74B66) 570 PS (419 kW; 562 hp)@5250, 780 N⋅m (575 lb⋅ft)@1500
Ghost Extended Wheelbase 2012–2020 6,592 cc (402.3 cu in) V12 twin turbo (N74B66) 570 PS (419 kW; 562 hp)@5250, 780 N⋅m (575 lb⋅ft)@1500
Ghost V-Specification 2014 6,592 cc (402.3 cu in) V12 twin turbo (N74B66) 600 PS (441 kW; 592 hp)@?, 780 N⋅m (575 lb⋅ft)?
Ghost Extended Wheelbase V-Specification 2014 6,592 cc (402.3 cu in) V12 twin turbo (N74B66) 600 PS (441 kW; 592 hp)@?, 780 N⋅m (575 lb⋅ft)?

2014 model year update

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Engines

[edit]
Petrol engines[25][26][27][28]
Model Years Type/code Power@rpm, torque@rpm
Ghost (780Nm) 2014–2020 6,592 cc (402.3 cu in) V12 twin turbo (N74B66) 570 PS (419 kW; 562 hp)@5250, 780 N⋅m (575 lb⋅ft)@1500
Ghost Extended Wheelbase (780Nm) 2014–2020 6,592 cc (402.3 cu in) V12 twin turbo (N74B66) 570 PS (419 kW; 562 hp)@5250, 780 N⋅m (575 lb⋅ft)@1500
Ghost (820Nm) 2016–2020 6,592 cc (402.3 cu in) V12 twin turbo (N74B66) 570 PS (419 kW; 562 hp)@5250, 820 N⋅m (605 lb⋅ft)@1500
Ghost Extended Wheelbase (820Nm) 2016–2020 6,592 cc (402.3 cu in) V12 twin turbo (N74B66) 570 PS (419 kW; 562 hp)@5250, 820 N⋅m (605 lb⋅ft)@1500
Ghost Black Badge 2016–2020 6,592 cc (402.3 cu in) V12 twin turbo (N74B66) 612 PS (450 kW; 604 hp)@5250, 840 N⋅m (620 lb⋅ft)@1650–5000

Transmissions

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Petrol engines
Model Years Type/code
Ghost (780Nm) 2014–2020 8-speed automatic (ZF 8HP90)
Ghost Extended Wheelbase (780Nm) 2014–2020 8-speed automatic (ZF 8HP90)
Ghost (820Nm) 2016–2020 8-speed automatic (ZF 8HP95)
Ghost Extended Wheelbase (820Nm) 2016–2020 8-speed automatic (ZF 8HP95)
Ghost Black Badge 2016–2020 8-speed automatic (ZF 8HPG95)

Second generation

[edit]

Platform

[edit]

This car shares the same platform as the Phantom VIII and the Cullinan SUV with its "Architecture of Luxury" (A.O.L) aluminium spaceframe chassis moving on from the BMW platform that the Ghost was on for Series I and II, creating a more comfortable ride quality for future Rolls-Royce models, which is what Rolls-Royce as a car brand is renowned for. The new spaceframe also generates significant weight savings.

Engines and transmission

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Model Years Engine type Power@rpm, torque@rpm Fuel economy and emissions Transmission
Ghost 2020– 6.75-liter V12 engine 563 hp (420 kW; 571 PS)@5250, 627 lb⋅ft (850 N⋅m)@1600 rpm NEDC (combined): CO2 emission: 343 g/km; fuel consumption: 18.8 mpg‑imp (15.0 L/100 km; 15.7 mpg‑US)

WLTP (combined): CO2 emission: 347-358 g/km; fuel consumption: 18–18.6 mpg‑imp (15.7–15.2 L/100 km; 15.0–15.5 mpg‑US)

8-speed automatic
Ghost Extended Wheelbase 2021– 6.75-liter V12 engine 563 hp (420 kW; 571 PS) 850 N⋅m (627 lb⋅ft)@1600rpm NEDC (combined): CO2 emission: 343 g/km; fuel consumption: 18.8 mpg‑imp (15.0 L/100 km; 15.7 mpg‑US)

WLTP (combined): CO2 emission: 348-359 g/km; fuel consumption: 18–18.5 mpg‑imp (15.7–15.3 L/100 km; 15.0–15.4 mpg‑US)

8-speed automatic

Performance

[edit]

The car's V12 engine makes it capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 4.3 seconds and from 0 to 100 miles per hour (160 km/h) in 10.4 seconds. This car has a top speed of 155 miles per hour (249 km/h) and can drive 1⁄4 mile (0.40 km) in 12.7 seconds.[29]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c "Post Opulence: Rolls-Royce Reveals the Super-Luxury Consumer Insights That Informed New Ghost". Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. 28 July 2020. Retrieved 7 October 2020.
  2. ^ "Rolls-Royce Will be BMW Group's Second All-Electric Brand". 30 September 2021.
  3. ^ "Rolls-Royce Ghost V-Spec (2014) first official pictures". CAR Magazine. Retrieved 9 March 2019.[permanent dead link‍]
  4. ^ https://www.sae.org/images/books/toc_pdfs/MRSB172.pdf [bare URL PDF]
  5. ^ "ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS NAMES RR4". Retrieved 9 March 2019.[permanent dead link‍]
  6. ^ "ROLLS-ROYCE TO UNVEIL GHOST AT FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW". Retrieved 9 March 2019.[permanent dead link‍]
  7. ^ "ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS CONFIRMS GHOST FIGURES". Retrieved 9 March 2019.[permanent dead link‍]
  8. ^ "ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS AT AUTO SHANGHAI 2011". Retrieved 9 March 2019.[permanent dead link‍]
  9. ^ Cropley, Steve (19 February 2009). "Rolls-Royce 200EX: full details". Autocar. Retrieved 2 May 2009.
  10. ^ "Editions – Contributors Andreas Thurner". Retrieved 9 March 2019.
  11. ^ Hardy, Sam (February 2009). "Rolls Royce 200EX revealed". Auto Express.
  12. ^ a b Rolls-Royce Builds a Real Car: High-tech BMW underpinnings meet classic English cosseting in the new Ghost. Got $245,000? The Wall Street Journal
  13. ^ 2011 Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé – Car Tour, YouTube.com, 24 July 2011, Accessed 2 August 2011.
  14. ^ "Shanghai 2009: Rolls-Royce ditches RR4 for Ghost nameplate". Autoblog. Retrieved 9 March 2019.
  15. ^ "GHOST SERIES II PRESS KIT". www.press.rolls-roycemotorcars.com. Retrieved 24 April 2017.
  16. ^ "2020 Rolls-Royce Ghost Black Badge Specifications". The Car Guide. Retrieved 14 August 2021.
  17. ^ "Discover Black Badge". www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com. Retrieved 14 August 2021.
  18. ^ a b "Ghost - In Detail". www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com. Retrieved 10 August 2021.
  19. ^ "Ghost Extended - In Detail". www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com. Retrieved 10 August 2021.
  20. ^ "2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended Sedan Price, Review, Ratings and Pictures | CarIndigo.com". www.carindigo.com. Retrieved 10 August 2021.
  21. ^ Hoffman, Connor (28 October 2021). "2022 Rolls-Royce Ghost Gets Lavish Black Badge Model". Car and Driver. Retrieved 15 May 2022.
  22. ^ DeLorenzo, Matt (March 2010). "Rolls-Royce Ghost: The spirit moves you". Road & Track. 61 (7): 30. Archived from the original on 23 January 2010. Retrieved 30 January 2010.
  23. ^ "CONFIRMED: Rolls-Royce RR4 getting 500+HP turbo V12, 8-speed gearbox". Autoblog. Retrieved 9 March 2019.
  24. ^ "Rolls Royce Ghost Unveiled at Frankfurt Motor Show". Automoblog.net.
  25. ^ GHOST Technical specification (PDF), Rolls-Royce motor cars.
  26. ^ GHOST EXTENDED WHEELBASE Technical specification (PDF), Rolls-Royce motor cars.
  27. ^ Ghost Black Badge Technical specification (PDF), Rolls-Royce motor cars.
  28. ^ GHOST SERIES II PRESS KIT, Rolls-Royce motor cars.
  29. ^ Dorian, Drew (1 September 2020). "2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost Review, Pricing, and Specs". Car and Driver. Retrieved 10 August 2021.
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