

Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended Wheelbase
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. 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. Hand-built in Goodwood, England, Ghost Extended Wheelbase is striking and agile. Its capacious interior 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. 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 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. 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. 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. 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. |
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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.
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.
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.




ENGINE
Engine: V / 12 DI(VVT)/ twin turbo
Fuel management: Direct injection
Displacement: 6592 cm3 / 402.3 inch3
Nom. power output / Eng. speed: 563 (420) SAE hp / 5250 min-1
TRANSMISSION
Max. torque / Engine speed: 575 ft lbs/1500 min-1
Transmission type: 8-speed automatic
STEERING
Steering type: Rack and Pinion / 19.9
DIMENSIONS
Vehicle length: 5399 mm / 212.6 inch
Vehicle width 1948 mm/ 76.7 inch
Wheelbase: 3295 mm/ 129.7 inch
Approx. tank capacity: 82.5 ltr / 21.8 gal
Gross vehicle weight: 2940 kg/ 6482 lbs
PERFORMANCE
Top speed: 250 km/h / 155 mph
Acceleration 0-60mph: 4.8 s
Acceleration 0 - 1/4 mile: 13.2 s
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (Canada): 5.0 s









