Rolls-Royce Wraith’s twin-turbo 6.6-litre V12 is the marque’s strongest motor and comes with a GPS-guided “predictive” 8-speed automatic.
Even if the Roller’s steering is woolly at low speeds, and requires more than three turns lock to lock, it becomes a lot meatier, confident and responsive at high speeds. The steering wheel is also thicker-rimmed than the Ghost’s. At over 230km/h, the coupe feels perfectly composed. It is only when you apply the brakes that its first minor failing surfaces – brake judder is rather obvious at that speed.
While we’re on the topic, its other flaws include a reflective rear windscreen (especially obvious with light-coloured upholstery), a glitchy glovebox handle, and clumsy alignment between the car’s two-tone paintwork and chrome window frame. Said misalignment isn’t obvious on cars with monotone paint jobs, while the crusty handle could very well turn out to be a pre-production oversight.
In spite of all that, the Wraith is a lovely motorcar. You get Roller treatment like thick lush carpeting and motorised doors, plus lots of wood, chrome and soft leather. The hi-fi system is awesome, with the sound engineered to emanate at “ear level” rather than chest or waist level.
And this Roller has self-release parking brakes, at last. With air suspension, the ride is beyond reproach. Noise insulation is excellent, although Rolls-Royce has allowed some engine roar to permeate. This is a good move, since the V12 is creamy and stirring – it would have been a waste if it was all filtered out.
The car is regal, yet sporty. Its fastback design looks much better in the metal than in photos. And it is said to be attracting far younger buyers than before, with some customers merely in their twenties.
2014 Rolls-Royce Wraith 6.6 (A)
ENGINE 6592cc, 48-valves, V12, turbocharged
MAX POWER 632bhp at 5600rpm
MAX TORQUE 800Nm at 1500-5500rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 267.8bhp per tonne
GEARBOX 8-speed automatic with manual select
0-100KM/H 4.6 seconds
TOP SPEED 250km/h (governed)
CONSUMPTION 7.1km/L (combined)
Check out our local review of the Rolls-Royce Wraith here
Read our review of the Rolls-Royce Dawn here
