The Most Powerful Engine in the Rolls-Royce Lineup

This model is a new series with a body slightly smaller than the current Phantom, measuring 5399mm in length, 1948mm in width, and 1550mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3295mm (the Phantom measures 5835mm in length, 1990mm in width, and 1655mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3570mm).

Despite its smaller body, it is powered by a newly developed 6.6-liter V12 twin-turbo engine producing a remarkable 507 horsepower. This surpasses the Phantom's 6.75-liter V12 engine, which produces 460 horsepower, making it the most powerful in the current Rolls-Royce lineup. Yet, thanks to the joint development with ZF of an 8-speed automatic transmission, fuel efficiency has been improved and CO2 emissions reduced, indicating development that also considers environmental concerns.

As you can see from the photos, the exterior is unmistakably a Rolls-Royce. The leather and wood used in the interior have been meticulously selected from the finest materials. The rear doors, which open outwards in a coach style, exude a luxurious and special atmosphere.

The new model, bearing the traditional Rolls-Royce name 'Ghost', is scheduled to begin production in the latter half of this year, with a potential debut as early as the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.


BRAND HISTORY
Henry Royce and Charles Rolls first met in 1904. Royce Ltd., which was involved in motors and other businesses in the UK, had prototyped an automobile as a new venture. Rolls, having heard of its reputation, visited to test drive the car. Impressed by its excellent finish, Rolls offered to sell the cars Royce was building, marking the beginning of Rolls-Royce.

It was the '40/50HP series', which began production in 1906, that established its name as a luxury car brand. This model, equipped with a six-cylinder engine, would later be known as the 'Silver Ghost'. Its smooth and quiet engine, high reliability as a vehicle, and the fine craftsmanship using high-quality materials earned it significant support from the upper class. The 'Spirit of Ecstasy', known as the Rolls-Royce mascot, also originated during this era.

Subsequently, the company introduced the 'Phantom' in 1929 and acquired the British company Bentley in 1931, proceeding smoothly. Although there was a period during World War II dedicated to aircraft engines, automobile production resumed in 1947. The company produced legendary cars such as the Phantom series, 'Silver Cloud', and 'Silver Shadow'. However, in 1971, the company went bankrupt due to the poor performance of its aircraft engine division. At this time, the aircraft engine division was spun off, and the remaining automotive division was temporarily placed under government control. In 1980, it became a subsidiary of Vickers plc.

Furthermore, in the late 1990s, a bidding war erupted between Volkswagen (VW) and BMW. In the aftermath of the turmoil, the factories and the Bentley brand went to VW, while BMW acquired only the Rolls-Royce name. Then, in 2003, with the Phantom, developed under the new structure, Rolls-Royce embarked on a new chapter in its history.