There may be a perspective that things do not move as fast in the world of luxury cars, as in other sectors of motoring. Perhaps the more measured pace of true craftsmanship is a little less rushed, but then the level of engineering is that much more refined. It is said, after all, that the best things come to those who wait. This may certainly be the situation in the case of the new Rolls Royce Ghost, just released.
The developments in this latest iteration of the modern classic are, after all, concerned with style and comfort, rather than speed. The Rolls Royce has had 170mm added to its wheelbase in the form of the Ghost Extended Wheel Base.
Auto Express reported from the Shanghai Motor Show on the Rolls Royce Ghost Long Wheel Base. This is a longer, more spacious version of the current car. The Ghost is already recognised for its long wheelbase and bonnet, which, when combined with the short overhang forward of the front of the front axle and longer overhang behind the rear axle provide the omnipresent Rolls Royce profile.
One can scarcely believe that the comfort of the Ghost could be improved. However, it is claimed that this development more than doubles the rear legroom of the Ghost ‘short’ wheel base. Amazingly however, the Extended Wheel Base remains shorter than the Phantom. The Long Wheel Base will be 5569mm long, and yet the Phantom exceeds at 5834mm, with its stretched version a staggering six metres plus.
It would seem that Rolls Royce do however know what they are doing. Despite today’s economic climate, they appear to be one company enjoying the ride. In the first three months of this year, sales are 160% higher than last year. With the Ghost Extended Wheel Base, the car’s sales should be a likely contributor to further market penetration.
The additional knee room is on top of a blend of luxury that only Rolls Royce can provide. Four passengers can easily enjoy the cabin with a panoramic sunroof. New options to maximise comfort include a coolbox inclusive of champagne flutes, a rear privacy telephone, and Rolls-Royce emblazoned headrests. Interior detailing embraces style with stained black ash wood with stainless steel pinstripes, contrast stitching,
Under the engine of the Long Wheel Base Ghost, a traditional Rolls Royce 6.6 litre twin turbocharged V12 powerhouse provides the car with 555bhp and 575lb ft at just 1500rpm. This means that the Ghost Extended Wheel Base accelerates from standing to 62mph in just five seconds.
The Ghost Long Wheel Base will only be built to order and production will start later this year. It is anticipated that many of these cars will see the roads around Shanghai in real life. Rolls Royce’ dealers in Beijing and Shanghai showed the strongest sales across the world, so it is no surprise that the Extended Wheel Base Ghost was unveiled at the Shanghai Motor Show.
Car magazine reports that more Centenary Collection special edition cars were sold to customers in China. Indeed, two Spirit of Ecstasy Centenary Collection cars were specially commissioned for the Shanghai Motor Show to celebrate 100 years of the Spirit of Ecstasy. Furthermore, a specially-commissioned China Edition bespoke Ghost was showcased. The China Edition Ghost features a red interior, gold twin-coachlines, gold-plated Spirit of Ecstasy and stainless steel pinstripes, and is available for select Chinese customers to order. Three new colours, silver and gold packages, coachlines and inlays have also been developed for the Chinese market.