A few months ago at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars unveiled the Ghost Series II. In a legendary case with a subtly updated design, the Ghost Series II offers the latest technological innovations to an ever-growing clientele of accomplished individuals – captains of industry, entrepreneurs and successful businessmen and women who create jobs and wealth in today’s world. The British manufacturer is thus reinforcing the popularity of the Ghost in the €200,000-plus segment, and consolidating its position as a pillar of Rolls-Royce success.
Ghost: the modern version of Rolls-Royce luxury
Since its launch in 2009, the Ghost model has become the ultimate symbol of success for the world’s leading businessmen. Acclaimed by critics and buyers alike, the Ghost has enabled Rolls-Royce to set sales records for four consecutive years. Attracting a younger clientele, composed mainly of successful men and women, this model is a major pillar of the brand’s sustainable growth strategy.
The Ghost presents a contemporary version of Rolls-Royce luxury, combining natural dynamism and modern luxury to perfection in an all-round car. Ghost owners have in their hands a safe, state-of-the-art vehicle of the utmost refinement, whose interior offers an oasis of calm and serenity at the heart of an often frenetic and tumultuous business world.
The Ghost is a Rolls-Royce that fulfils all its owner’s expectations; it is both a superbly appointed work tool for the week and a smooth, pleasant car for relaxing at the weekend.
The trappings of simplicity
The creation of the Ghost was based on a single objective: to combine power and simplicity. From design to manufacture, everything is designed to ensure that no frills get in the way of the driver’s or passengers’ enjoyment.
Indeed, this new, bold generation of Rolls-Royce customers is looking for a quiet vehicle, offering a cosy, luxurious environment in which to negotiate and relax. The Ghost Series II perfectly combines tradition with these modern demands.
No concessions have been made, either in the choice of materials or in the use of renowned craftsmen. Nevertheless, the vehicle’s appearance has been revisited to emphasize its modernity and dynamism. The Phantom’s majestic radiator grille has been replaced by a sleeker, softer version. These new curves are more reminiscent of an aircraft’s air intake than the traditional Pantheon grille.
While its yacht-like lines and athletic flanks help to energize the vehicle’s appearance, its traditional character is evident in its high bow, wide, even surfaces, long hood and short overhang.
Ghost Series II – an evolving design
In today’s ever-changing world, it is essential to Rolls-Royce customers that the Ghost remains ahead of its time. The Ghost Series II is a veritable showcase for the brand’s latest technological innovations. With its subtly updated exterior design, the Ghost Series II offers the timeless yet contemporary quality so dear to the brand’s customers.
The eye is irresistibly drawn to the new design of the light clusters. Uninterrupted daytime running lights frame their new, more dynamic shape, giving the front of the Ghost Series II a singular appearance. This new feature is in perfect harmony with the revised surface treatment of the car’s front end. On the hood, a slender furrow follows the “Spirit of Ecstasy” like the white vapor trail of a jet plane, further reinforcing the aerodynamic spirit of the vehicle. Subtly revised, the bumpers give the model a more massive air, giving the impression of extra width and length. The contemporary look is further enhanced by the addition of chrome inserts on the air intakes, which provide additional cooling air for the front brakes.
Among the brand’s visual signatures, the famous “waft line” has also been revitalized. On the Ghost Series II, it has been redesigned to be more forward-sloping, once again emphasizing the model’s natural agility.
Added to this are the new 21″ forged metal wheels, available as an option and 19″ as standard, ensuring the irreproachable modernity of this Rolls-Royce jewel. Other surprises and sensational options, such as the stainless steel fuel filler cap featuring the brand’s double monogram, intensify the Ghost Series II’s visual and sensual appeal.
Inside, Rolls-Royce comfort and elegance are enhanced by completely redesigned seats. At the front, an electronically adjustable leg rest completes the new seat structure, adding to the Ghost’s unrivalled level of comfort. The rear seat has also been redesigned to offer absolute comfort for those who wish to negotiate or simply relax. In the “Lounge” position, the seats are turned slightly towards each other, creating an intimate atmosphere and facilitating conversation between passengers.
The reclining seats feature three levels of heating as standard, and an optional massage function. The chrome frame of the sun visor lighting and the softness of the new dashboard trim add to the car’s luxurious sensuality, as do the natural grained leather panels available as an option for the front and rear pillars.
The instrument dials and clock have been delicately encircled in polished metal, reminiscent of the meticulous craftsmanship of luxury handcrafted watches.
Finally, two splendid artisanal veneers complete the range of Bespoke customization possibilities: paldao and burr walnut.
Discreet technologies for a serene ambience
Throughout the brand’s rich history, its engineers have always sought to enhance the experience of drivers and passengers with cutting-edge technologies. In this respect, the Ghost Series II follows in the footsteps of its siblings, equipped with the very latest innovations.
When you open the doors, you discover a calm, clear space with clean lines. Its occupants can work, rest or simply drive with pleasure in a cosy, peaceful atmosphere, certain never to lose touch with the business world thanks to unrivalled connectivity.
Smooth connectivity
The Ghost Series II embodies the ultimate alliance of luxury, technology and connectivity, designed specifically for business people who never stop. In the midst of this frenetic, constantly connected world, it conceals an oasis of calm where they can work in peace. This model is the most accomplished example of fluid connectivity in the Rolls-Royce range, as it forms a network where communication between the car, the environment and the driver reduces vibrations, facilitates travel and delights the occupants.
The main reason for this is the discretion of the various functions. Accessible via the one-touch system or via the Spirit of Ecstasy rotary control, the on-board Wi-fi allows you to send e-mails, make phone calls or take part in video conferences. It’s also possible to watch TV, to keep abreast of market developments and stay ahead of the game. The navigation assistant also works with the one-touch system: simply say “go to Picadilly, London”, or anywhere else you like, and the system will identify the quickest route.
In the event of delays, or if the owner of the Ghost Series II needs to contact his partners, the vehicle’s one-touch system makes the task even easier. The “Call Gilles” command, for example, automatically triggers the call. At the end of the conversation, a simple command such as “Start radio” takes the driver straight back to the car’s leisure options.
Finally, information from the multimedia interface and navigation system – both extensively updated – is now displayed on a high-definition 10.25″ screen.
Spirit of Ecstasy rotary control
In 2014, the famous Spirit of Ecstasy figurine celebrates its 103rd birthday. More than any other symbol of the world of luxury, the winged figure stands as an authentic icon that not only continues to adorn the front grille, but is also reproduced in the very heart of the Ghost Series II cabin, inside the glass surface of the new rotary control.
This Spirit of Ecstasy rotary control features a touch-sensitive surface (chosen in preference to a touchscreen that would leave unsightly fingerprints at driver and passenger viewing height) that allows you to trace letters with your finger, as well as navigate through functional menus by turning the chrome dial and pressing it to select the desired function.
Ghost Series II recognizes Latin, Arabic and Mandarin characters, helping drivers in mainland China, where character selection can be extremely time-consuming.
The touch-sensitive surface of the rotary control also enables the “pinch and stretch” command to be used, as on smartphones. This feature enables you to select a specific area of the screen and enlarge it. So, simply run your finger over the touch surface to scroll through the different areas of a map, and pinch or stretch to reduce or enlarge the street resolution.
“Bespoke Audio”
Rolls-Royce calls on the best people for every aspect of its cars’ construction, guaranteeing quality craftsmanship from the hand-painted body lines to the tuning of the audio systems. Carefully developed by Rolls-Royce sound engineers, “Bespoke Audio” is the most complete automotive hi-fi system ever developed, and naturally includes the most cutting-edge hardware and the latest advances in connectivity.
One of the main objectives of the vehicle’s design was to deliver optimum audio balance and performance. Throughout the process, specialists were consulted on the effect of the various transformations envisaged on system performance – an approach unprecedented in the automotive world.
Individually adjustable and equipped with theater and studio settings, 18 speakers deliver “truer-to-nature” sound sensations. Two bass speakers located in the trunk complement the 7 tweeters precisely distributed throughout the cabin, while two excitation speakers placed in the headliner deliver sound at occupant ear level, creating a uniquely immersive sensation.
The system uses a highly sensitive microphone to continuously measure the level of external noise. It then adjusts volume and tone accordingly, for a setting that is always optimized to perfection. Added to this are technologies that correct the frequency and phase of each loudspeaker, eliminating any risk of the volume being too high or too low due to the environment.
Complementing this cutting-edge audio technology in the spirit of Sir Henry Royce, the Ghost Series II’s on-board hard drive offers 20.5 GB of storage, and can accommodate some 5,700 music files, which can be downloaded via the USB port located in the center console or glove compartment.
An interface for iPod and iPad also enables music to be imported, as well as podcasts and audio books. It is also possible to listen to audio files from Bluetooth terminals, for example from one or two phones that can be linked at the same time without loss of functionality.
The Spirit of Ecstasy rotary control also enables a number of audio searches, including the “play other similar tracks” function, while online access to the Gracenote® database facilitates navigation through music file collections. But if the Ghost Series II is a champion of in-car audio systems, it’s mainly thanks to the sound quality it delivers.
Light that shows the way
The Ghost Series II also benefits from the latest advances in LED lighting. Thanks to adaptive technology, light management is significantly improved. With each movement of the steering wheel, the electronically-adjustable reflectors orientate themselves according to the vehicle’s trajectory – improving visibility when turning. The white light used is brighter, enabling the driver to drive effortlessly and safely on poorly lit roads, while tiring less quickly.
In addition, the automatic changeover from high to low beam has been replaced by a revolutionary glare-free technology. When a car approaches from the opposite direction, the light is diverted to avoid dazzling the other driver. As a result, Ghost Series II drivers benefit from the safety of full headlight illumination at all times. As for the daytime running lights, they form a narrow line that completes the contemporary look of the headlamps, ensuring the model’s uniqueness and contributing to enhanced safety.
Satellite-Assisted Transmission (SAT)
The flexibility and dynamism of the Ghost Series II are enhanced by the addition of Satellite-Assisted Transmission (SAT), a technology launched on the Wraith model in 2013.
The satellite-assisted transmission system uses GPS data to see beyond what the driver sees, anticipating subsequent driving decisions based on the vehicle’s situation and the driver’s driving style. It then selects the most appropriate gear on the Ghost Series II’s 8-speed ZF gearbox, so that the driver makes the most of the 6.6-liter twin-turbo V12 engine’s potential and enjoys a smooth, sophisticated drive.
When approaching a bend, for example, the car assesses how the driver wishes to take it. As soon as the driver lifts off the gas pedal, it selects the lower gear, so that the power available to accelerate out of the bend is optimal.
Ghost Series II models are equipped with SAT technology as standard.
Dynamic driving package and reinforced suspension
The Ghost model offers the ideal balance between driving dynamics and Rolls-Royce comfort. Ghost Series II buyers can opt for the Dynamic Driving Pack, which offers a more intense driving experience without compromising on comfort.
The combination of redesigned front and rear shock absorbers, new steering and recalibrated suspension significantly improves the Ghost Series II’s cornering performance, while a thicker steering wheel gives the driver a more precise feel for the vehicle’s responses.
Finally, whatever the specification, the rear axle’s ride comfort and stability are further enhanced by the new hydraulic rear axle bearings.
The essentials of the new Ghost Series II range
Evolving design
The Ghost Series II range features a host of technological innovations, presented in a case symbolizing the evolution of the timeless aesthetics of the Ghost model.
Ghost’s new, modernized front end; rethought and redesigned, the LED light clusters are framed by daytime running lights.
Revamped surface treatments with modified bumpers for a more massive, dynamic appearance.
New hood design featuring a slender groove running behind the “Spirit of Ecstasy”, contributing to the dynamic look of the Ghost Series II.
The waft line is angled further forward to emphasize the vehicle’s sporty driving style.
New body colors and wheels to give Ghost owners even more Bespoke customization options.
Interior design
The redesigned front seat includes an electronically adjustable leg rest, and its depth can be adjusted. The rear seats have been slightly reoriented to facilitate communication between passengers.
The clock and instrument dials are surrounded by a polished metal trim reminiscent of luxury watches.
The front and rear pillars can be optionally upholstered in sumptuous natural grained leathers.
The Bespoke range is enriched by two splendid artisanal veneers: paldao and burl walnut.
Technical and technological improvements
Redesigned LED headlamps featuring the latest technology. A brighter white light enhances driver safety, while electronic reflectors orientate themselves according to the vehicle’s trajectory, thanks to steering wheel movements. New anti-glare technology deflects light when oncoming traffic is detected, allowing the Ghost Series II driver to benefit from high beam in any situation.
Improved suspension, thanks in particular to reworked front and rear shock absorbers, new steering and recalibrated suspension, which enhance the cornering performance of vehicles equipped with the dynamic driving package.
New hydraulic rear axle bearings improve ride comfort and rear axle stability, while reducing vibrations and shocks in the cabin.
All Ghost Series II vehicles are equipped with Satellite-Assisted Transmission (SAT), a technology that uses GPS and map data to enable the vehicle to select the appropriate gear when cornering, exiting freeways and traffic circles.
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