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When first launched in 2009, the Ghost opened doors to a new type of buyer for Rolls-Royce, where they were younger and keener to sit behind the wheel themselves rather than being chauffeured around. Hence, it remains a driver-focused Rolls-Royce with its silky smooth V12 and is one of the last sedans available with such an alluring powertrain configuration.
The British luxury carmaker has heavily updated the model and brought it closer to its siblings, along with subtle equipment changes. However, at the heart, it continues to have a 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine, which delivers maximum torque from just 1600 rpm and its 8-speed automatic gearbox is tasked with having the demeanour of an obedient butler.
This means its satellite-aided transmission uses GPS data to select the optimum gear for exiting a corner depending on the curvature. It also works in conjunction with the ”Flagbearer System, which uses cameras to read the road ahead and prepare the suspension for any changes in the road surface.
Hence, the new Ghost Series II adheres to the ‘magic carpet ride’ philosophy governing Rolls-Royce cars. As a result, the new Ghost will continue to have the ‘waft ability’ like its predecessors yet possess a more dynamic driving experience than its more imperious Phantom elder brother. Meanwhile, The Black Badge version has all-wheel steering, a slightly sportier tuned suspension, and more power.
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Visually, it merges neatly into the new Monolithic design language, as seen with the new Cullinan, which has slimmer headlamps that slightly curve upwards along with new DRLs. Plus, the new bumper looks more subtle. Elsewhere, the design retains its simple yet authoritative persona with clean yet muscular character lines, plus a choice of new wheels, including two new 22-inch, 9-spoke wheel designs. Meanwhile, the rear styling gets new tail lights inspired by the Spectre.
“Ghost Series II represents the fundamental tenets of Rolls-Royce — serenity, effortlessness, and elegance — distilled into an expressive, monolithic form. Our clients asked for a design that would provide a stage for their Bespoke colour and material choices, whether quiet and restrained or bold and expressive. In line with their requirements, Ghost Series II is characterised by meaningful refinements that enhance the motor car’s standing as a potent canvas for creativity.” said Juliane Blasi, Head of Exterior Design, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
In terms of its exterior colour palette, Rolls-Royce has added a new one called ‘Mustique Blue’, named after a Caribbean island and contains glass and mica flakes with a metallic finish. This colour also refers to one of the earliest driver-focused Rolls-Royces – a lightweight 1929 Phantom II Continental prototype finished in a similar colour scheme.
Step inside and the cabin is decked up with the latest technology upgrades while keeping the cabin design unfussy. Of course, the new Spirit infotainment system is appearing here. It is housed in a new pillar-to-pillar glass panel.
Buyers can even customise the digital instrument dials to match their interior colour or the exterior paint scheme. Spirit also includes the Whispers app, which lets owners view the location of their car to remote locking. Rear seat passengers can also connect two streaming devices to the rear screens, allowing them to stream independently on each screen. Other highlights include an updated 18-speaker audio system with a 1400-watt amplifier. Bespoke options here include two ‘speakerless’ exciters placed inside the Headliner.
Of course, it is not Rolls-Royce if it does not come with new indulgent cabin materials, and here, the new Ghost Series II has a new interior material named Grey-Stained Ash, plus a new textile-based rayon fabric. For buyers who are keen to be chauffeured around, the Ghost Extended Series II now has 170mm more space at the back and the option of a recline seating configuration for the complete private aircraft experience.
“Ghost is renowned as a uniquely expressive, agile, and self-assured representation of the Rolls-Royce brand. At our client’s request, this new Series II iteration remains faithful to these principles, incorporating a potent and uncompromising engine and the essential potential for Bespoke. Meaningful exterior and material updates make an even more expressive and impactful statement. This new generation of Ghost also has extraordinary handling capabilities based on several advanced chassis innovations.”
“This secures Ghost Series II’s status as the most technologically advanced and driver-focused V12 Rolls-Royce ever created — a side of Ghost’s character that our clients increasingly and enthusiastically embrace,” said Chris Brownridge, Chief Executive, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.
While pricing has not been revealed, expect to pay a lot more than the current Ghost, but again, for its intended clientele, that’s hardly an inconvenience. Along with the Cullinan, the Ghost remains one of the brand’s key sellers, and the new version further ramps up its luxury quotient—albeit subtly.
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