Although Rolls-Royce does not worry about its competition or seeks to be at the cutting edge of all sorts of trends, you’d be surprised to learn that it is a carmaker and a brand that evolves to stay relevant.
Case in point: The Ghost Series II, which you see here, arrives four years after the current-generation model’s debut. One could argue that this car didn’t need updating, but Rolls-Royce’s dedication to excellence and refinement resulted in a substantial update to the Ghost model.
The Ghost Series II has been ‘modernised’. Even from afar, you’ll notice the slimmer LED headlights and a redesigned Pantheon grille that give the car a more dynamic mien. The Spirit of Ecstasy now has a “floating” plinth, and the tail-lights have been updated as well.
All these changes reflect the carmaker’s “Monolithic Verticality” design philosophy, which is also seen in Rolls-Royce’s other models.
A NEW COCOON
Inside, the Ghost Series II continues to set the benchmark when it comes to modern luxury. Clients can look forward to new artisanal materials such as the open-pore Grey Stained Ash wood, which is infused with microscopic metallic particles that allows it to “shimmer”. It is of course, also stained by hand.
Meanwhile, a spotlight shines upon the figurine in the Spirit of Ecstasy Clock Cabinet when the doors are opened, drawing your gaze as the light reflects off the mirror finish. The illumination soon becomes a soft glow, though. Such little touches are what make a Rolls-Royce a Rolls-Royce.
What remains constant, however, is the twin-turbocharged 6.75-litre V12 that propels the Ghost Series II. Producing 563bhp and 820Nm of torque, it wafts the Ghost from a standstill to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds – an amazing feat for a hefty limousine.
Speed and acceleration, however, take a backseat to Rolls-Royce’s commitment to providing that “magic carpet ride”. To this end, the Planar Suspenion System works seamlessly with the electronically controlled dampers and self-levelling air struts to deliver this.
Driveability, on the other hand, is helped by the car’s all-wheel-drive and all-wheel-steering systems, which also make the Ghost Series II more manoeuvrable while enabling it to waft along in a stately manner. As the “baby” of the lineup, I find it entertaining to drive on wider roads. Needless to say, long-distance cruising is the Ghost’s forte.
Black Badge Ghost Series II.
AN ALTERNATIVE EXPRESSION
There are clients who want their Ghost to be sportier and perhaps even more flamboyant, and for them, the carmaker offers the Black Badge Ghost Series II.
This more athletic interpretation sees the 6.75-litre V12 now making 591bhp and 870Nm of torque, or 28bhp and 50Nm more than the “regular” model.
To maximise this potential, pressing the “Low” button on the gear selector tells the gearbox to hold onto the lower gears longer than it would otherwise, thereby increasing responsiveness and accelerative force. There’s an enhanced exhaust note, too.
In addition to darkened chrome accents, the limousine also features bespoke coachwork and exclusive 22-inch wheels. The aim of the Black Badge Ghost is to further narrow the gap between an uber-luxurious and refined chauffeured experience and the spirited drive of a keen owner, while also continuing to be a sanctuary on wheels.
Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II 6.75 (A)
ENGINE 6749cc, 48-valves, V12, twin-turbocharged
MAX POWER 563bhp (591bhp Black Badge)
MAX TORQUE 820Nm (870Nm Black Badge)
POWER TO WEIGHT 226.1bhp/tonne (237.3bhp/tonne Black Badge)
GEARBOX 8-speed automatic
0-100KM/H 4.9 seconds
TOP SPEED 250km/h
CONSUMPTION 6.3km/L to 6.5km/L
PRICE EXCL. COE From $1,858,888
AGENT Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Singapore
Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended review: Exquisite in its own right
