Ghost Series II

Rolls-Royce revealed the Ghost Series II at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show with the line ‘no ordinary power’. One might argue that its predecessor was extraordinary too, but in time-honoured Rolls-Royce fashion the company has refined, honed and improved it.

As a result Ghost Series II sets a new benchmark as business tool and icon of modern luxury.

Since 2009, the Ghost has been the cornerstone of Rolls-Royce’s success on the global stage. Its combination of imposing, elegant lines and effortless, contemporary luxury has attracted a new generation of clients to Rolls-Royce, including captains of industry, entrepreneurs and business leaders in established and emerging economies.

But time doesn’t stand still, and Ghost Series II offers a ‘discreet and considered’ update of the original design, along with innovations such as in-car Wi-Fi as standard and Satellite Aided Transmission. The celebrated Spirit of Ecstasy bonnet mascot now trails a tapered ‘wake channel’ down the bonnet, evoking the wake of a large luxury yacht. The bumpers have been re-sculpted to emphasise the car’s balanced proportions, and the famous ‘waft line’ in the side profile now leans a little further forward, emphasising the dynamic side of the Ghost’s character. LED headlights encircled by daytime running lights and chromed front air intakes complete the subtle exterior changes. Inside, the seats have been redesigned for even higher levels of comfort, and a ‘lounge seat’ configuration can incline rear seat passengers towards each other for greater ease of conversation. Ghost Series II is available in both standard and extended wheelbase forms.

Ghost Series II inherits its predecessor’s effortlessly powerful 6.6 litre twin-turbo V12, now linked to an eight-speed Satellite Aided Transmission. This can anticipate the requirements of the road ahead – holding a lower gear when it senses the imminent arrival of a sweeping bend or gradient, for example. Many Ghost owners are also keen drivers, and now they can specify a Dynamic Driving Package that offers a more involving driving experience with no compromise to ride quality. Cornering ability has been significantly increased with re-designed front and rear struts, new steering gear and adjusted dampers, whilst enhanced feedback levels can be felt through a thicker steering wheel.

Many business leaders will appreciate Ghost Series II as an oasis of calm rather than as a driving machine, however. On-board Wi-Fi is now offered as standard, helping them to conduct their business on the move. It is accessed through a one-touch call button or a new Spirit of Ecstasy Rotary Controller to facilitate email, telephony, file sharing and video-conferencing. Yet the technology doesn’t intrude – the contemporary design of the Ghost Series II interior serves up a wonderful blend of craft, luxury and connectivity. There can be few more inspiring environments in which to clinch that all-important deal.

Rolls-Royce has taken inspiration from ‘restless spirits’ like Charles Rolls, Sir Malcolm Campbell and Muhammed Ali to create a new expression of the marque: glamorous, daring, and distinctive. The Black Badge models are the alter ego of Rolls-Royce, its darker side. In place of sparkling silver comes a deep, rich black for the Spirit of Ecstasy and the iconic Double R badge. Other chrome surfaces, such as the front grille surround, boot lid finisher, lower air inlet finisher and exhaust pipes, also feature a high-gloss dark finish.

Reflecting the mood – and cutting unsprung weight – are new, lightweight, composite carbon fibre wheels with aircraft-grade bonded aluminium hubs. Naturally, owners can specify any colour they wish for the bodywork – but the new Black Badge Black paintwork complements the subtle styling to perfection. Inside, surfaces are covered with aluminium-threaded carbon fibre, a new super-luxury material in place of traditional veneers. Air vents on the dash and in the rear are darkened using Physical Vapour Deposition, to ensure they last as long and look as good as their chrome counterparts. Set into the fascia is a Black Badge clock with orange-tipped hands and the ‘Unlimited’ logo that first appeared in the bespoke Phantom Waterspeed, itself inspired by world record holder Sir Malcolm Campbell. The upholstery in black leather is complemented by Tailored Purple trim, while the black starlight headlining enhances the nocturnal mood.

Ghost Black Badge is created for high achievers in a hurry, and they’ll find the 6.6 litre V12 engine delivers effortless, exhilarating power. Subtle engineering modifications raise power by 40hp to 603hp, while torque is also given a significant 60Nm increase to 840Nm. Brakes are uprated for more positive pedal feel, while Intuitive Throttle Response and upgrades to the 8-speed transmission achieve a transformation in character, holding gears for longer and downshifting more eagerly.

The Ghost Black Badge still provides a magic carpet ride, as a Rolls-Royce should, but a harder-edged side to its character is just a flexed throttle foot away. Owners of powerful sports cars may be startled into a double-take; this is a Ghost with a touch more driver focus, and proof that you don’t need glitter, glitz or sparkle to take centre stage.