ROLLS-ROYCE GHOST
Credit: Bangkok Post (www.bangkokpost.com)
Deservedly RR
The junior saloon to the Phantom may share technical credentials with the BMW 760iL, but it still sticks to the core values of the famous British marque
After checking in at the Hilton Kuala Lumpur, a light breakfast and a briefing about the newest Rolls-Royce, the Ghost, we were driven off in this pricey car to Thistle Port Dickson and Putrajaya Shangri-La for a test ride and driven back to our hotel the same day.
Yes, one of the most prestigious marques in automotive history is back after the Rolls-Royce Phantom lineup of the Saloon (and long wheelbase version of it), Coupe and Drophead Coupe were introduced. Obviously a smaller and more agile Rolls had to be served up.
Though a far cry from its predecessor, the 1907 Silver Ghost, the 2010 Ghost is based on the 200EX concept which debuted at the Geneva motor show earlier this year.
The Ghost hasn't gone on sale officially in Thailand yet, since there's no Rolls-Royce agent at the moment. The last distributor was Thai Yarnyon of the Yontrakit Group.
There are rumours that former distributor AAS Auto Service _ which handles imports of Bentley, Porsche and Jaguar _ might be re-appointed.
Interior has an awesome combination of classic and modern design cues.
In the meantime, the Thai grey market has already taken up interest in selling the Ghost at some B25m.
The new Ghost is slightly shorter and narrower than the regular-wheelbase Phantom, but it is still fractionally longer and wider than the BMW 760Li, which shares its V12 engine, ZF-developed eight-speed automatic transmission and electrical architecture.
Though we were given a low-spec model, the Ghost parked out in front of the Hilton exuded unrivalled luxury and looked as elegant as one would expect of a car proudly wearing the Spirit of Ecstasy mascot.
I cracked a wide grin as I tried out the switch which lowers the Spirit of Ecstasy out of sight and away from mischievous hands.
Phantom cues are evident in the Ghost, but its smaller dimensions are more three-dimensional and fluid when compared to its bigger sibling. It's still rather heavy, since it weighs some 2.4 tonnes.
Once inside the Ghost, you are greeted by an awesome combination of classic and modern design such as the analog clock and instruments which contrast with BMW's iDrive setup. You have the traditional violin key switches, eyeball vents and handles.
Oh, we can't forget the traditional umbrellas fitted inside the front doors of the formal suicide doors. Rear passenger area is spacious as expected and the sense of luxurious refinement is overwhelming.
Cutting-edge technology is also evident, such as the night-vision camera (from BMW), high-beam assist and active brake intervention working in tandem with the Ghost's stability control system.
Under the bonnet is the new 6.6-litre twin-turbo V12 which produces 570hp. It is capable of 780Nm of torque from only 1,500rpm.
It hits 100kph in 4.9sec and tops out at a limited 250kph.
The new powertrain delivers all this performance while emitting 317g/km of CO2 and a claimed fuel consumption of 7.4kpl.
Hit that start-stop button and step on the accelerator and you sense an effortless forward thrust.
It's surprising, no, the right word should be breathless as you feel your head jerk back. There's no rev counter, but instead you get a power reserve gauge on the fascia.
All the 570 horses are managed by an eight-speed shift-by-wire ZF transmission and a very responsive steering wheel which was a tad light as it communicated much of the road to your hands, but it was probably due to the large 19-inch wheels.
The level of road grip was absolutely stunning on par with a sports saloon, despite some body roll during cornering. Even so, it was still well-controlled and composed over the short rougher B-roads on our way to Putrajaya, thanks to multi-link rear suspension, air springs and variable rate dampers.
ABOVE There’s a sense of luxurious refinement in the rear.
LEFT Ghost has suicide doors like in the Phantom.
Its all-round ventilated disc brakes provided reassuring stopping power.
A minor downside I found were the large side mirrors which appeared a tad awkward visually causing blind spots while turning at intersections.
Safety technology featured in the Ghost include side-impact beams in front and rear suicide doors with progressive crumple zone; and Advanced Crash and Safety Management system which takes measurements 2,000 times per second from sensors in the vehicle to deploy seatbelt pre-tensioners and airbags.
The craftsmanship is undeniably legendary and a testament to the people at Goodwood. Comfort and excellent on-road manners aside, the core values of the Rolls-Royce brand in terms of effortless luxury was engineered brilliantly.
Credit: Bangkok Post (www.bangkokpost.com)
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