2012 Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended Wheelbase Review

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars proudly presents Ghost Extended Wheelbase, the newest member of the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars luxury family. Instantly recognisable as a Rolls-Royce, this is the latest beautiful model to proudly carry the famous Spirit of Ecstasy hood figurine, a mascot celebrating her centenary in 2011.

2012 Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended Wheelbase photo

And like Rolls-Royce models that have gone before, Ghost Extended Wheelbase stands true to the finest values and principles encapsulated by this most famous of automotive icons; supreme quality, effortless performance and the very pinnacle of automotive luxury.

2012 Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended Wheelbase photo

Hand-built in Goodwood, England, Ghost Extended Wheelbase is striking and agile. Its capacious interior comes courtesy of an increase in 170mm length over the already ample interior space that rear-seat passengers enjoy in Ghost. A panoramic sunroof is a standard addition, enhancing the interior ambiance, bathing occupants in natural light.

2012 Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended Wheelbase photo

The combination of interior space and performance present the best of both worlds to the world’s most discerning customers, without any hint of compromise. Ghost Extended Wheelbase retains all the dynamic prowess upon which the reputation of Ghost has been built, yet promises to tempt even the most ardent of drivers out of their front seat, to savour the passenger experience.

2012 Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended Wheelbase photo

Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended Wheelbase is unveiled at the Shanghai Motor Show, in a market where customers demand the best from their luxury cars, and where many prioritise space and comfort for rear seat passengers.

It follows the introduction of Ghost to global markets in September 2009, a model that quickly won plaudits from customers, media and enthusiasts thanks to its stunning contemporary design and breathtaking performance - delivered in an effortless way.

In 2010, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars more than doubled global sales to 2,711 units, partly due to the introduction of Ghost. Production of Ghost Extended Wheelbase will begin in Autumn 2011.

2012 Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended Wheelbase photo

DESIGNED FOR CARRIAGE IN STYLE
“For Ghost Extended Wheelbase we set out to emphasise the air of calm confidence and discretion achieved through the thoughtful balancing of attributes so typical of Rolls-Royce: An interior awash with natural light, cosseting occupants in luxury yet shielding them from the hustle and bustle outside.” – Alan Sheppard, Interior Designer

The first cars to wear the Ghost name in the early 20th century were famed not only for their durability, but also for refinement, flair and style, where passengers enjoyed the trappings of the best in coach-built luxury. In developing a Ghost for the 21st century, the Rolls-Royce design team retained these guiding principles.

However the focus was for a more contemporary, informal design broadening the appeal of the Rolls-Royce brand. The result was Ghost, a breathtaking design, creating simplicity out of complexity, a theme that follows in Ghost Extended Wheelbase.

Ghost Extended Wheelbase maintains a powerful profile, with flowing lines dominated by majestic ‘yacht line’ styling. Large uninterrupted surfaces, powerful shoulders and flanks point to the car’s unmistakeable dynamic prowess and the addition of 170mm only adds to the car’s already considerable presence. It is a balanced exterior canvas with rear doors just 35mm longer than those in the front.

Rolls-Royce DNA flows through Ghost Extended Wheelbase starting with the car’s elevated prow, long bonnet and short front overhang, through to its elegant tail. Contemporary design details further affirm Rolls-Royce credentials, including self-righting wheel centres, front door-mounted Teflon-coated umbrellas and a modern take on the famous Rolls-Royce grille, with sides curved inwards and vanes set back into the opening to resemble a jet intake.

2012 Bentley Continental GTC photo

From the exterior, Ghost Extended Wheelbase further distinguishes itself by the addition of a new forged wheel, adding to the model’s distinctive character.

Entering Ghost Extended Wheelbase through extended coach doors that open to 89 degrees is effortless and immediately imparts a wave of serenity for occupants. Those who have already experienced Ghost’s ample interior space may at first be surprised by the interior experience of Ghost Extended Wheelbase, which bestows a far greater sense of scale than an extra 170mm might imply.

Legroom is significantly enhanced, with knee-room more than doubled from 160 to 330mm. It is this that will appeal to the many Rolls-Royce Ghost customers who value additional space and comfort for rear seat passengers at least as much as experiencing the car’s dynamic performance.

But, while longer, Ghost Extended Wheelbase remains around half a metre shorter than the pinnacle Phantom Extended Wheelbase, the ultimate expression of a Rolls-Royce and a car that stands alone in its class.

Ghost Extended Wheelbase positively encourages occupants to relax, stretch out in standard lounge seats after closing doors - at the touch of a button.

Discretion comes as standard. Passengers relax in lounge seats covered in sumptuous leather, seated behind the C-pillar to heighten the sense of privacy. The seat’s slight curve allows those inside to turn more easily to face each other, creating a convivial environment to chat informally or in which to do business, perhaps taking advantage of the optional wireless hotspot.

Theatre configuration is available as an option, allowing all settings that do not directly affect the driver to be controlled and accessed from the rear seat.

Functions are displayed on two 9.2 inch LCD screens in front-seat backs; these can be angled to suit the viewer and are managed via a central rotary controller mounted on the armrest. Passengers can activate climate control regulating the temperature of the air on their side of the car, access TV channels and CDs, radio or browse the navigation menu. Those with a passion for music will enjoy an audio system delivering 600 Watts through a 10-channel amplifier and 16 speakers. USB and auxiliary inputs allow external audio devices to be integrated.

Alternatively, passengers can simply sit back, relax and enjoy the clear view past the Spirit of Ecstasy, sinking their feet into deep pile carpets or lambs’ wool floor mats for added opulence, massaged and cooled through perforated seats.

The perfect environment to soak up that other trademark of the Rolls-Royce brand: silence.

2012 Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended Wheelbase photo

ENGINEERED FOR EFFORTLESS PERFORMANCE

“In Ghost we engineered a car with outstanding refinement and dynamic ability and it was important this was not lost in the development of Ghost Extended Wheelbase. I can confidently say we achieved this fundamental aim: performance is astonishing and the difference in driving dynamics almost imperceptible.” - Helmut Riedl, Engineering Director

Ghost was designed as a vision of simplicity, to drive in peerless fashion. The engineering behind Ghost Extended Wheelbase has enhanced these principles further. It’s a car that you wouldn’t think twice about driving yourself.

While extra space gives an even more rewarding ride for occupants, the chassis retains its poise, delivering a totally engaging experience for Ghost Extended Wheelbase drivers. Power is delivered in an effortless and seemingly endless way, with the latest in-car technology falling easily to hand.

Ghost Extended Wheelbase is powered by the 6.6 litre twin turbo charged V12 engine of Ghost, delivering the same 563 hp effortlessly on an intelligent air suspension system for peerless ride and handling.

2012 Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended Wheelbase photo

Travelling from 0-62 in just five seconds, and with a top speed limited to 155 mph, Ghost Extended Wheelbase remains imperceptibly different in terms of its performance. Power is transmitted in abundance through an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox.

The feeling of surging power is illustrated by the power reserve gauge on the fascia, underpinned by 780Nm of torque available at just 1,500 rpm.

Double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension play a role in the exquisite ride in Ghost Extended Wheelbase and are complemented by an intelligent, four cornered air-suspension system and electronic variable damping to ensure the car is able to deliver the refinement demanded by the world’s most exclusive customers.

Indeed, the air suspension system is so sensitive that it can detect and react to the smallest of changes. It can sense, for example, the movement of a single rear passenger from one side of the rear seat to the other. A complex computer system reads multiple inputs from sensors around the car; the dampers alone make individual load calculations every 2.5 milliseconds. This ensures not only perfect comfort but also precise steering and dynamics for the driver.

Ghost Extended Wheelbase also incorporates a series of complex electronic aids to keep it composed on any surface. These include anti-roll stabilisation, dynamic brake control, and dynamic traction control and cornering brake control. These technologies work together under dual Integrated Chassis Management systems, meaning that Ghost Extended Wheelbase always remains perfectly poised even in the face of vigorous testing.

2012 Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended Wheelbase photo

HANDCRAFTED IN GOODWOOD, ENGLAND

Each Rolls-Royce passes through up to 60 pairs of hands before leaving Goodwood in England. These belong to the skilled craftspeople and technicians who expend 20 days and undertake 2,000 individual operations to create Ghost Extended Wheelbase.

Ghost Extended Wheelbase spends seven days being painted and hand polished to perfection. The first of five stages starts with a phosphate electro-coat to protect against corrosion. This is followed by a layer of primer, colour coat and two layers of clear lacquer. The body is sanded between each layer and hand-polished for five hours after the application of the final coat.

Ghost Extended Wheelbase comes in 12 exterior colours, each of which can be contrasted by an optional Silver Satin bonnet.

The slightest imperfection has no place in a Rolls-Royce interior. Consequently, nine high-grade bull hides are used in each Ghost Extended Wheelbase interior. Leather is drum dyed to ensure colour permeates right through; it is then naturally dried to bring out the grain and deliver a contemporary feel for the car.

Each leather component is precision cut by laser, then hand-stitched using traditional upholstering techniques before seats and interior panels are personally signed by the craftsperson involved in their creation.

A Ghost Extended Wheelbase wood-set has at least 3m2 of veneer, consisting of 18 wood parts and takes 16 days to complete. Each individual piece consists of 11 layers of veneer, one layer of foil and one of aluminium to provide strength and to prevent shattering in the event of an accident. Their natural beauty is brought to life by the skill of those working in the wood shop.

2012 Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended Wheelbase photo -

Ghost Extended Wheelbase boasts high quality wood veneers available in four different finishes ranging from contemporary straight grain to classic burr finishes. Veneer from the same tree is used in any car ensuring the grain matches throughout and parts age at the same pace. They are milled and sanded by hand before being coated with five layers of lacquer for protection – and to give the trademark mirror-like sheen.

The interior experience is one without equal. And delivered on the original ethos of Sir Henry Royce – to strive for perfection in everything Rolls-Royce does.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Number of doors / seats	-	4 / 5
Vehicle length (unladen)	mm	5569
Vehicle width (unladen)	mm	1948
Vehicle height (unladen)	mm	1550
Wheelbase	mm	3465
Turning circle	m	14
Overhang front	mm	867.5
Overhang rear	mm	1236.5
Track width front	mm	1622
Track width rear	mm	1660
Shoulder room front	mm	1510
Shoulder room rear	mm	1418
Elbow room front	mm	1540
Elbow room rear	mm	1448
Max headroom front	mm	1030
Max headroom rear	mm	990
Effective headroom front	mm	995
Effective headroom rear	mm	975
Ground clearance (unladen)	mm	150
Width including mirrors	mm	2108
Luggage compartment capacity (ISO3832)	ltr	490
Fuel tank capacity	ltr	82.5
Unladen weight (DIN / (EU)	kg	2420
Axle load ratio, rear (unladen)	%	48.2
Gross axle weight /max payload	kg	2940 / 580
Axle payload limit front / rear	kg	1445 / 1575
Engine type / Cylinders / valves	-	V / 12 / 48
Fuel management	-	Direct injection
Engine injector set-up / Aspiration		DI(VVT)/ twin turbo
Displacement	cm3	6592
Stroke / Bore	mm	88.3 / 89.0
Power output @ engine speed	bhp / kW (PS)/min-1	563 / 420 (570) / 5250
Max torque @ engine speed	lb/ft / Nm/min-1	575 / 780 / 1500
Compression ratio / fuel type	-	10.0 / Super unleaded*
Transmission type	-	8 speed automatic
Transmission ratios 1st/2nd/3rd/4th	-	4.717 / 3.143 / 2.106 / 1.667
Transmission ratios 5th/6th/7th/8th	-	1.285 / 1.000 / 0.839 / 0.667
Transmission ratio reverse gear	-	3.317
Final drive ratio	-	2.813
Steering / Total	-	Hydraulic rack and pinion 19.9
Steering wheel revolutions lock to lock		3.1
Drag co-efficient cd / A / cd x A	- / m2 / m2	0.33 / 2.60 / 0.863
Top speed	mph / km/h	155 / 250
Acceleration 0-60 mph / 0-100km/h	s	4.7 / 4.9
1km from standing start	s	23.1
Power to weight (DIN-Unladen weight)	kg/kW	5.6
Power per litre	kW/ltr	63.7
Consumption urban (EU)	ltr/100km	TBC
Consumption extra urban	ltr/100km	TBC
Combined consumption / range	mpg (imp. gal.)/ ltr/100km	TBC
Range	m / km	376 / 605
CO2 Emissions (combined)	g/Km	319
Exhaust emissions standard		EU5
Front tyres	-	255/50 R19 103Y 255/45 R20 101Y
Rear tyres	-	255/50 R19 103Y 285/40 R20 104Y
Front wheels	-	8.5J x 19 EH2 8.5Jx20 EH2
Rear wheels	-	8.5J x 19 EH2 9.5Jx20 EH2
Wheel inset (difference between mounting face and centre of tyre section)	mm	25
Capacity of radiator incl. heating / motor oil	ltr	17.2 / 10.5
Transmission oil / final drive fluid	ltr	Lifetime filling
Battery capacity / location	Ah / -	90 (AGM) / Luggage compartment
Alternator output rating	A / W	210 / 2900

*The engine is designed for Octane 95 fuel