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December 5, 2014
Rolls-Royce Wraith Revealed | Rolls-Royce
Rolls-Royce Wraith | Rolls-Royce Wraith
Wraith Finally Revealed
The new "Wraith," a fastback-styled model said to be the most powerful Rolls-Royce ever, has finally had its details unveiled by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.
Text by SUZUKI Fumihiko (OPENERS)
0-100km/h in 4.6 Seconds
The most powerful and dynamic Rolls-Royce ever, the "Wraith," parts of which have been previewed multiple times, has finally been unveiled by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.
"Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is unveiling the ultimate gentleman's grand tourer, embodying the spirit of Charles Stewart Rolls. The Wraith fulfills the desire for speed and adventure. However, naturally, the starting point is to be the most luxurious, refined, and high-quality vehicle of the modern era, worthy of the Rolls-Royce name."
said Rolls-Royce Motor Cars CEO, Torsten Müller-Ötvös.
The exterior features a fastback design, with the roofline flowing smoothly to the tail immediately catching the eye. However, the recessed "Parthenon grille" and the wide rear strongly evoke the feel of a driver's car. The two-tone body color accentuates the entire vehicle.
And when the traditional "coach doors" are opened, one is greeted by what Rolls-Royce Motor Cars calls "Canadel Panelling" – leather and wood panels evoking the inlets of the South of France or a yacht, described as "Phantom-class" in size, which embrace the interior, particularly the rear seats.
The ceiling features the "Starlight Headliner," a renowned feature also seen in the Ghost, with 1,340 lamps creating a starry sky overhead in the Wraith.
Characterized by its wider rear track, shorter wheelbase, and lower overall height among current Rolls-Royce models, this fastest Rolls-Royce is said to offer drivers unprecedented driving pleasure, not just in appearance but also in performance.
The engine is a V12. It produces a maximum output of 465 kW (624 bhp), surpassing the Ghost's 420 kW (563 bhp). Paired with an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission, it accelerates from 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds, compared to the Ghost's 4.7 seconds, reaching 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds. Its maximum torque of 800 Nm, exceeding the Ghost's 780 Nm, is available from 1,500 rpm.
Furthermore, the suspension has been tuned to minimize roll, and the steering feel adjusts – slightly heavier at high speeds and lighter at low speeds – to provide appropriate feedback to the driver during cornering.
However, Rolls-Royce does not intend to make this a crude sports car. The ultimate ride comfort, like being on a magic carpet, and effortless driving are also values inherited by the Wraith.
To achieve this alongside driving pleasure, the Wraith introduces the "Satellite Aided Transmission" for the first time. This system uses GPS to acquire topographical data of the road ahead and, combined with the current driving style, predicts the future to prepare the optimal gear in advance. Corners, junctions, and roundabouts are all anticipated by the Wraith, allowing the driver to navigate them with optimal performance.
Rolls-Royce, with its keyword of "effortless," has previously incorporated features such as head-up displays, adaptive headlights, and keyless trunk opening. In the Wraith, voice support has been further expanded. For example, by pressing a button on the steering wheel and then stating a destination, the navigation system will begin.
The price in Europe is 245,000 Euros (approximately 29.8 million yen). Detailed global pricing will be finalized within the year. Deliveries are scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2013.

