Meet the New Rolls-Royce Ghost - VIDEO STORY

Ghost is the essence of Rolls-Royce in its simplest, purest form.

LONDON - March 1, 2010: The classic Rolls-Royce proportions are all present and correct: the ideal 2:1 ratio of the height of the wheels to the height of the body; the long wheelbase and bonnet; the short overhang at the front and the long overhang at the rear.

Indeed, our Chief Designer has his own unique way of describing Ghost. “Ghost is more like a well-tailored jacket than a formal suit. Its powerful presence and proportions leave you in no doubt that it’s cut from the same cloth as the rest of the marque.”

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In our opinion, it sums up perfectly what we set out to achieve.

The first time you push the start button and press the accelerator, you will be astonished by the lack of noise from the engine.

Then by how whisper-quiet Ghost remains – no matter how hard you push it.

The airsprings, electronically controlled dampers and Anti-Roll Stabilisation take multiple readings from sensors around the car and continually adjust the suspension accordingly. This ensures the car stays level at all times, even when travelling flat out along uneven road surfaces.

Not only does this make for a more dynamic and less tiring ride for the driver, it also improves ride comfort for the passengers.

More importantly, it helps create the magic carpet-like ride Rolls-Royce is famous for.

Ghost will effortlessly propel you from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.9 seconds.*

While this figure is impressive in its own right, what separates Ghost from other performance cars is how gracefully and smoothly its new twin turbo 6.6-litre V12 engine delivers a seemingly endless surge of power.

This is hardly surprising considering a maximum torque of 780 Nm (575 lb ft) is available from as low as 1,500 rpm. Or that it’s capable of generating 563 bhp (420 kW / 570 PS).

What is surprising though, is the impression the eight-speed automatic ZF gearbox gives of having an infinite first gear. And the feeling of utter exhilaration that only a beaming smile can truly express.

*US A version 5.0 seconds.

Ghost isn’t just designed to accelerate in the shortest possible time. It’s also engineered to stop in the shortest possible distance, and with the least amount of drama.

You can brake with confidence through turns or on winding roads thanks to the Dynamic Stability Control.

Ghost can even detect when you intend to apply the brakes. If you lift your foot from the accelerator quickly, it will prime the brakes with extra pressure.

Then when you press the brake pedal it will apply extra force, enabling you to bring the car to a sudden and safe standstill.

Entering and exiting Ghost is equally graceful. Its low sill height means you step effortlessly on to, rather than climb into, the car. While the rear-hinged coach doors, which open to an unrivalled 83 degrees, add an extra sense of theatre for the rear passengers.

Once inside, you are greeted by a contemporary interior with large expanses of soft full-grain leather, natural wood veneers and deep 100% wool Blenheim carpets. The cashmere-blend roof lining adds to the sense of openness and space. So too does the optional panorama sunroof.

The overall impression is of being cocooned in your own private sanctuary from the outside world.

Our guiding principle of simplicity is immediately evident when you settle into the driver’s seat.

Even though Ghost is the most technologically advanced Rolls-Royce we have ever produced, you aren’t confronted by rows of switches or banks of buttons.

Instead the veneered dashboard remains clear and uncluttered. Only those controls needed for everyday driving are present. Secondary controls are discreetly hidden until required, and situated where you can operate them without a second thought.

Another classic Rolls-Royce characteristic is the authority driving position, which gives you a commanding view of the road. While the precise alignment of the steering wheel, accelerator and brake pedals with the centre of your seat reduces fatigue on long trips.

As a result, Ghost is both effortless and enjoyable to drive at all times.