The Rolls-Royce Ghost is powered by an impressive 6.6L twin-turbo V12 that produces 563 horsepower. It's mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission with a column-style shift lever. The engine makes its peak 575 pound-feet of torque at just 1,500 rpm, so the Ghost 'wafts' up to speed in classic English luxury-car fashion, with even less noise in the cabin than in past Rolls-Royce models.
Black Badge Ghost models are equipped with the same V12 twin-turbo but with added sport-orientated tuning making it capable of reaching just over the 600 horsepower mark with 620 pound feet of torque. The Black Badge utilizes better internal clutches that provide quicker shift times, more sensitive throttle responsiveness and sport-tuned suspension to help keep all that added power on the road.
The Ghost follows Rolls-Royce styling tradition on the outside, for the most part, with a long hood, short front overhand and an upright windshield. The modern Ghost has just a little more modern panache, especially on the inside. The hood, grille and windshield surround can be done in a polished satin finish if desired.
Teflon-coated umbrellas are integrated into the front doors, while the rear-hinged rear doors open up to 83 degrees and can be closed by just touching a button. A panoramic sunroof lets a lot of light in from overhead as well, while quad-zone climate control makes sure that everyone is comfortable.
Optional 'individual lounge' seating provides a massage function for all the positions, as well as ventilated perforated leather upholstery; also available is a chilled cooler box, with added illumination and integrated champagne glasses. Yet another addition is the small wood-veneer picnic tables--fitted to the back of the front seats with leather-covered backs.
Cabin materials and craftsmanship have long been Rolls-Royce strengths; with natural veneers, hand-matched woodgrain, hand-stitched interior panels and drum-dyed soft leathers offered in many different colors--along with a number of other custom trims--it's nearly impossible that any two Ghosts will look the same.
Rolls-Royce have a tradition of being rather simple when it comes to technology features, but the Ghost pushes that a bit. On the center console, a rotary controller accesses tasks like navigation, communication and entertainment functions, and a roller-ball controller on the steering wheel helps navigate through some of the menus. Voice control is also included.
Entertainment is provided by a majestic 600-watt, 10-channel, 16-speaker sound system with two floor subwoofers, hard-drive storage, USB and aux inputs. An entertainment system with two 9.2-inch LCD screens installed in back of the front seats is also offered as an option.
The Ghost, which is built on a steel monocoque structure, utilizes a 4-wheel independent suspension with air springs front and back, controlled via an automatic adaptive variable suspension system. The system can even detect the distribution of passengers and adjust accordingly. The Dynamic Stability Control system also works together with this system and Cornering Brake Control to give the Ghost a more nimble feel than is typical for such a large, heavy sedan.
A host of active-safety features are available in the Ghost, such as a night vision system, head-up display, lane departure warning, high beam assist, and active cruise control. There's even an Advanced Crash and Safety Management system that uses sensors to decide which safety features to deploy.
Quiet, Dignified Character
Strong Acceleration
Surprisingly Nimble Handling
Hand-finished Details And Workmanship
For 2017 Rolls-Royce introduces the addition of the Black Badge to the Ghost lineup. Featuring an even more powerful version of its twin-turbo V12 engine, added luxury offerings such as unique black starlight headliner the debut of advanced materials and building techniques that include aluminum-threaded carbon-fiber composite seen on the dashboard, center console and door panels, and even a 16-layer basecoat of exterior paint with seven passes of clear coating.
With a price starting at $295,900, the Rolls-Royce Ghost competes with the likes of the Bentley Continental Flying Spur and the Aston Martin Rapide S. While the more expensive Phantom is offered in a full family of body styles, including a Coupe and 'Drophead Coupe' convertible, the Ghost is only offered as a sedan. The Ghost is one of the longest cars on the market, yet it can feel surprisingly nimble for such a large car; the powerful engine means the Ghost's mass isn't evident from behind the wheel. With similar driving dynamics to the BMW 7-Series or Mercedes-Benz S-Class in the corners, the Ghost's heft translates to excellent road-going comfort on the highway. The exclusivity of the Rolls Royce nameplate is one of the brand's biggest selling points.
