400mm Shorter Than the Phantom

The new Rolls-Royce "Ghost" is a four-door sedan powered by a high-performance 570-horsepower V12 engine. "It masterfully harmonizes a sophisticated modernity within an unpretentious atmosphere, significantly broadening the appeal of Rolls-Royce," stated Colin Kelly, Regional Director for Asia Pacific at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, to reporters at the launch event.

The Ghost's engine is a newly developed 6.6-liter V12 twin-turbocharged unit, producing a maximum output of 570 ps and 780 Nm of torque. It is paired with a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission and drives the rear wheels. With a generous wheelbase of 3295mm, the monocoque body measures 5399mm in length, 1949mm in width, and 1550mm in height. This makes it 400mm shorter than the Phantom. The rear doors, which Rolls-Royce calls "coach doors," feature rear-hinged opening for a wide 83-degree aperture.

The car features an air suspension system on all four wheels. For instance, the dampers perform calculations every 2.5 milliseconds to achieve an optimal balance between ride comfort and handling. Furthermore, the sensors are finely tuned to "detect even lateral movement of rear-seat occupants and adjust the front, rear, and side suspension accordingly," according to Rolls-Royce's press materials.

Abundant Safety Features, Like Those in Japanese Luxury Cars

Electronic controls are also employed to enhance safety features. These include a night vision system for safer nighttime driving, a system that displays a bird's-eye view of the car's position for easier parallel parking, a system that detects approaching vehicles from the sides at intersections, and a system that warns the driver of unintentional lane departures. The vehicle is equipped with a wealth of features, reminiscent of Japanese luxury cars.

The Ghost's appeal also lies in its combination of advanced technology and traditional design elements. The interior is crafted from high-quality leather and wood, with chrome switchgear in the traditional Rolls-Royce "violin peg" style serving as visual accents, lending a sense of warmth. Meanwhile, the cabin is noted for its exceptional quietness, along with a four-zone climate control system and a 600-watt audio system utilizing 16 speakers, highlighting its superior comfort.

At the press conference, Brenda Peck, General Manager for South & East Asia Pacific, who accompanied Mr. Kelly, stated, "(With the introduction of the Ghost,) we will be developing two model lines." Until now, Rolls-Royce in Japan had only offered the Phantom series. Considering that the basic grade of the Phantom starts at 47.25 million yen, the Ghost, priced at 29 million yen, represents a considerably more accessible option.

Henry Royce and Charles Rolls first met in 1904. Rolls, having heard of Royce's new venture into automobile prototyping, visited the company, which was involved in motors and other businesses in Britain. Impressed by the quality of the car, Rolls offered to sell the vehicles Royce was producing, marking the beginning of Rolls-Royce.

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

The company continued its progress, introducing the "Phantom" in 1929 and acquiring the British marque Bentley in 1931. Although it focused on aircraft engines during World War II, it resumed automobile production in 1947, creating legendary models such as the Phantom series, "Silver Cloud," and "Silver Shadow." However, the company faced bankruptcy in 1971 due to the struggles of its aircraft engine division. 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.

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