OpenRoad Driver Volume 17 Issue 1 Nov. 2021 | Page 46

44 » OpenRoad Driver

2022 Rolls-Royce Ghost

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The Rolls-Royce Ghost needs no introduction . Everyone recognizes the ultra-luxury sedan with first-class amenities . So , what ’ s new ? The answer is , nearly everything .
The Spirit of Ecstasy front emblem and built-in umbrellas remain the only carryover pieces . Otherwise , the new Ghost gets a complete overhaul riding on the brand-exclusive Architecture of Luxury platform . Borrowed from the Phantom sedan and Cullinan SUV , this platform delivers superior ride smoothness , acoustic impedance , and torsional stiffness via its lighter all-aluminum construction compared to its predecessor . Size-wise , the new edition of Ghost measures 5.5 metres in length and nearly two metres in width , giving it a commanding presence despite being the entry-level sedan for Rolls-Royce .
With such imposing dimensions , the exterior design of Ghost needs no superfluous design motifs to command attention . This is intentional based on the post-opulent approach to luxury by Rolls-Royce , where the marque downplays extravagance to deliver a subtler signal of wealth . True to this philosophy , the Ghost retains its quintessential silhouette but appears more stately with a shutlinereducing , hand-welded , aluminum body that takes four artisanal welders to create . That ’ s not to say the Ghost doesn ’ t have any ornate designs – a backlit Spirit of Ecstasy emblem and grille serve as tasteful reminders that the new Ghost honours its opulent tradition .
The Ghost ’ s interior is equally exquisite . Not only does every surface look and feel bespoke , but all material choices are carefully chosen to acoustically resonate with the 100-plus kilograms of sounddeadening material fitted throughout the vehicle . The bedazzling Starlight Headliner now comes standard with twice as many stars for passengers to enjoy , and the second-row , rear-hinged doors can now auto-open and auto-close . The relentless pursuit to deliver a palatial ambiance is a hallmark of Rolls-Royce , and the new Ghost certainly succeeds on this front .
When in motion , a silky-smooth 563-horsepower V12 engine with 627 lb-ft of torque provides effortless power to all four wheels and a 0-100 km / h sprint in 4.8 seconds . The GPS-aided transmission optimizes gear selection to anticipate upcoming corners and junctions , while the front-facing stereo cameras scan the road ahead to help the air springs and dampers neutralize any road imperfections .
The amount of detail that goes into Ghost , and any Rolls-Royce motor car , is simply astonishing . The perfection comes at a price , but it is in a class of its own in every regard .