Rolls-Royce Ghost

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.

Rolls-Royce Ghost
Overview
Manufacturer	Rolls-Royce Motor Cars (BMW)
Production	2009–present
Model years	2010–present
Assembly	United Kingdom: West Sussex, England (Goodwood plant)
Body and chassis
Class	Full-size luxury car (F)
Body style	4-door saloon
Layout	FR (first generation) F4 (second generation)
Doors	Conventional doors (front) Coach Doors (rear)
Chronology
Predecessor	Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph

200EX concept (2009)

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.[1]

First generation

First generation
Overview
Production	2009–2020
Model years	2010–2020
Designer	Andreas Thurner (2006) Charles Coldham (interior)
Body and chassis
Related	BMW 7 Series (F01) Rolls-Royce Wraith Rolls-Royce Dawn
Powertrain
Engine	6.6 L N74B66 V12-T
Transmission	8-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)
Width	1,948 mm (76.7 in)
Height	1,550 mm (61 in)
Kerb weight	2,490 kg (5,490 lb) 2,520 kg (5,560 lb) (Extended Wheelbase)

Initial release

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.[2][3] Delivery in the UK and Europe began late in 2009, while in other markets (including the USA and Asia Pacific region) deliveries began from the second quarter 2010.[4] The Ghost Extended Wheelbase was unveiled in 2011.[5]

Design

The Ghost was designed by Andreas Thurner and engineered by Helmut Riedl, who led the development of the larger Rolls-Royce Phantom.[6][7] 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.[8] 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.[9] The car has a curb weight of 5,445 lb (2,470 kg).[9]

Like other current Rolls-Royce models, the Ghost uses parent company BMW's iDrive user interface; the Spirit of Ecstasy bonnet ornament along with more functions, are controlled using the system.[10]

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.”

Engines

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

Petrol engines[11]

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

All models include ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox.[12]

Performance

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).[13]

Manufacturing

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]

Engines

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)?

Ghost Series II (2014-2020)

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]

Engines

Petrol engines[16][17][18][19]

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

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)

Gallery

Series I

• 
  Front
• 
  Rear

Series II

• 
  Front
• 
  Rear
• 
  Black Badge, front
• 
  Black Badge, rear
• 
  Black Badge, interior

Second generation

Second generation
Overview
Production	2020–present
Model years	2021–present
Designer	Henry Cloke[20]
Body and chassis
Platform	Architecture of Luxury
Related	Rolls-Royce Phantom VIII Rolls-Royce Cullinan
Powertrain
Engine	6.75 L N74B68 twin-turbocharged V12 (petrol)
Transmission	8-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)
Width	1,979 mm (77.9 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. This model will share 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 will also generate significant weight savings. The model was fully revealed on 1 September 2020.[20]

The long version is less than 1% shorter than the Phantom.

See also

• Rolls-Royce 100EX a one-off V16 convertible celebrating RR's 100th birthday
• Rolls-Royce 101EX, aka the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupé (the production hardtop version of the 100EX)
• Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé, also based heavily on the 100EX
• Rolls-Royce Wraith, a Rolls-Royce motor car based on a coupé version of the Ghost

References

1. "Rolls-Royce Ghost V-Spec (2014) first official pictures". CAR Magazine. Retrieved 9 March 2019.
2. "ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS NAMES RR4". Retrieved 9 March 2019.
3. "ROLLS-ROYCE TO UNVEIL GHOST AT FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW". Retrieved 9 March 2019.
4. "ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS CONFIRMS GHOST FIGURES". Retrieved 9 March 2019.
5. "ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS AT AUTO SHANGHAI 2011". Retrieved 9 March 2019.
6. Steve Cropley (19 February 2009). "Rolls-Royce 200EX: full details". Autocar. Retrieved 2 May 2009.
7. "Editions - Contributors Andreas Thurner". Retrieved 9 March 2019.
8. Sam Hardy (February 2009). "Rolls Royce 200EX revealed". Auto Express.
9. 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
10. 2011 Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé -- Car Tour, YouTube.com, 24 July 2011, Accessed 2 August 2011.
11. 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.
12. "CONFIRMED: Rolls-Royce RR4 getting 500+HP turbo V12, 8-speed gearbox". Autoblog. Retrieved 9 March 2019.
13. "Rolls Royce Ghost Unveiled at Frankfurt Motor Show". Automoblog.net.
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. GHOST Technical specification (PDF), Rolls Royce motor cars.
17. GHOST EXTENDED WHEELBASE Technical specification (PDF), Rolls Royce motor cars.
18. Ghost Black Badge Technical specification (PDF), Rolls Royce motor cars.
19. GHOST SERIES II PRESS KIT, Rolls Royce motor cars.
20. "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.

External links

• Official website