The 2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost has been
unveiled with a sharper yet evolutionary design and a host of new features. Underpinning
the new Ghost is the same flexible aluminum architecture as the Phantom and
Cullinan. For the Ghost, the moveable bulkhead, floor, cross members and sill
panels were re-positioned to meet the demands of the British marque’s exclusive
clientele, ensuring the Ghost is both enjoyable to drive and comfortable to be
driven in.
Powering the luxury car is a 6.75-liter
twin-turbocharged V12 engine pushing out 563 hp and 850 Nm of
torque. Rolls-Royce says this engine delivers maximum torque from just 1,600
rpm and that it features a distinctive porting in the air intake system to
reduce unwanted engine sounds in the cabin.
The engine is placed behind the Ghost’s
front axle, providing the sedan with a perfect 50/50 weight distribution. Power
is sent through an all-wheel drive system via an eight-speed ZF automatic
transmission that features Rolls-Royce’s Satellite Aided Transmission system,
which draws GPS data to pre-select the optimum gear for upcoming corners. The
Ghost also has all-wheel steering.
One particularly innovative feature of the
new Ghost is the Planar Suspension System. This system is the result of ten
years of testing and development and incorporates an Upper Wishbone Damper that
works alongside a ‘Flagbearer’ system that uses cameras to read the road ahead
and prepare the suspension system for any changes in the road surface.
This technology suite further evolves the
brand’s double-wishbone Magic Carpet Ride suspension system and includes
self-leveling, high-volume air suspension technology. Also managed by the
Planar software is the all-wheel drive, all-wheel steering, stability control
and self-drying braking systems.
Getting in and out of a Rolls-Royce has
always been an event and it is no different with the new Ghost. Rolls-Royce has
further developed its trademark self-closing doors that now allows owners to
open the door with one pull of the interior handle and provides power
assistance on opening. When the door is opened sufficiently, owners let go of
the handle and a door brake will automatically engage. With the push of a
button on the exterior door handle, the door will close automatically.
This new
one has grown by 89 mm to 5,546 mm and is also 30 mm wider at 1,978 mm. Inside, Rolls-Royce has developed
a highly insulated sound stage that sees components that generate almost
imperceptible sound waves being tracked and modified. For example, the inside
of the air conditioning ducting used in prototypes were determined to be too
loud so it was removed and polished to produce less sound. Elsewhere, the new
Ghost comes equipped with an advanced audio system and a new Starlight
Headliner that works alongside advanced exciter speakers to effectively turn it
into a large speaker.
In terms of the 2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost’s
exterior, it has a familiar character but also stands out from the previous
Ghost. Found up front is a new grille that includes 20 LEDs underneath the top
of the grille that help to illuminate the veins. The new Ghost also includes
LED and laser headlights while at the rear there are new taillights with a
slightly more striking look.
Also, the new Ghost includes
advanced systems such as vision assist with day- and night-time wildlife and
pedestrian assistant, a four-camera system with panoramic view, all-round
visibility and helicopter view, active cruise control, collision warning,
cross-traffic warning, lane departure and lane change warning, Wi-Fi hotspot,
and self-parking. U.S. pricing for the 2021 Ghost starts at US$ 332,500.