In 1900, Rolls-Royce co-founder, Charles Rolls, experienced an electrically-powered car. Even back then, there were cars that were running on electricity but the technology then made them impractical and inconvenient. Nevertheless, Rolls understood the potential of such cars as clean, noiseless transport and foresaw a time when they would be popular again – with the appropriate supporting infrastructure (ie charging stations).
Today, more than 120 years later, that time has come and Rolls-Royce fulfils the prophecy of its founding father with the presentation of the Spectre. This totally new model not only marks a very historic moment for Rolls-Royce but is also a historic moment for electrification: the technology has now reached a standard where it is able to provide the Rolls-Royce experience.
“The advent of our first battery-electric motor car marks the start of a bold new era for Rolls-Royce. It is also the culmination of a long, painstaking process, in which every element in creating this landmark car has been considered in the minutest detail, over numerous iterations. It states the direction for the future of our marque and perfectly answers a call from the most discerning individuals in the world to elevate the electric motor car experience, because Spectre is a Rolls-Royce first and an electric car second,” said Torsten Muller-Otvos, CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, as he unveiled the car today.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars CEO, Torsten Muller-Otvos, may have found the occasion unusual as a new Rolls-Royce has usually been unveiled to the world with much fanfare in a glamourous venue. But like many car companies last year, the pandemic prevented such traditional activities and Rolls-Royce had to launch its new model online, perhaps for the first time.
The new model was a new generation of the Ghost, coming after an 11-year production run with the previous one. Rolls-Royce obviously does not follow the industry ‘norm’ of a 5-year product cycle, and its customers also would not expect change too often. Change comes when it is appropriate to do so and in the 10 years that passed after the first generation was launched in 2009, much had changed in the world.
New generation of younger customers
Attitudes have evolved and even those who buy Rolls-Royce today are younger than ever before. Thus the potential customers had first to be consulted and Rolls-Royce listened carefully to what they wanted: their expectations indicated that the new super-luxury limousine would have to be ‘dynamic, serenely comfortable and perfect in its minimalism’.
The new model is now in Malaysia, officially launched today by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Kuala Lumpur with prices (excluding taxes) starting from RM1.45 million for the standard body and RM1.65 million for the extended version. A customer is likely to pay more as virtually every Rolls-Royce customer will want some degree of personalization, and the company’s Bespoke division will meet every requirement.
Just two carry-over items
While most manufacturers will carry over a certain number of parts and systems to control costs, the new Ghost has only two items carried over from the previous generation – the Spirit of Ecstasy figurine (that can disappear into its base) and the Rolls-Royce umbrellas that slide into the doors (which you cannot buy).
The only items carried over from the previous generation. On the right is the exclusive Rolls-Royce umbrella, which the company does not sell.
But even while everything is new, simplicity was a keyword in the development process with ‘reduction’ being pursued. This would satisfy the new generation of customers to whom minimalism is appreciated along with a ‘post-opulent’ design.
A larger Ghost, with simplicity
The new Phantom is still recognizably a Rolls-Royce with its vertical grille and imposing dimensions. Its overall length is now 5546 mm, 89 mm more than the first generation Ghost, while overall width has grown by 30 mm to 1978 mm. Yet, the simplicity has not compromised anything and where technology is concerned, customers will be getting the latest advanced systems to keep them comfortable and safe on their journeys.
Notable high-tech equipment and features include LED and laser headlights with more than 600 metres of illuminated range; Vision Assist (including day and night-time wildlife and pedestrian warning); Alertness Assistant; a 4-camera system with panoramic view, all-round visibility and helicopter view; Active Cruise Control; an industry-leading 7×3 high-resolution head-up display; wifi hotspot; self-parking; and the very latest navigation and entertainment system.
Architecture of Luxury
The new Ghost has a proprietary aluminium spaceframe known as the ‘Architecture of Luxury’ and it is already used for the Phantom as well as the Cullinan SUV. The spaceframe makes possible an acoustically superior, highly rigid and dynamic proposition for a new car. To the ‘Architecture of Luxury’ is added an all-wheel drivetrain, all-wheel steering and completely redesigned Planar Suspension System, which further enhances the marque’s hallmark Magic Carpet Ride. This was achieved without compromising the car’s low centre of gravity, which aids cornering dynamics.
Further capitalizing on the company’s aluminium expertise, the metal superstructure of the new Ghost is 100% made of the material. The car’s outer body is rendered as one clean, expansive piece, flowing seamlessly from the A-pillar, over the roof and backwards to the rear of the car, recalling the seemingly one-piece coachbuilt Silver Dawn and Silver Cloud models.
Under the long bonnet is the 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine, originally adapted from the BMW N74 V12 engine. For the latest generation, it has been updated technically and specific tuning extracts 563 bhp/850 Nm from the engine, with maximum torque available from just 1,600 rpm, or just 600 rpm above idle. To further refine its already remarkable acoustic properties, the air intake system incorporates larger porting.
Needless to say, the interior has a cocooned atmosphere with the finest materials used. Even the air the occupants breathe is of a high quality, thanks to the Micro Environment Purification System claimed to create the cleanest micro-environment within a car.
Besides the double-glazed windows, more than 100 kgs of various sound insulation materials around the cabin, in the structure and even in the tyres achieves the ‘Formula of Serenity’. It creates an atmosphere of quietness which is akin to a ‘whisper’ – a soft undertone that is experienced as a single, subtle note. Such quietness allows full enjoyment of the superlative audio system which, in Bespoke Audio form, comprises an 18-channel, 18-speaker, 1,300W audiophile grade system.
At the front, the new illuminated fascia takes pride of place. Located on the passenger side of the dashboard, the constellation and wordmark are completely invisible when the interior lights are not in operation. Perfectly attuned to new Ghost’s Post Opulent design treatment, the Bespoke Collective chose not to use simple screen technology to achieve the effect they desired. Instead, they embarked on creating a highly complex and true luxury innovation.
The illumination itself comes from 152 LEDs mounted above and beneath the fascia, each meticulously colour matched to the cabin’s clock and instrument dial lighting. Overhead, the owner can specify any pattern for the Starlight Headliner which has up to 1,600 fibreoptic lights.
Self-opening and closing doors
Today’s Rolls-Royce owners do not have to exert effort closing doors as the required actions are power-assisted with the touch of a button, a much appreciated and celebrated convenience. For the new Ghost, it has been developed further and, for the first time, the occupants can now also open the doors with power assistance.
The longer Ghost
In standard form, the new Ghost already has generous space but for those who must have more, there is the option of ordering the Ghost Extended. This has 170 mm more space for the rear area and is the most rear legroom of any 4-door sedan. However, where owners of earlier generations may have wanted to make their extended version more apparent, many of today’s customers prefer a pure, minimalist approach. This led the designers to ‘camouflage’ the extra length by only extending the rear door and body around the rear door openings, preserving the lines of the car.
Before developing the new Ghost, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars consulted its customers extensively to ensure that they would provide exactly the sort of limousine the new generation of buyers expect and would want to own. One of the expectations was for a chauffeur-driven ‘business tool’ during the week to be able to transform into a serenely comfortable and dynamic self-driven saloon for the weekend.
The new Ghost Extended is the answer, offering enhanced rear seating space with no compromise to driving dynamics. It is 170 mm longer than the standard Ghost and the wheelbase has been stretched by the same length to 3465 mm. All the extra space available goes to the rear to create more legroom than any 4-seat sedan.
Engineered, not cut
Unlike some other limousines which gain their extra length by a crude cutting and welding approach (usually done by independent customisation companies), the Ghost Extended’s bodywork is originally engineered as an extended model. Beam-melted metal components are welded to the body-in-white, while parts made by multi-jet fusion and selective laser sintering are individually fitted.
Customer centricity has informed every step of the development process, which led to the Ghost’s minimalist design. The designers worked to cloak the extra length by only extending the rear door and body around the rear door apertures, preserving the lines of the car.
A suite of enhancements to the rear of the cabin reflects Ghost Extended’s flexibility. For the first time, a reclining Serenity Seat can be specified, offering a new dimension of rear seat comfort akin to a business jet cabin environment.
The rear cabin can also alter its environment, transitioning from business to leisure. For celebrating another contract signed or a birthday, there’s a champagne fridge provided between the rear seats. Designed with the advice of a Master Sommelier, the refrigerator operates two cooling modes, chilling to 6 degrees and 11 degrees C., The optimum serving temperatures of non-vintage champagne is around 6 degrees and vintage champagnes is around 11 degrees.
Technology without distraction
Rolls-Royce claims the Ghost is the most technologically advanced car it has ever created for sale. However, technological functions have been deployed with care to reflect customer demand for a serene environment, free from unnecessary distractions. Standard in all Ghosts is the new Micro-Environment Purification System which was described in an earlier article.
A suite of technologies enhances the driving experience in urban and country settings, as well as ensures safe motoring. This includes laser headlights with more than 600 metres of illuminated range and key safety enhancements such as a 7×3 high definition head-up display, vision assist with day and night-time wildlife and pedestrian warning, alertness assistant, active cruise control, collision warning, cross traffic warning, lane departure and lane change warning.
A 4-camera imaging system creates a panoramic view with all round-visibility and there’s also a helicopter view (which Rolls-Royce was the first in the world to offer many years ago) to help with parking. However, the owner can also use the self-parking capability and have the car positioned precisely with little personal effort needed.
Ghost is the sort of name companies would avoid using since a ghost is not what people like to encounter. Yet Rolls-Royce has been able to use it as the name for one of its cars and not only that – it also has names like Phantom and Wraith for other models! Obviously, those who own these cars have no issues with such names or Rolls-Royce would have heard long ago since the first Silver Ghost was sold in the early 1900s.
It is said that the reason for using ‘Ghost’ in the name was in reference to the car being as quiet as a ghost (and perhaps moving as fluidly as well). The silver was probably inspired by the fact that the car was finished in aluminium paint.
The Silver Ghost was produced between 1906 and 1926 and the model line did not continue after that. Then, in 2009, the modern Ghost was announced, with deliveries starting at the end of that year. It was an entirely new model, placed below the Phantom by size and by price but nonetheless a true Rolls-Royce as well.
That first Ghost appealed to a whole new generation of customers, both in age and attitude. These men and women asked Rolls-Royce for a slightly smaller, less ostentatious model and what the company created proved to be so successful that in its 10-year lifespan, the Ghost has become the most successful models in the marque’s 116-year history.
What today’s customers expect
In the 10 years that have passed, much has changed in the world. Attitudes have evolved and even those who buy Rolls-Royce today are younger than ever before. It is time for a new Ghost but before even starting anything, the potential customers had first to be consulted. Rolls-Royce listened carefully to what they wanted, and their expectations indicated that the new super-luxury limousine would have to be dynamic, serenely comfortable and perfect in its minimalism.
“The result is the most technologically advanced Rolls-Royce yet. It distils the pillars of our brand into a beautiful, minimalist, yet highly complex product that is perfectly in harmony with our Ghost clients’ needs and perfectly in tune with the times,” said Torsten Muller-Otvos, CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars as he introduced the all-new second generation Ghost tonight (afternoon in the UK where the global unveiling took place). Pursuing this minimalist aesthetic for new Ghost was the design team’s absolute objective.
Architecture of Luxury
The base on which the new Ghost sits on is the proprietary aluminium spaceframe known as the ‘Architecture of Luxury’ and it is already used for the Phantom as well as the Cullinan SUV. The spaceframe makes possible an acoustically superior, highly rigid and dynamic proposition for a new car.
The Rolls-Royce architecture is based around four fixed points, one at each corner of the motor car. The moveable aluminium bulkhead, floor, crossmembers and sill panels were positioned specifically for ride comfort as well as driving dynamics. Two of the cast suspension mounting assembles were pushed to the very front, placing its engine behind the front axle to achieve an optimum 50:50 weight distribution.
These were undertaken to incorporate an all-wheel drivetrain, all-wheel steering and completely redesigned Planar Suspension System, which further enhances the marque’s hallmark Magic Carpet Ride. This was achieved without compromising the car’s low centre of gravity, which aids cornering dynamics.
To accommodate this without intruding on cabin, its overall length is now 5,546 mm, 89 mm more than the first generation Ghost, while overall width has grown by 30 mm to 1,978 mm.
Further capitalizing on the company’s aluminium expertise, the metal superstructure of the new Ghost is 100% made of the material. The car’s outer body is rendered as one clean, expansive piece, flowing seamlessly from the A-pillar, over the roof and backwards to the rear of the car, recalling the seemingly one-piece coachbuilt Silver Dawn and Silver Cloud models.
The 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine still lives under the bonnet, able to deliver ‘near-instant torque and near-silent running’. Specific tuning for this model extracts 563 bhp/850 Nm from the engine, with maximum torque available from just 1,600 rpm, or just 600 rpm above idle. To further refine its already remarkable acoustic properties, the air intake system incorporates larger porting.
Planar Suspension System
The hallmark Magic Carpet Ride has evolved and for the new Ghost, the engineers redesigned the suspension completely and call it the Planar Suspension System. Named after a geometric plane, which is completely flat and level, the system is the result of 10 collective years of testing and development to create ‘a sense of flight on land never before achieved by a car’.
Created through physical engineering developments as well as sophisticated scanning and software technology, it incorporates a world-first Upper Wishbone Damper unit above the front suspension assembly, creating an even more stable and effortless ride. This works alongside the Flagbearer system, which uses cameras to read the road ahead and prepare the suspension system for any changes in road surface, as well as the marque’s Satellite Aided Transmission.
The Upper Wishbone Damper alone was the result of 5 collective years of road and bench testing. Only available in a Rolls-Royce, this technology further evolves the double-wishbone Magic Carpet Ride suspension system.
The 5-link rear axle benefits from self-levelling high-volume air suspension technology, as well as rear-wheel steering. Both axles are managed via the Planar software. This also governs other chassis technologies, including the all-wheel drive, all-wheel steering, stability control and self-drying braking systems.
The Planar software also manages information that requires the car to proactively adapt to intrusions in the road ahead. The technology consists of a stereo camera system integrated in the windscreen to see the road ahead, adjusting suspension proactively rather than reactively up to 100 km/h. The second is Rolls-Royce’s Satellite Aided Transmission system, which draws GPS data to pre-select the optimum gear for upcoming corners. The result is unprecedented levels of ride comfort and control for a car, meeting the expectations of customers.
Clean and healthy air
Carmakers have long given to the cleanliness of air in the cabin and today, this is being taken further to also ensure the air is hygienically clean. For the new Ghost, the company has developed a Micro-Environment Purification System said to be capable of removing nearly all ultra-fine particles from the cabin air in less than two minutes.
Although the owner may spend most of the time in the rear seat, the latest technology would still be desired, especially by today’s generation of customers. To this end, the car has been developed to be ‘the most technologically advanced motorcar Rolls-Royce has ever produced’.
Notable high-tech equipment and features include LED and laser headlights with more than 600 metres of illuminated range; Vision Assist (including day and night-time wildlife and pedestrian warning); Alertness Assistant; a 4-camera system with panoramic view, all-round visibility and helicopter view; Active Cruise Control; an industry-leading 7×3 high-resolution head-up display; wifi hotspot; self-parking; and the very latest navigation and entertainment system.
Audio quality engineered into the car
It is likely that most Ghost owners will have preferences of their own but as a standard offering, the sound system has audio quality that is engineered into the very fabric of the car. A resonance chamber is in the body’s sill section, the frequency response of the Bespoke Audio speaker component defining the chamber’s size and shape. In essence, this transforms the car into a sub-woofer.
A powerful amplifier controls 18 channels (one for each speaker), providing a 1300W output. State-of-the-art optimization technology and high-precision magnesium-ceramic compound speaker cones enable infinitesimal changes in sound with an outstanding frequency response.
Rolls-Royce owners have enjoyed self-closing doors since the first Phantom of modern times. Operated by a button on the dashboard and on the C-pillar for cars with rear doors, this is a much appreciated and celebrated convenience. For the new Ghost, it has been developed further and, for the first time, the occupants can now also open the doors with power assistance.
Minimalist interior mirrors exterior
A clear understanding of the changing luxury consumption patterns of customers and a broader view of emerging design movements suggested that the interior aesthetic should pursue the same minimalist principles as the exterior. However, creating an environment defined by reduction, simplicity and elegance is an extremely complex endeavour. It also relies on sourcing the very finest materials, leathers, woods and metals. To this end, each of the 20 half hides used to create the interior suite of new Ghost are subject to the automotive industry’s most exhaustive quality control checks to ensure that each of the 338 panels used – however visible – is of the very best quality.
Wood sets for the new Ghost are available in an open-pore finish, bravely showcasing materials in their naked form. Indeed, two new finishes have been developed specifically for the car. The first is Obsidian Ayous, inspired by the rich versatility of colours found in lava rock. The second is Dark Amber which introduces subtle glamour to the interior suite by integrating veins of fine aluminium particles into the dark wood.
Post-Opulent design treatment
Finally, something about the ethereal glowing Ghost nameplate, surrounded by more than 850 stars. Located on the passenger side of the dashboard, the constellation and wordmark are completely invisible when the interior lights are not in operation. Perfectly attuned to new Ghost’s Post Opulent design treatment, the Bespoke Collective chose not to use simple screen technology to achieve the effect they desired. Instead, they embarked on creating a highly complex and true luxury innovation. The illumination itself comes from 152 LEDs mounted above and beneath the fascia, each meticulously colour matched to the cabin’s clock and instrument dial lighting.
To ensure the Ghost wordmark is lit evenly, a 2 mm-thick light guide is used, featuring more than 90,000 laser-etched dots across the surface. This not only disperses the light evenly but creates a twinkling effect as the eye moves across the fascia, echoing the subtle sparkle of the Starlight Headliner.
As for the price, well, there isn’t one for a Rolls-Royce in the sense that every unit will have some degree of personalisation so the price will vary from customer customers. Production of the new Ghost is underway and the first owners should be getting their car by Christmas this year.
The first Rolls-Royce Ghost reflected a layer of clients who use their Rolls-Royce in a completely unique way. These men and women required a motorcar able to offer an impeccable chauffeur-driven experience as well as a vibrant dynamic personality when they chose to drive it themselves.
In 2009, when the first Ghosts entered the market, this collective of business leaders, founders and entrepreneurs were unanimous in their feedback that the marque had created a product that balanced their requests perfectly.
When these clients were informed that Rolls-Royce would begin developing the second generation of the Ghost – expected to be unveiled before the end of this year – their request was simple: deliver a motorcar that they could use even more. They desired something even more refined to be driven in and even more enjoyable to drive.
Meeting the challenging brief
To fulfil this challenging brief, the engineering experts at the 114-year old company rejected the use of a pre-existing platform. Instead, they have configured the marque’s proprietary ‘Architecture of Luxury’ aluminium spaceframe chassis to incorporate elements of the brand’s existing model portfolio such as all-wheel drive and all-wheel steering.
At the same time, the structure has been adapted to accommodate significant advances in Rolls-Royce’s hallmark magic carpet ride and dynamic abilities. Naturally, these qualities are expected especially by those who have owned a Rolls-Royce.
“Ghost clients told us that it’s the car in their collection that they’re drawn to the most. They love its uncomplicated versatility. It’s not trying to be a sportscar, it’s not trying to be a grand statement – it’s simply exceptional and exceptionally simple,” said Jonathan Simms, New Ghost Engineering Lead.
The Planar system
A key development was the Planar system, which is consists of three elements. The system allows new Ghost to anticipate and react to even the most demanding road surface.
The first is an Upper Wishbone Damper unit which is mounted above the front suspension assembly and creates an even more stable and effortless ride. The result of three years of development, this is a world-first technology.
The second is the Flagbearer system, a predictive system which uses cameras to read the road ahead and prepare the suspension system for any changes in road surface. The third is Satellite Aided Transmission, which draws GPS data to pre-select the optimum gear for upcoming corners.
Pushing the architecture further
During the engineering design process, chassis and suspension specialists were tasked with regularly presenting the technical advances they had made to other departments, as well as showcasing how these remarkable developments met the client brief.
“When it came to creating a new Ghost – one that outshines its incredibly capable predecessor – the engineering team had to start from scratch. We pushed our architecture even further and created a car even more dynamic, even more luxurious and, most of all, even more effortlessly useable,” Simms promises.
