Rolls-Royce Ghost (2010 – 2020) Review

May 2008

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars revealed the first design sketches of its next new model. Code name Rolls-Royce RR4, the car was launched in 2010 to sit alongside the Phantom model line-up. RR4 is smaller than Phantom and powered by a new engine, unique to Rolls-Royce.

Rolls-Royce 200EX unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show on 3 March 2009 as "Design study for a contemporary four-door saloon and shows the direction for RR4, a new model series from Rolls-Royce due for production in 2010." But actually looks like the completer car, ready for production for which the Goodwood plant has already been geared up.

Car measures 5,399mm long x 1,948mm wide x 1,550mm high.

Brief for Rolls Royce 200EX (Rolls Royce R4) was "to create a modern, lithe and dynamic Rolls-Royce that bears all the hallmarks of the great cars that have gone before it: effortless performance, unparalleled refinement, exquisite quality and confident design."

The exterior of 200EX is finished in Darkest Tungsten, which contrasts with the silver satin finish applied to the bonnet and A-pillar. Seven-spoke, 20-inch wheels complete the visual impact of the exterior.

Within 200EX, Interior Designer Alan Sheppard has accomplished a contemporary atmosphere, incorporating the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars principles of fine materials and peerless comfort. The space is filled with natural light, which brings in a real sense of the outside world. However, substantial doors and a high shoulder line ensure that occupants feel cosseted and protected. In the rear, the intimate ambience of the lounge seat is emphasised by its position behind the C-pillar, heightening the sense of privacy.

Naturally, the finest materials have been used. Elegant, frosted lamps and chrome door handles feature, while details include traditional violin key switches, eyeball air vents, opaque dials and refined instrumentation.

The dashboard has been kept deliberately clear; it is spacious in its design and has an intuitive layout. The controls are neatly sculptured, with more important functions emphasised by accents of chrome. The soft light of the instrument panel glows through the familiar black-rimmed steering wheel, which itself incorporates a number of violin keys as well as an ergonomic roller-ball control.

The interior of 200EX is finished in supple, natural grain Crème Light leather, with Cornsilk carpets and cashmere blend headliner. The featured wood veneer is Santos Palissander, chosen for its contemporary look and striking grain.

200EX TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

No. of doors/seats: 4/5
Vehicle length: 5399mm
Vehicle width 1948mm
Vehicle height: 1550mm
Wheelbase: 3295mm
Engine: new V12
Wheel and tyre size: 20 inch, 255/45 R 20 front and 285/40 R 20 rear

July 2009

Confirmed power and performance figures:
Maximum power 563 bhp / 420 kW / 570 PS @ 5250 rpm
Maximum torque 780 Nm / 575 lb ft @ 1500 rpm
0-60mph in 4.7 seconds / 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds
Top speed of 155 mph / 250 km/h (electronically governed)

January 2014

Ghost V-Specification introduced

The Ghost V-Specification is a limited series of Ghost and Ghost Extended Wheelbase motor cars that will be available for from January to June 2014.

At the heart of the Ghost’s driving experience is its hallmark V12 engine. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes just 4.7 seconds with 80% of power available from idle. This unique powertrain is celebrated with a 30bhp / 22kw power increase on all Ghost V-Specification cars.

Elegantly applied design touches hint at Ghost V-Specification’s inherent dynamism. V-Specification motif coachlines finish the exterior paint-scheme whilst customers can either choose from five specially selected exterior colours, or from Rolls-Royce’s 44,000 hue palette. Optional visible chrome exhausts and 21-inch part-polished wheels add further expression to the car’s dynamic promise.

The V-Specification motif is echoed around the car’s handcrafted interior through engraving to the treadplates, embroidery to the rear armrest and hand-applied steel inlays to the front multimedia screen lid. The interior is completed with an exclusively designed clock with a black crown surrounding the face.